Sig Stats: Tackling Efficiency, DBs

We’re back with another look at the league’s most efficient tacklers from 2014, this time looking at the defensive backs. There’s probably no better way to stay on the field for a safety than simply being in the right position and making the sure tackle, something that often goes unnoticed and that might be a good thing for safeties. As for cornerbacks, everyone likes to talk about their man coverage ability, but tackling in space is a huge part of the job in the new, pass-happy NFL. Cornerbacks that wrap up and limit yards after the catch are essential as more teams get the ball into their playmakers’ hands in a variety of ways. Here’s a look at the best and worst tackling defensive backs from 2014.

Top Safeties

Making tackles is one easy way to ensure a positive PFF grade and many of the players at the top did just that. Danieal Manning finished at +3.0 with only one missed tackle while Dawan Landry flew under the radar with a strong season that saw him grade at +10.9 with only three misses. Eric Weddle had the highest grade among safeties at +18.9, so it’s no surprise to see his name near the top of this list.

Bottom Safeties

Jets rookie Calvin Pryor overcame his tackling woes to still grade at +3.3 but that’s a lot of plays being left on the field. Kenny Vaccaro struggled in his sophomore campaign, leading to a late-season benching as he missed one of every 4.5 tackle attempts. Dashon Goldson usually ranks near the bottom in the tackling department and he finished third-worst while Ryan Clark led all safeties with 22 total misses.

Top Cornerbacks

Both McCourty brothers are sure tacklers and Jason paved the way for cornerbacks with only two misses on 86 attempts. Not only did Vontae Davis rank second among cornerbacks at +21.8 overall but he ranked second in Tackling Efficiency as well with one miss every 22.5 attempts. Xavier Rhodes’ breakout season also included a strong tackling effort with only three misses on 55 attempts.

Bottom Cornerbacks

After finishing fifth from the bottom a year ago, Johnthan Banks followed it up with one missed tackle every 4.3 opportunities to rank last. Nickell Robey had a promising rookie season but he struggled in Year 2, including tackling woes that saw him miss 12 on the year. Janoris Jenkins led the league with 16 missed tackles, a feat he’s now accomplished in two of his three years in the league as he tied for the lead with 18 in 2012.

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