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72. Pat Swilling

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72. Pat Swilling
The New Orleans Saints offense has been good for so long, it is forgotten that when they were finally able to put decent teams together in the early ’90s, it was on the strength of their defense.  Pat Swilling was a big part of those squads.

Pat Swilling was an excellent pass rusher who was brilliant at rushing the passer.  As New Orleans’ resident sack superstar, he five times (and another with Detroit) achieved double-digit totals in that category.  Swilling reached his high water mark in 1991 where he led the league in Sacks and captured the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Pat Swilling was one of the most tenacious defenders of all time, but despite making the playoffs often, his respective teams never made it to the second game.  Had he been able to extend more in the playoffs, it is very possible that he could have been at least a Hall of Fame Finalist at one point.  Swilling might be among the most disresepected defensive players in football, and that includes his own fanbase.

Should Pat Swilling be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 75%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 17.6%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.1%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.2%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Toccoa, Georgia, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Thursday, 01 January 2004
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Games Played: 185
  • Notable Statistics: 6 Interceptions
    79 Interception Return Yards
    1 Interception Return Touchdown
    36 Forced Fumbles
    11 Fumble Recoveries
    60 Fumble Recovery Yards
    107.5 Quarterback Sacks
    490 Combined Tackles
    85 Solo Tackles*
    22 Assisted Tackles*
    11 Approximate Value

    6 Playoff Games
    1.0 Quarterback Sack

    *Solo Tackles and Assisted Tackles were not official statistics until the 1994 Season.
  • Played For: Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders
  • College: Georgia Tech
  • Drafted: 3rd Round, 60th Overall in 1986
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
    AP Defensive Player of the Year (1) (1991)
    First Team All-Pro (2) (1991 & 1992)
    Second Team All-Pro (2) (1989 & 1990)
    Pro Bowl (5) (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 & 1993)
    HIghest Approximate Value (1) (1991)
    Most Quarterback Sacks (1) (1991)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (2) (1991 & 1992)
    Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Return Yards (1) (1996)
    Top Ten Finishes: Forced Fumbles (7) (1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993 & 1995)
    Top Ten Finishes: Quarterback Sacks (4) (1987, 1989, 1991 & 1995)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 13.  Forced Fumbles: 36
    43.  Quarterback Sacks: 107.5*

    *This ranking includes Pro Football Reference's unofficial tally from 1960 to 1981.
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Pat Swilling be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 75%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 17.6%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.1%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.2%
Last modified on Sunday, 19 May 2024 03:47
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