Breaking Down the NFL’s Most Disruptive Defenders vs. QBs and Their Week 13 Matchups

Alex Dunlap, Rosterwatch.com

This is a tool to be used in roster decision tie-breakers for QBs in conjunction with the Matchup Tool. Here we take a look at the league’s most disruptive defenders against opposing QBs by adding their respective totals for QB knockdowns and hurries. We will then analyze their offensive line and QB matchup. Protection rank is comprised of opposing defender sacks/hurries and knockdowns allowed by the offensive line. We will also factor in average fantasy points to opposing WRs to gauge “DB Support” as teams with tougher WR matchups give the defenders more time to create QB pressure. These are important variables in gauging not only IDP relevance, but also in judging which QBs are more likely to be operating under significant pressure.

1. Packers LB Clay Matthews

19 knockdowns + 12.5 hurries = 31.5

FACING: Giants QB Eli Manning

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Giants RT Kareem McKenzie– allowed 3.5 sacks in 2011

Giants Team Protection Rank: 6th. 20 sacks, 33 hurries and 53 knockdowns

Packers DB Support: 30th– 2011 Season, 25th– Last 5 Weeks

2(t). Broncos LB Von Miller (Questionable)

23 knockdowns + 5 hurries = 28

FACING: Vikings QB Christian Ponder

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Vikings RT Phil Loadholt– allowed 7 sacks in 2011

Vikings Team Protection Rank: 32nd. 34 sacks, 42 hurries and 56 knockdowns

Broncos DB Support: 23rd– 2011 Season, 9th– last 5 weeks.

2(t). Dolphins LB Cameron Wake

16.5 knockdowns + 11.5 hurries = 28

FACING: Raiders QB Carson Palmer

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Raiders RT Khalif Barnes– allowed 2.5 sacks in 2011

Raiders Team Protection Rank: 21st. 19 sacks, 19 hurries and 54 knocdowns

Dolphins DB Support: 21st– 2011 Season, – 18th– last 5 weeks.

4. Chiefs LB Tamba Hali

18.5 knockdowns + 9 hurries = 27.5

FACING: Bears QB Caleb Hanie

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Bears RT Lance Louis (moved over from Right Guard)- allowed 1 sack at RG in 2011

Bears Team Protection Rank: 24th. 27 sacks, 45 hurries and 57 knocdowns

Chiefs DB Support: 10th– 2011 Season, 4th– last 5 weeks.

5. Texans LB Connor Barwin

20.5 knockdowns + 6 hurries = 26.5

FACING: Falcons QB Matt Ryan

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Falcons RT Tyson Clabo– allowed 5 sacks in 2011

Falcons Team Protection Rank: 10th. 22 sacks, 16 hurries and 57 knocdowns

Texans DB Support: 7th– 2011 Season, 2nd– last 5 weeks.

6(t.) Ravens LB Terrell Suggs

18 knockdowns + 8 hurries = 26

FACING: Browns QB Colt McCoy

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Browns LT Joe Thomas– allowed 2.5 sacks in 2011

Browns Team Protection Rank: 22nd. 27 sacks, 33 hurries and 70 knocdowns

Ravens DB Support: 11th– 2011 Season, 16th– last 5 weeks.

6(t.) Raiders LB Kamerion Wimbley

17.5 knockdowns + 8.5 hurries = 26

FACING: Dolphins QB Matt Moore

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Dolphins LT Jake Long– allowed 5.5 sacks in 2011

Dolphins Team Protection Rank: 26th. 24 sacks, 39 hurries and 69 knocdowns

Raiders DB Support: 18th– 2011 Season, 24th– last 5 weeks.

8. Cowboys LB Demarcus Ware

21 knockdowns + 4 hurries = 25

FACING: Cardinals QB Kevin Kolb

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Cardinals LT Levi Brown– allowed 10.5 sacks in 2011

Cardinals Team Protection Rank: 25th. 27 sacks, 45 hurries and 57 knocdowns

Cowboys DB Support: 13th– 2011 Season, 25th– last 5 weeks.

9/10(t.)

Patriots DE Andre Carter

21.5 knockdowns + 3 hurries = 24.5

FACING: Colts QB Dan Orlovsky

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Colts LT Anthony Castonzo– allowed 3 sacks in 7 career games

Colts Team Protection Rank: 18th. 23 sacks, 19 hurries and 51 knocdowns

Patriots DB Support: 32nd– 2011 Season, 29th– last 5 weeks.

Bears DE Julius Peppers

11.5 knockdowns + 13 hurries = 24.5

FACING: Chiefs QB Tyler Palko

One-on-One O Line Matchup: Chiefs LT Branden Albert– allowed 5 sacks in 2011

Chiefs Team Protection Rank: 23rd. 26 sacks, 24 hurries and 57 knocdowns

Bears DB Support: 14th– 2011 Season, 8th– last 5 weeks.