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NFL: Who are the 10 best pass rushers?

By Lyle Graversen

Aug 23, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) is sacked by St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) in the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 23, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) is sacked by St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) in the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis (98) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) causing a fumble that results in a safety at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Houston 25-3. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis (98) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (7) causing a fumble that results in a safety at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Houston 25-3. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 8 – Robert Mathis – OLB – Indianapolis Colts

There are probably some Colts fans out there that will find it ridiculous that the reigning NFL sack leader is only number eight on this list. While Mathis’s 19.5 sacks last season definitely earn him a spot on this list, it’s hard to justify putting him at the very top when his QB pressure to snaps played ratio is actually the lowest of the players on this top ten list.

Don’t get me wrong, Mathis still had a fantastic season and the ultimate goal of a pass rush is to sack the quarterback and Mathis did that more than any other player in the NFL last season. His PFF pass rushing grade of 24.9 was second best amongst 3-4 OLBs behind only Elvis Dumervil. I considered bumping Mathis off the list because of his PED suspension and would completely understand if that’s what you would have done if you were making the list. Ultimately I decided to go off how Mathis performed on the field. I’ll let you decide if you want to judge him differently.

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