2010 Tackling Statistics: Haggans, Porter Among Worst OLB In Tackling

We know that tackling was an issue for the 2010 and that several players had disappointing seasons. Among them were two veteran linebackers that were depended on before the start of the season. Clark Haggans and Joey porter are these guys. As it turns out, they were among the worst at once important statistic for their position -- tackling.

Pro Football Focus ranked the linebackers in the NFL according to tackling surety, or rather how they did in not having missed tackled. See where the Cardinals linebackers ranked after the jump

Now, to compare, 3-4 OLB like Porter and Haggans were put in a separate category because of the nature of the position -- being as much a defensive end as a linebacker. In any case, both Cardinals players were bad. 

Clark Haggans was the second worst of all 3-4 OLBs. He missed a tackle every 6.43 attempts. That rate is even in the bottom 10 of all linebackers in the league.

Porter was not much better. He was the fifth worst, averaging a miss every 8.5 attempts. Among all linebackers, he is not in the bottom 20 based on his rate, but not far out of it.

In comparison, among 3-4 OLBs, out of those players who missed any tackles, Bryan Thomas of the New York Jets averaged a miss every 37 attempts. 

Among other Cardinals LBs, Paris Lenon missed one every 12.7 attempts. Daryl Washington was once every 11.6 attempts. Not among the worst, but not far from it.

The issue with Haggans and Porter is that they were expected to do more. But both are aging and, at least for Porter, that now is two subpar seasons in a row. However, with the lockout and all, it will look more and more likely that Porter and his $5 million salary will be back. 

I said a while back that I thought one of those two would be back. Maybe that is still true. Hopefully, though, with the work that Sam Acho is doing, combined with a healthy Will Davis and a full season of O'Brien Schofield, that only one of them to "provide a veteran presence" will do. 

No matter what, the tackling from that position must improve and with the coaching of Ray Horton it should.