When watching clips and games it doesn’t really seem like Myles Garret,Tj Watt or Arron Donald do anything fancy or special when facing an Oline men. They legit just push through, no special technique that nobody else does, no trickery they just push and get through extremely quickly and it’s all just physical. I know they’re strong dudes but most people in the NFL are especially at that position. What exactly makes someone like TJ watt or Nick Bosa better than any other starting edge?
Watch how fast they get off the line and watch their hand usage and ankle flexion at their size.
I know that there’s all this PFF, NGS, and SIS Datahub data out there, but I think it comes down best to something I heard Jared Allen say in an ESPN Pre-Game interview a decade ago…
Realistically speaking, as a pass rusher you’re going to win (not this PRWR win, but win to the tune of getting to the QB) once every 20 or so pass rushes. The guys who can make that win count and get a few extra wins here or there are what makes the best pass rushers. That comes solely from effort.
Reggie had that swim move that would screw with everybody.
Edit: Or “hump” move apparently.
Believe it or not it’s all technique. Where you put your hands, how that translates to your feet, understanding leverage, and where the o lineman has their weight
The average O-Lineman weighs over 300 pounds. The average edge rusher is generally closer to the 250-275 range. It takes a ton of strength to be able to overpower a guy who typically weighs at least 50 pounds more than you. Theres also the quickness needed to get past those guys if you can’t win on pure strength alone. The best pass rushers in the league are both insanely quick AND strong.
