Sports – FiveThirtyEight — Pass Rush RSS



Can The Bengals Slow Down Aaron Donald? Nothing’s Stopped Him Yet.

Despite all the high-profile mercenaries the Los Angeles Rams acquired during their run to Super Bowl LVI, the single biggest difference-maker is one they drafted in 2014: Aaron Donald. He’s not just the best at what he does, he’s the most impactful individual defender on the planet — and the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive line might […]

Continue reading



Why The Best Pass Rusher In College Football Doesn’t Get Many Sacks

One way to measure the tacit respect a football offense has for a defensive player is to monitor how frequently the ball is schemed away from him. For example, it takes only a few snaps to recognize that Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux is respected by his opposition.  When the 6-foot-5, 258-pound, likely future No. […]

Continue reading



The NFL Has A New Way To Measure The Explosiveness Of Pass Rushers

Defensive ends and outside linebackers tasked with harassing the opposing quarterback are among the most physically imposing players in the NFL. Weighing 260 pounds on average, the current crop of NFL edge rushers is full of athletic marvels. Cleveland Browns defensive end and former first overall pick Myles Garrett has the physique of a pro […]

Continue reading




Exactly How Much Does A Great Pass Rush Hurt An Offense?

With the exception of the quarterback, there’s no position the NFL values more than the pass rusher. Over the past few years, teams have consistently spent high draft capital on defensive linemen who can pressure and sack the quarterback. In this year’s draft, Ohio State defensive end Chase Young was taken with the second overall […]

Continue reading