Originally posted by VenomCoach
This is an uninformed opinion. Here is the list of the top 50 sack men in the NFL.
http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?archive=false&seasonType=REG&d-447263-o=2&conference=null&statisticCategory=SACKS&d-447263-s=DEFENSIVE_SACKS&experience=null&d-447263-n=1&season=2009&qualified=true&Submit=Go&tabSeq=0&d-447263-p=1
Notice there are only 2 DT out of the top 50, there are 18 OLBs. It appears SPE is more important than STR in the NFL.
While I agree with you that speed should be more important in the pass rush, your argument is p silly.
OLBs & DEs naturally have an advantage when pass rushing because they either:
a) are on the edge of the offensive line so they have one player to contend with (possibly 2 if the back/TE chips or assists)
b) specifically with LBs, when blitzing, the DL ties up as many OL as possible, giving the LB a clear gap(s) to shoot through
DTs are in the middle of the OL, so they have at least two blockers to contend with most of the time, and with natural blocking progression moving from the inside out they are MUCH more likely to be picked up by a free blocker.
DTs are also naturally lined up in the QB's line of vision so it's much easier for a QB to avoid a DT he sees coming (or release the ball earlier) than it is to see a DE that is rounding the corner, especially on the QBs blind side.
