COLUMBUS, Ohio — If you’re wondering why Joey Bosa’s sack total has dipped from 13.5 a year ago to just 3.5 through the first nine games of Ohio State’s 2015 campaign, you’re not alone.
Even if he won’t admit it publicly, the Buckeyes defensive end is curious himself.
“The funny thing is, you hear it from him too,” said Ohio State defensive tackle Tommy Schutt. “It bothers him a little bit.”
But while the signature statistic that had previously defined his impact—Bosa recorded a combined 21 sacks in the first two years of his college career—may not be as plentiful this season, those who have watched the 6’6″, 275-pounder play this season would hardly call 2015 a down year for the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
In fact, some, including Bosa himself, would argue that he’s even better than before.
Whether it’s blowing up a run with one of his 8.5 nonsack tackles for loss—Bosa had just 7.5 of such plays in all of 2014—or collapsing the pocket and helping create pressure on a Buckeyes defense that ranks 13th in the nation with 27 sacks, it’s hard to turn on the film of an Ohio State game and not notice No. 97 making a difference.
While he may not be satisfied with his sack total privately, Bosa has no qualms about his play through the first two months of his junior season, which has qualified him as a semifinalist for both the Bednarik and Lombardi Awards.
“I’m night and day when I watch my skill set from last year to…
Continue Reading: Joey Bosa Is Ohio State’s Forgotten Superstar
