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INDIANAPOLIS – Dwight Freeney has recorded a sack in every game this season, and he has a total of eight.
As if that’s not frightening enough to opposing quarterbacks, Freeney believes he should have way more than one or two every game.
“I think I should have four or five every game,” Freeney said. “I come back to the bench and think, ‘Oh, I should have had that one.’ But realistically, things happen and you’re going to miss plays and miss sacks.”
Freeney estimated he could have had 20 or more sacks already this season, if things had gone his way. But he’s not complaining, not when his Colts are 7-0 heading into today’s game against the Houston Texans (5-3), a team against whom he has tallied a whopping 11 sacks and forced three fumbles in 13 career games.
Houston has given up 13 sacks this season, tied for 10th in the league.
As the Texans already know, Freeney, 29, could be the most formidable defensive player in the NFL today.
“He is doing a tremendous job. He is really becoming a dominant force,” said Colts coach Jim Caldwell, whose team has won 16 straight regular-season games.
“You know when he’s on the field and if the quarterback has to hold the ball (for) anytime at all, he is going to be somewhere close.
“He’s playing at a very high level. He brings such a great combination of speed, power and strength. He is very tough to handle.”
Freeney, the Colts’ all-time sack leader with 78 1/2 in eight seasons, has a sack in eight consecutive games. The NFL record of 10 is shared by former Denver Bronco Simon Fletcher and current Dallas Cowboy DeMarcus Ware.
“There’s not pressure (to keep it going) because I’m not worried about it,” said Freeney, who often faces double teams.
“It is something difficult (to accomplish) because teams prepare for you. It’s not like I’m going out there and seeing one (offensive tackle) the entire game. I see lots of different situations, protections. There are a lot of factors that go into it.”
Freeney lauded the rest of his defense, including defensive end Robert Mathis, who has six sacks this season. Freeney said even players in the secondary contribute to his sack numbers.
“It’s all a moving machine and when one thing breaks down, it’s a greater chance for a non-sack because the quarterback now has the opportunity to find a place to step up (and throw the ball),” Freeney said.
“It’s not just me, me, me making plays. It’s us, collectively, as a unit, playing together.”
The Texans rank third in passing and 28th in rushing, and they know that reliance on throwing could put them in harm’s way against Freeney.
“Obviously, you have the possibility of the sacks and the quarterback getting beat up and those type of things,” said coach Gary Kubiak. “I look at it from a time of possession (view).
“We go out there and start throwing the ball 50 times a game, we’re not going to be on the field much.”
And Freeney could wind up with those four or five sacks he thinks are possible.
