Beasley's league-leading 15.5 sacks was the lowest total to pace all defenders in a season since 2010 when then-Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware tallied 15.5. Contributing to Beasley leading the NFL with such a relatively low sack number were the absences due to injury and suspension of notable takedown masters J.J. Watt, Justin Houston and Aldon Smith, players whom in years past have led the league with 19-plus sacks.