When you think defensive backs, the first thing that comes to mind is taking the ball away and breaking up passes.
Buffalo Bills safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are good at that. But what about their abilities to effect the quarterback in a different way like rushing the passer?
Move over, Von Miller, Hyde and Poyer were very dynamic at doing that as well.
According to Pro Football Focus, both Bills DBs got to the QB last season–doing so amongst the best of any safeties in the NFL. Only one was graded better at getting to the opposing quarterback, per the football analytics outlet:
Safeties with the highest pass rush grades last season
1️⃣ Derwin James: 86.2
2️⃣ Micah Hyde: 85.4
3️⃣ Jordan Poyer: 83.2 pic.twitter.com/EUhfhritgG— PFF BUF Bills (@PFF_Bills) May 10, 2022
Last season Poyer was named an All-Pro for his efforts in Buffalo. His pass rushing was a reason why, but 2021 is not the first time we’ve seen that from him. Poyer has routinely played well when coming up to the line of scrimmage, often finding a way to the ball.
In total, Poyer had sacks in 2021, a career-high. That, to go along with eight tackles for loss and five interceptions.
Hyde notched one sack as well, adding another four tackles for loss.
Hyde, like Poyer, also had five interceptions to go along with his pass-rushing prowess last year.
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