In the high-octane world of professional American football, the quarterback is often the star attraction, the player who makes the game-changing plays and leads his team to victory. But there’s another group of players who are just as crucial to the success of their teams: the defensive linemen. These powerful athletes are tasked with disrupting the offense, pressuring the quarterback, and making life difficult for the opposing ball carriers. And among the most feared defensive linemen are the sack artists, the players who have mastered the art of tackling the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
Also read this article: Who Holds the Record for the Longest Active Streak of Consecutive Games with a Sack in the NFL?
The Importance of Sacks
A sack is a game-changing play that can instantly swing momentum in favor of the defense. When a quarterback is sacked, he is not only forced to give up possession of the ball, but he also takes a significant hit, which can leave him shaken or even injured. In addition, sacks can force the offense into unfavorable down-and-distance situations, making it more difficult for them to convert third downs and score touchdowns.
People also liked this content:
- Why is the NFL playing in Europe? The Truth You Need to Know
- Do Players Get a Bonus for Winning the Super Bowl?
- Which NFL Stadiums Have Real Grass?
- Who’s the Best NFL Player Who Didn’t Go to College?
- Which QB Has Been Sacked the Most All Time?
NFL Sack Leaders 2023
As of Week 10 of the 2023 NFL season, the sack leader is Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns, with 11.0 sacks. Trailing closely behind are T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers (10.5 sacks) and Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders (9.5 sacks).
All-Time NFL Sack Leaders
Bruce Smith holds the all-time NFL record for sacks with 200.0, a mark that is considered to be unbreakable. Reggie White is second on the list with 198.0 sacks, followed by Kevin Greene (160.0 sacks) and Julius Peppers (159.5 sacks).
Notable NFL Sack Leaders
Throughout NFL history, there have been countless great sack artists who have terrorized opposing quarterbacks. Here are some of the most noteworthy:
Lawrence Taylor: Widely considered to be the greatest defensive player in NFL history, Taylor was known for his relentless pursuit of the quarterback and his ability to make game-changing plays. He finished his career with 132.5 sacks.
Michael Strahan: Strahan holds the single-season sack record with 22.5 sacks, which he set in 2001. He was a dominant force throughout his career and finished with 141.5 sacks.
DeMarcus Ware: Ware was a consistent sack producer throughout his career, finishing with 139.5 sacks. He was known for his explosive first step and his ability to get to the quarterback from multiple angles.
Conclusion
Sacks are a crucial part of the game of football, and the players who are able to consistently get to the quarterback are among the most valuable in the NFL. The NFL sack leaders are constantly changing, but the players who make this list are always among the most feared and respected in the league.
FAQs
Who is the current NFL sack leader?
As of Week 10 of the 2023 NFL season, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns is the sack leader with 11.0 sacks.
Who holds the all-time NFL sack record?
Bruce Smith holds the all-time NFL record for sacks with 200.0.
What is the single-season sack record?
The single-season sack record is 22.5 sacks, which was set by Michael Strahan in 2001.
Who are some of the most notable NFL sack leaders?
Some of the most notable NFL sack leaders include Lawrence Taylor, Michael Strahan, and DeMarcus Ware.
