JP at his peak could dominate a game more than Strahan.
However, strahans ability to play the run plus consistently getting to the QB makes him probably the better DE.
Peppers has been excellent too, but IMO Strahan was more dominant
JP at his peak could dominate a game more than Strahan.
However, strahans ability to play the run plus consistently getting to the QB makes him probably the better DE.
I see it the other way around. I don't think Peppers ever had a 3 year stretch comparable to Strahan's 2001-2003 run.
but I'll still take Strahan of course. Yes he tied him in sacks but he's played more games (229 vs 216). More importantly it's such a different league now. When Strahan came in way back in '93 it was a still a run first league. Strahan didn't have double digit sacks until his fifth season. If that happened today to a second round pick at DE he would be labeled a bust. Even by the time he retired it was more balanced. Today it is without question pass first. Peppers has 5.5 sacks with a total of 12 tackles this season. If you matched Strahan with Peppers entering the league I think he'd be way ahead by now.
but I'll still take Strahan of course. Yes he tied him in sacks but he's played more games (229 vs 216). More importantly it's such a different league now. When Strahan came in way back in '93 it was a still a run first league. Strahan didn't have double digit sacks until his fifth season. If that happened today to a second round pick at DE he would be labeled a bust. Even by the time he retired it was more balanced. Today it is without question pass first. Peppers has 5.5 sacks with a total of 12 tackles this season. If you matched Strahan with Peppers entering the league I think he'd be way ahead by now.
It might be a pass-first league, but the passes are quicker in today's game. A lot less 7 step drops and chucking it down the field. Less time to sack the QB on most pass plays.
As others have stated, Strahan's ability to dominate in the run game (Peppers is no slouch) separates Strahan from many other DEs (and the POS DT Sapp).
its close to an extent, but his skill set doesn't grow on trees (playing the run almost or as well as the pass). Strahan also had the personality/charisma/leadership to excel in NY and was the driving force behind SB XLII.
Peppers will own the "freak" label, but i'm starting to care less and less about pure athletic ability more and more as the years go by.
Strahan has 150 tackles or so in 13 less games which is almost 3 seasons worth of production. Speaks volumes to his versatility.
but I'll still take Strahan of course. Yes he tied him in sacks but he's played more games (229 vs 216). More importantly it's such a different league now. When Strahan came in way back in '93 it was a still a run first league. Strahan didn't have double digit sacks until his fifth season. If that happened today to a second round pick at DE he would be labeled a bust. Even by the time he retired it was more balanced. Today it is without question pass first. Peppers has 5.5 sacks with a total of 12 tackles this season. If you matched Strahan with Peppers entering the league I think he'd be way ahead by now.
It might be a pass-first league, but the passes are quicker in today's game. A lot less 7 step drops and chucking it down the field. Less time to sack the QB on most pass plays.
There are still guys putting up monster numbers in sacks in today's game. Just taking a peak in 2002 the Eagles had 56 total sacks, Panthers had 52, and the Steelers at 50. Carolina had 60 in 2013 followed by Buffalo and LA with 57 and 53. 2015 seemed to be a bit down, but more or less the sack numbers don't look all that different over the past 15 years, not enough to point to running heavy or quick passing. The 2003 high was 47 for Baltimore, for example, a year after the high was 56.
A guy who's great at rushing the passer and/or is in a good scheme is going to get sacks.
JP at his peak could dominate a game more than Strahan.
However, strahans ability to play the run plus consistently getting to the QB makes him probably the better DE.
But without bias I don't think its fair to put Peppers in the same class as Strahan. Maybe just maybe, he was equally good at rushing the passer but that's all. Strahan was a leader and a all around player.
the best of his career, in his first year with GB. No idea the snap count as an OLBer, but its something to note. That's a ton of forced fumbles either way.
the best of his career, in his first year with GB. No idea the snap count as an OLBer, but its something to note. That's a ton of forced fumbles either way.
I think GB plays him mostly, at least when they first signed him, as OLB.
That would contribute heavily to more passes defended, and INTs.
but Strahan matching Pepper's sack total while doing it without the benefit of rushing off the QB's blind side puts MS a significant step ahead of Peppers IMO. It's just not comparable. So much easier to get sacks, and in particular FFs, from the blind side.
A nightmare to block vs run and pass. He wasn't a speed rush guy. He could beat a guy outside but also bull rush or rip inside.. He tossed around OL and controlled them. Excellent vs the run too. One of the best I've seen.
Better than Strahan? I don't know but close. He's a HOF player.
I personally thought Strahan was the better pass rusher and run defender. I think many non-Giant fans don't comprehend how special he was. Peppers is great too. The topic of sacks in the various eras have come up and I found it's pretty much been the same throughout the beginning of Strahan's career til the presumable end of Peppers Link - ( New Window )
However, strahans ability to play the run plus consistently getting to the QB makes him probably the better DE.
However, strahans ability to play the run plus consistently getting to the QB makes him probably the better DE.
I see it the other way around. I don't think Peppers ever had a 3 year stretch comparable to Strahan's 2001-2003 run.
It might be a pass-first league, but the passes are quicker in today's game. A lot less 7 step drops and chucking it down the field. Less time to sack the QB on most pass plays.
Peppers will own the "freak" label, but i'm starting to care less and less about pure athletic ability more and more as the years go by.
Strahan has 150 tackles or so in 13 less games which is almost 3 seasons worth of production. Speaks volumes to his versatility.
Bingo. No knock on Peppers, a sure thing for the HOF, but Strahan was better
Quote:
but I'll still take Strahan of course. Yes he tied him in sacks but he's played more games (229 vs 216). More importantly it's such a different league now. When Strahan came in way back in '93 it was a still a run first league. Strahan didn't have double digit sacks until his fifth season. If that happened today to a second round pick at DE he would be labeled a bust. Even by the time he retired it was more balanced. Today it is without question pass first. Peppers has 5.5 sacks with a total of 12 tackles this season. If you matched Strahan with Peppers entering the league I think he'd be way ahead by now.
It might be a pass-first league, but the passes are quicker in today's game. A lot less 7 step drops and chucking it down the field. Less time to sack the QB on most pass plays.
There are still guys putting up monster numbers in sacks in today's game. Just taking a peak in 2002 the Eagles had 56 total sacks, Panthers had 52, and the Steelers at 50. Carolina had 60 in 2013 followed by Buffalo and LA with 57 and 53. 2015 seemed to be a bit down, but more or less the sack numbers don't look all that different over the past 15 years, not enough to point to running heavy or quick passing. The 2003 high was 47 for Baltimore, for example, a year after the high was 56.
A guy who's great at rushing the passer and/or is in a good scheme is going to get sacks.
However, strahans ability to play the run plus consistently getting to the QB makes him probably the better DE.
Spot on.
Going back to 1986?
Now you're tapping into some golden eras of defense.
Was Strahan better than Richard Dent?
Peppers: 76 Passes Defended -- 46 Forced Fumbles -- 11 INTs -- 13 Blocked Kicks -- 6 Def. TDs
Strahan: 36 Passes Defended -- 22 Forced Fumbles -- 4 INTs -- 1 Blocked Kick -- 3 Def. TDs
Strahan has a 200ish tackle edge but Peppers has 24 more Forced Fumbles, 7 more INTs, 12 more Blocked Kicks, and 40 More Passes Defended.
Those 13 blocked kicks really stand out. Just a special playmaker.
Strahan: 84 Stuffs + 141.5 Sacks
Peppers: 48 Stuffs + 141.5 Sacks
Peppers was a complete DE but Strahan made a lot more stops against the run.
Peppers: 76 Passes Defended -- 46 Forced Fumbles -- 11 INTs -- 13 Blocked Kicks -- 6 Def. TDs
Strahan: 36 Passes Defended -- 22 Forced Fumbles -- 4 INTs -- 1 Blocked Kick -- 3 Def. TDs
Strahan has a 200ish tackle edge but Peppers has 24 more Forced Fumbles, 7 more INTs, 12 more Blocked Kicks, and 40 More Passes Defended.
Those 13 blocked kicks really stand out. Just a special playmaker.
Isn't some of this distorted because Peppers was playing some LB with GB?
I think GB plays him mostly, at least when they first signed him, as OLB.
That would contribute heavily to more passes defended, and INTs.
Dude could power n jump like no one else. Always thought JPP was the closest thing to Peppers. Wayy more flexibility than Mario
A nightmare to block vs run and pass. He wasn't a speed rush guy. He could beat a guy outside but also bull rush or rip inside.. He tossed around OL and controlled them. Excellent vs the run too. One of the best I've seen.
Better than Strahan? I don't know but close. He's a HOF player.
Link - ( New Window )