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JamesJM
and it's not that I disagree with you or zn... I just think larams point is valid... as do you if you at least considered it.
I'm just not sure where even a 'pass rusher', and an elite one, rates on the scale of getting wins. High? Sure, only a fool would doubt that. Example: I am sure an elite QB, WR, RB, and I think a shut down CB contributes more during the coarse of any game and/or season to the 'winning' plays you need to make the playoffs in the NFL. Can it be a pass rushing play? Yes, it can... just not as often IMHO.
Is that debatable? You bet it is... just stating my opinion. There is something in this current 'value' judgement that skews things.. again IMHO. Elite pass rushers, like Donald, very well could be more rare than great QB's, WR's, any other postion/role.... therefore driving their value up... but in 'importance'? That's what I question. - JamesJM
I see the distinction you're making in importance versus value.
As for importance, I'd say you see very few winning teams that don't have someone who is great at rushing the passer.
Secondly, the great DC's - both Wade and GW - have consistently stated that pressure on the QB is critical in their systems.
Third, the NFL executives give the largest contracts to QBs first, pass rushers second. This point here goes to importance and value.
To me it appears in the modern NFL that pass rushing has surpassed RB contributions for sure and even great CB play. There's also plenty of teams that win now without elite WRs.
My suspicion is that if you were to poll NFL execs, they would put pass rushing 2nd in importance to great QB production.
