What Team Leads the NFL in Sacks?
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We all know that the key to a good defense is a good pass rush. But which team in the NFL currently leads the league in sacks? Read on to find out!
The NFL’s Top Sacking Teams
In the NFL, sacks are a key stat for measuring a team’s success on defense. Sacks not only mean that the opposing quarterback was taken down, but it also often leads to a loss of yards and can cause turnovers. So, which team leads the NFL in sacks?
The Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have long been known for their stellar defense, and that trend has continued in recent years. In 2019, the Packers led the NFL in sacks with 52, just ahead of the New England Patriots. Green Bay’s sack total was boosted by strong seasons from linebackers Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, who each had 13.5 sacks. The Packers also got nine sacks from defensive lineman Kenny Clark.
The New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL over the past two decades. They have won six Super Bowls, and their defense has been a big part of their success. The Patriots have had some of the best pass rushers in the league, and they have been very good at getting to the quarterback.
In 2019, the Patriots led the NFL in sacks with 54. They were followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers (52), Los Angeles Rams (50), and Cleveland Browns (49). The Patriots’ success on defense starts up front with their defensive line. They have a number of talented pass rushers, including Michael Bennett, Kyle Van Noy, John Simon, and Dont’a Hightower.
The Patriots’ defense is predicated on getting to the quarterback and putting pressure on him. They are one of the best teams in the NFL at doing that, and it has helped them win a lot of games over the years.
The Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently leading the NFL in sacks with 48 on the season. This defense has been absolutely ferocious, and they show no signs of slowing down. With players like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, the Steelers have one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league. If they can keep this up, they could be in for a deep run in the playoffs.
The NFL’s Worst Sacking Teams
Each NFL team wants to be the best at sacking the quarterback. But which team actually is the best? And which team is the worst? The following list will answer those questions.
The Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are the worst team in the NFL when it comes to sacks. They have given up a total of 56 sacks so far this season, which is more than any other team in the league. There are a number of reasons why the Colts have been struggling to protect their quarterback, but the biggest problem has been their offensive line. They have allowed more pressure on the quarterback than any other team in the NFL, and they have also been penalized a lot for false start penalties.
The New York Jets
The New York Jets sacked opposing quarterbacks a league-worst 23 times in 2019.
The Oakland Raiders
With 50 sacks on the season, the Oakland Raiders were by far the worst team in the NFL when it came to sacking the quarterback. The next closest team was the New York Giants, who only had 30 sacks on the season. The Raiders’ lack of a pass rush was a big part of why they struggled so much on defense this season, as they allowed opposing quarterbacks to throw for an average of 8.2 yards per attempt (the second-worst mark in the NFL).
