FuriousD
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- Dec 27, 2010
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Sacks are indeed dramatic, but sometimes the more subtle not-so-dramatic stuff makes a difference as well.
People rag on Rak like he's useless because he doesn't have a swim move, doesn't spin, his sack numbers are down, his coverage skills aren't great...etc. Oh, and he and collects boatloads of uncalled holds.
All of the above does not mean he's ineffective. Why do you think they hold him so much? He's a damn handful to contain, that's why.
Don't think the opposing QBs don't notice him either.
There is a stat called "QB hurries" that indicates the close presence and distracting effect of a defender effectively getting the QB to hurry his throws, letting the ball loose before he originally intended to contributing to the liklihood of decreased accuracy and poor throws.
One site compiles these and I sorted the list by team to see how well Rak contributes in this area.
Apparently he's not as useless as some might think.
Here's a link to the site-they have an interesting bunch of stats not published by other sources.
NFL Statistics - SportingCharts.com
More interesting are the names not on that list including, Bowen, Jenkins, Golston and Baker. This fearless foursome have combined for 1.5 sacks & next to no hurries.
To be fair, Bowen has played hurt some this year and continues to tough it out but Baker is out of place at DE, Golston is a perrenial back-up and Jenkins got a late start but is disapointing at this point in his career. This group is in serious need of a talent infusion and has to be marked for a FA upgrade is offseason. Carriker is toast, unfortunately.
But it all starts up front and our DE's are too easily neutralized in the passing game. 1.5 sacks between 4 guys after 9 games? Sheesh...