Top 10 Best Edge Rusher Duos in the NFL 2023

As the NFL landscape continues to evolve, the significance of dominant edge rushers has only amplified. They are the vanguard of a team’s defensive strategy, tasked with pressuring the quarterback, disrupting the passing game, and shutting down running lanes. While one phenomenal edge rusher can surely wreak havoc, having a duo of elite pass-rushers is a veritable game-changer. This is our ranking of the best edge rusher duos today.

We will analyze their on-field synergy, individual statistics, ability to dismantle offensive lines and integral role in their team’s defensive prowess. Whether it’s their sack totals, quarterback pressures, or their impact on overall defensive efficiency, these dynamic duos create matchup nightmares for any offense they face. Join us as we celebrate the speed, strength, and strategy embodied in the best edge rusher tandems that are redefining the defensive game in the NFL today.

#10 – Trey Hendrickson & Sam Hubbard

Trey Hendrickson 2023 Stats: 8.0 sacks, 32 tackles, 6 tackles for losses, 24 QB hits

Sam Hubbard 2023 Stats: 6.5 sacks, 60 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, 22 QB hits

We already knew that Trey Hendrickson was a pass-rushing specialist, but the play of Sam Hubbard surprised me. This pass-rushing duo has quietly become one of the most dangerous in the NFL. Keep in mind both players only played 15 games last season.

#9 – Rashan Gary & Preston Smith

Rashan Gary 2023 Stats: 6.0 sacks, 32 tackles, 7 tackles for losses, 12 QB hits

Preston Smith 2023 Stats: 8.5 sacks, 59 tackles, 9 tackles for losses, 20 QB hits

While Rashan Gary only played in 9 games last season I still consider the 25 year old as one of the best edge rushers in the NFL today. A healthy Rashan Gary combined with the already proven Preston Smith can easily rise on this list.

#8 – Jaelan Phillips & Bradley Chubb

Jaelan Phillips 2023 Stats: 7.0 sacks, 61 tackles, 8 tackles for losses, 25 QB hits

Bradley Chubb 2023 Stats: 8.0 sacks, 39 tackles, 5 tackles for losses, 20 QB hits

What a sophomore season for Jaelan Phillips. Don’t let the 7 sacks fool you, he is a menace up front. Expect him to reach that double digit sack number. While Bradley Chubb never quite lived up to the hype, he is still a great edge rusher. Having him as the 2nd best edge rusher on the team is a recipe for a tortured Quarterback.

#7 – Von Miller & Gregory Rousseau

Von Miller 2023 Stats: 8.0 sacks, 21 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, 12 QB hits

Gregory Rousseau 2023 Stats: 8.0 sacks, 37 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, 14 QB hits

Von Miller is turning 34 years old but is still playing at an elite level. 8 sacks in 10.5 games is no joke. Gregory Rousseau also struggled to stay healthy only playing in 13 games, but at 22 years old I’ve seen enough. He’s trending upwards and has the potential to become a top 10 pass rusher in the NFL.

#6 – Haason Reddick & Josh Sweat

Haason Reddick 2023 Stats: 16.0 sacks, 49 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, 26 QB hits

Josh Sweat 2023 Stats: 11.0 sacks, 48 tackles, 15 tackles for losses, 23 QB hits

I almost feel guilty only including these two players. Brandon Graham is also playing at an extremely high level. They also have some of the best interior defensive line in the NFL, but I consider these two their best. Reddick and Sweat both benefit from an extremely deep Eagles depth chart.

#5 – Matthew Judon & Josh Uche

Matt Judon 2023 Stats: 15.5 sacks, 60 tackles, 14 tackles for losses, 28 QB hits

Josh Uche 2023 Stats: 11.5 sacks, 27 tackles, 9 tackles for losses, 14 QB hits

Matt Judon is every Quarterbacks nightmare. Since joining the Patriots he has back to back double digit sack seasons. Meanwhile Josh Uche just had a breakout season for this Patriots defense. Bill Belichick knows how to develop these pass rushers.

#4 – Micah Parsons & Demarcus Lawrence

Micah Parsons 2023 Stats: 13.5 sacks, 65 tackles, 13 tackles for losses, 26 QB hits

DeMarcus Lawrence 2023 Stats: 6.0 sacks, 65 tackles, 9 tackles for losses, 13 QB hits

Micah Parsons is fresh off back-to-back all-pro seasons going into his third year. It’s clear to me that he will eventually be awarded the defensive player of the year sooner rather than later. Meanwhile DeMarcus Lawrence continues to be a reliable force up front for this Cowboys team.

#3 – Joey Bosa & Khalil Mack

Joey Bosa 2023 Stats: 2.5 sacks, 10 tackles, 3 tackles for losses, 6 QB hits

Khalil Mack 2023 Stats: 8.0 sacks, 50 tackles, 12 tackles for losses, 12 QB hits

This is where it gets interesting. I think you can consider any of the top 3 duos as the best in the NFL. When it comes to the Chargers, they just need to stay healthy. Joey Bosa has already proven himself as one of the best edge rushers in the NFL and Khalil Mack may not be the same force as 5 seasons ago, but having him as the 2nd best edge rusher on your team is wild. Their health is the kicker that leaves them as 3rd on this list.

#2 – T.J. Watt & Alex Highsmith

T.J. Watt 2023 Stats: 5.5 sacks, 39 tackles, 8 tackles for losses, 12 QB hits

Alex Highsmith 2023 Stats: 14.5 sacks, 63 tackles, 12 tackles for losses, 20 QB hits

This is another case of needing to stay healthy. We all know that T.J. Watt when healthy can be considered the best defensive player in the NFL, but could not stay healthy in 2022. Meanwhile, what a breakout season for Alex Highsmith. He doubled his sack total from the year previous and had 5 forced fumbles on the year. The Steelers will continue to be one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL led by these two wreaking havoc up front.

#1 – Myles Garrett & Za’Darius Smith

Myles Garrett 2023 Stats: 16.0 sacks, 60 tackles, 18 tackles for losses, 26 QB hits

Za’Darius Smith 2023 Stats: 10.0 sacks, 44 tackles, 15 tackles for losses, 24 QB hits

Myles Garrett figuratively smashes his helmets over QBs heads. He is a menace up front. It may be the Browns effect, but not enough people talk about him as the best defensive player in the NFL. Meanwhile, adding Za’Darius Smith this off-season was a massive move for this team and defense. The Cleveland Browns are clearly making moves to compete for the Super Bowl and I love it. They are quietly one of the best teams in the NFL. But they are still the Browns of course.

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