The NFL has become a game based on the offense and the jaw dropping performances they provide. To the average fan, quarterbacks, receivers, and running backs are the best positions in the sport. However, to an avid football fan, defense provides a great deal of interest. From the game planning to the flawless execution, there is a lot to love about defense and the players on the unit. Defenders are usually nasty and play with a chip on their shoulder. Big hits are a subject of controversy, but most fans enjoy seeing them. Big hits are like alley-oops in basketball as they provide the energy necessary to swing the momentum in a team’s favor. The guys on this list consistently deliver that punch.
Melvin Ingram
The Chargers outside linebacker is what one would call “country strong.” When Melvin Ingram hits people they generally fall back. Ingram swoops around the edge with relentlessness and power, but he picked up a move a few years back when Dwight Freeney played for San Diego. He can use the spin move on opposing offensive tackles to get to the quarterback or ball carriers. His hits on ball carriers are bone chilling. He crushed Blake Bortles a few weeks back and forced a fumble. Quarterbacks often change their line adjustments to make sure Ingram is accounted for. Last season he still managed to accumulate 10.5 sacks. With his power and speed, Ingram forced three fumbles. Here’s a hit a few years back when he blasted Aaron Rodgers forcing a pick.
Jahleel Addae
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Jahleel Addae plays like a leopard when he is back in coverage at strong safety stalking his prey. Addae is not big at 5’10 195 pounds, but he brings his hard hat to work. He is known for being on the NFL’s list of head to head collision offenders. The ex-Chippewa plays a lot like former Charger Eric Weddle. He is smart, anticipates plays, and rumbles to the ball carrier angry. Addae hits players right between the numbers or in their chin no matter their size. He sets the tone for the San Diego secondary is one receivers and tight ends are weary of.
Denzel Perryman
As a rookie, Denzel Perryman came in with a reputation as a big hitter. So far, that reputation has held true during his short stint in the NFL. His low center of gravity, due to him being undersized, allows him to go through opponents at the point of attack. As a former running back, Perryman weaves his way in and out of traffic to blow up potential long runs by opposing team’s running back. His natural speed only adds to the problem for the opposing running backs. Perryman did a good job tracking down Frank Gore last week before he leveled him after catching a pass.
TJ Ward
TJ Ward is pretty much an eighth man in the box for the vaunted Denver Broncos defense. Ward has been smacking guys around since his college days as an Oregon Duck. He plays like a man possessed and it persists in that secondary with his fellow Pro Bowl mates. He is another undersized safety, but that does not stop him from nailing guys right in their chest. His hits on Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon come to mind when I think of him. Ward’s nickname “The Warden” was given appropriately because his hits bring fear to opponents. On average, Ward probably averages at least one big hit per game.
Darian Stewart
Receivers probably think “I rather take my chances with Darian Stewart because Ward is a hitter.” This is probably just before they try to catch a pass in Stewart’s vicinity then SMACK their bell is rung. Stewart came into the league as a guy that delivers big hits and its held true in previous stints with the Rams and Ravens. He had a few big hits in the first game against Carolina on Greg Olsen and Cam Newton. Stewart and Ward alternate as the eighth man in the box like Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. This makes the Broncos defense littered with strong tacklers at every position.
Von Miller
What is it that Von Miller cannot do? He is a once in a generational type of talent at outside linebacker. The former Aggie has 65 career sacks, but has forced 17 fumbles as well. Miller speeds around the edge like a silver bullet that only allows him to spear quarterbacks when they least expect it. Newton experienced Miller’s hits in the Super Bowl earlier this year. He is extremely strong at the point of attack with offensive linemen. When you combine his power along with his 4.53 speed, the only thing stopping this man is a Mack truck. Miller might find a way to circumvent that. His big hits on Newton changed the complexion of the Super Bowl.
Eric Berry
Eric Berry plays well in coverage and makes a living knocking wide receivers silly. He plays with great instincts and is never in the wrong place, which is how he makes those big hits. His passion for the game is second to none. Berry was extremely humble and happy to be back on the field after overcoming his battle with cancer in 2014. Last season his displayed the same skills and showed his skills did not drop off. He had a textbook hit on Raiders running back Latavius Murray last year that nearly decapitated him. For those that do not know, Murray is smaller than Berry at 6’2.
Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack is a brick wall and is a big part of what many believe is a big year for the Oakland Raiders. He was an All-Pro selection at linebacker and defensive end because he is a force on the field. Mack is similar in size, speed, and stature like the aforementioned Miller. His pass rushing ability is on par with Miller’s as well and she he hits guys they usually stagger before getting up. Poor Brock Osweiler was a victim of Mack’s franchise record five sacks in one game in week 14 of last year. Thus far, he has started off slow, but it is a matter of time before he imposes his will on the 2016 season.
Karl Joseph
Karl Joseph is the only rookie on this list and for good reason. He is a hit man at safety and flies around with ill intent. Joseph has been someone I have watched all four seasons at West Virginia. He was a starter his whole career and he just started in his first game for Oakland last week where he racked up 10 total tackles. The former Mountaineer can drop down into the box and rally toward running backs. In the preseason, he absolutely stonewalled Eddy Lacy when he tried to leap over the top for a touchdown at the 1-yard line. As a fan of defense, that had me fired up. NFL receivers will soon realize they have to have their head on the swivel with Joseph lurking. He demolished Dede Westbrook in a game against Oklahoma last year on a sideline collision.
