With the NFL threatening several passing records this season, there’s another group of players benefiting from the consequences: the elite pass rushers.
Vikings defensive end Jared Allen and Cowboys linebacker/pass rushing specialist DeMarcus Ware are on pace to break Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record of 22.5 in 2001. Allen had a sack against Carolina Sunday giving him 13 through 8 games. Ware had four sacks against the Eagles Sunday and now has 12 through 7 games.
Allen’s pace projects to 26 sacks. Ware is on pace for 27.
For comparison, Strahan had 12.5 through seven games (1/2 more than Ware) and 14 through eight (one more than Allen).
In addition to Allen and Ware’s record-setting pace, several other players are having big seasons attacking the quarterback.
Jason Babin has nine sacks in seven games and is on a solid pace this season. LaMarr Woodley (9 sacks in 8 games), Jason Pierre-Paul (8.5 in 7 games) and Osi Umenyiora (6 in 4 games) are all averaging more than one sack per game. Even guys like Charles Johnson (7 in 8), Aldon Smith (6.5 in 7), and Terrell Suggs (6 in 7) are averaging just under a sack per game.
When teams pass as much as they have been, it makes them more susceptible to sacks. Some of the masters are taking advantage. It will be unlikely for Allen and Ware to continue their paces, but they both have good shots at breaking Strahan’s record. And neither one will need Brett Favre laying down for them to accomplish it either.
