Can the St Louis Rams’ Robert Quinn win the Deacon Jones award?

In 2013 the NFL introduced the Deacon Jones award – an accolade for the player to be credited for the most sacks in a season, named after the legendary Rams defensive end. That year, many thought it fitting (and likely) the first year recipient would be a Ram in the form of the 2011 first round draft selection, Robert Quinn. As it turned out, Quinn missed out by just half a sack to Indianapolis Colts’ Robert Mathis. In 2014, Quinn still finished in double digits with 10.5 sacks, but was some way off the award’s second winner, Kansas City’s Justin Houston. So can Quinn make it third time lucky in 2015?

Entering his fifth year, Robert Quinn has unquestionably developed into an elite defensive end. Described last September by Kevin Patra as “one of the NFL’s most dominant pass rushers”, Quinn’s 2013 Pro Football Focus grading of +74.6 was the second highest of any player at any position in the league. He is averaging over 11 sacks per year, with his rookie season the only one where he failed to break into double figures. There can be no doubt he has the potential to pick up the award this time around.

So what goes in his favour? Firstly, Quinn is just one part of arguably the best front four in the NFL. The Rams boast last year’s defensive rookie of the year Aaron Donald, 2012 first round draft selection Michael Brockers and fan favourite Chris Long – as well as recent free agent signing Nick Fairley. Fair to say that opposing offensive lines have their hands full. That alone is advantageous for Quinn, as opposing lines have so much talent to contend with. He is not just a one-man show that can be double-teamed and kept from causing mayhem. Any additional attention on Quinn simply provides opportunity for any of his teammates to get after the quarterback – as shown in 2014 when Aaron Donald reached 9 sacks from the defensive tackle position.

Secondly, we can look at Quinn’s playing time. Fortunately so far (and please no-one come and lynch me if he now tears an ACL) Quinn has managed to stay injury free. He has missed just a single game in his four seasons, that coming in his first year in the league. Last year he was on the field for 809 snaps, more than any other defensive player on St Louis’ roster. In 2013 and 2012 he came second with 849 in both years. If Quinn can again stay healthy in 2015 and see similar numbers of plays, there is every reason to believe the sacks will soon rack up.

Moving on, there is also the strength of opposition to consider. Generally speaking, the St Louis Rams have a hugely challenging schedule in 2015, but who specifically will Robert Quinn likely be teeing off against? Notable opponents include PFF’s 3^rd highest graded offensive tackle from last year, Joe Thomas of the Cleveland Browns who the Rams face in week 7. Arizona’s Jared Veldheer and San Francisco’s Joe Staley will also twice have to keep Quinn in check. That said, the dominant offensive lines of Dallas, Denver and Philadelphia have disappeared from the schedule of last year. Replacing them are the likes of Washington (allowed 58 sacks last year, second worst in the league) and Detroit (45 sacks allowed, and lost veteran Garrett Reynolds to St Louis in free agency). While there are no easy games, it is possible to argue that in many of the one-on-one matchups Quinn is likely to have a slight edge over the competition.

In Robert Quinn, the St Louis Rams have a truly top tier defensive end. After a strong first four years, he has all the tools to once again finish among the NFL’s leading sack takers. Is he a strong enough contender to win the third Deacon Jones? You bet.