In my column Wednesday, I pointed out that, since becoming an NFL starter in 2006, the Redskins’ O.J. Atogwe ranks in the Top 5 among defensive backs in interceptions, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries – and is the only DB who can say that. Here, in case you’re curious, is where he falls in each category:
Interceptions
36 Asante Samuel, Patriots/Eagles
32 Ed Reed, Ravens
30 Charles Woodson, Packers
24 DeAngelo Hall, Falcons/Raiders/Redskins
21 O.J. Atogwe, Rams (and now Redskins)
Forced Fumbles
16 Atogwe
16 Charles Tillman, Bears
14 Brian Dawkins, Eagles/Broncos
13 Woodson
12 Roman Harper, Saints
12 Chris Harris, Bears/Panthers
Fumble Recoveries
9 Richard Marshall, Panthers
9 Kerry Rhodes, Jets/Cardinals
8 Reed
8 Mark Roman, 49ers
7 Atogwe
(Also with 7: Leigh Bodden, Browns/Lions/Patriots; Hall; Harris; Pacman Jones, Titans/Cowboys/Bengals; Bernard Pollard, Chiefs/Texans.)
As you can see, Reed cracks the Top 5 – the Top 3, actually – in two departments, but not forced fumbles. (He’s tied for 20th with 6.) What’s interesting, too, is that the Steelers’ Troy Polamalu, a six-time Pro Bowler, isn’t listed in the Top 5 in anything. In fact, in the last five seasons, he has 20 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries – 27 turnover-causing plays. Atogwe, who has never been to the Pro Bowl, has 44 – 17 more.
One last thing: Among safeties, he’s ninth in passes defended with 41 (and is only three behind the fifth-place guy, the Giants’ Deon Grant). So he isn’t too shabby in that area, either.
Source: pro-football-reference.com.
