Tag Archives: 2000s sack leaders

In football, it is imperative for defenses to generate pressure against the opposing team’s quarterback, thus putting a premium on elite pass rushers.  Most teams are fortunate to have one top-tier pass rusher; in the 2000s, the Indianapolis Colts, perhaps best-known for their explosive offense led by Peyton Manning, were blessed with dominating pass rushers from both edges – Dwight Freeney from the right side and Robert Mathis from left end.  With opposing teams having to account for both sides of the line, the fearsome duo frequently posted double-digit sack totals and accumulated over 200 total sacks together with the Colts.  As to the question of whether Freeney was great because he had Mathis on the other side, or vice versa, it is probably a “chicken or egg” type question, but let us compare and ask:

Who was better – Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis?