The 10 Worst Tacklers in the NFL

Bad tackling goes way back, but it’s sky-rocketed out of control over the last two or three seasons due to various elements that are great topic of debate for another time.

You just have to go back to Marshawn Lynch’s “beast-mode” run against the New Orleans Saints in last year’s playoffs or as recent last week when LeGarrette Blount bowling-balled over what seemed to be every Green Bay Packer defenseman on the field en route to a 54-yard touchdown.

So, in the hopes that some of these players read this, feel ashamed and try to clean up their game, I’ve put together a list of 10 of the worst tacklers in the NFL in no particular order.

Nnamdi Asomugha

Nick Laham/Getty Images

Widely regarded as the second best cornerback in the league during his days with the Oakland Raiders, Nnamdi Asomugha has shown he’s not even in the same realm as Darrelle Revis as a complete player at the position.

This clip shows Asomugha falling on his face as Victor Cruz goes up to make a touchdown catch over two defenders. This is terrible.

He may be a top-notch cover guy, but his 27.3 missed-tackle percentage is nothing short of disgusting and embarrassing.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is second on the Philadelphia Eagles with a 26.1 missed-tackle percentage and in some cases looks like he’s never been taught how to tackle… ever.

In this picture, DRC is trying to figure out a way to tackle Beanie Wells.

Here’s a hint, try wrapping him up from the waist down.

Tanard Jackson

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Tanard Jackson is the worst tackler of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary, but Ronde Barber and Sean Jones are terrible as well.

Jackson has a ridiculous 44.0 missed-tackle percentage and just seems to play soft.

In this picture, Darren Sproles is running over Jackson on his way to the end zone.

I don't know if he's trying to tackle Sproles or if he's checking to make sure the field turf is in good playing condition. 

Why this guy still gets on the field is beyond me. I wouldn’t let this guy play on my team in a pick-up game down at the park.

Benny Sapp

I don’t understand how this guy continues to get picked up by teams—I can’t figure it out.

You should at least have to be good at one thing—something—anything.

If you can’t cover anyone, at least tackle someone.

In this clip, Sapp gets owned by Wes Welker in week 1 on Monday Night Football. I get that it’s Welker and he beats up most DBs, but his poor attempt at tackling the speedy receiver is all the proof you need as to why he’s just hot garbage.

Cedric Griffin

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Cedric Griffin epitomizes the term "hot garbage." We Minnesota Vikings fans have had to endure this guy’s awful display of fundamentals since he arrived on the scene in 2006, and we just can't take it anymore.

This clip is a classic example of what I’m talking about. I guess I shouldn't complain too much. This play extended my fantasy winning streak to nine games. Thanks, Ced.

Here’s a little bonus footage for all of you who know what I’m talking about.

Sean Jones

Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Tanard Jackson’s partner in poor-tackling crime is Sean Jones.

Jones along with Jackson, Aqib Talib, Ronde Barber and Corey Lynch are the main culprits on a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that ranks 32nd in the league with a 15.54 missed-tackle percentage.

Here’s a clip of Jones and Talib both taking horrendous angles and throwing out ugly arm-tackle attempts on Arian Foster and allowing him to take this Matt Schaub pass 78 yards to the house.

Michael Griffin

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

It’s a shame that safeties make a list like this—especially gifted safeties like Michael Griffin.

He has all the tools to cover receivers and track down balls, but tackling is not a strong suit.

Michael Turner was just the latest to make him out to look like a fool on three separate occasions just a couple weeks ago.

I don’t care if Turner is 250 lbs. You don’t see guys like Antoine Winfield and Darrelle Revis missing tackles and they don’t care who’s coming at them.

Charles Godfrey

Swing and a miss.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Charles Godfrey was showing off his lack of fundamentals just yesterday with this horrible display of tackling against Reggie Wayne, and he had Darius Butler there to help him.

Lack of fundamentals—the main reason in the list of things going wrong with the Carolina Panthers this season.

Darian Stewart

Darian Stewart perfecting the art of the Superman dive.
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Darian Stewart is a big reason why the St. Louis Rams defense has been getting beat up on this year.

Yesterday, he took a bad angle and was forced to make an awful diving arm tackle attempt on Beanie Wells, which did nothing.

Don’t be afraid to get up in the hole and use two hands to make a tackle. You're in the NFL now. It's your job.

Erik Walden

When Erik Walden is out on the football field pretending to be a football player and trying to make tackles, he's usually made to look like a clown at the hands of players like LeGarrette Blount.

Hey, Erik, the next time you try to tackle a 255-pound running back, try not to tackle him by his arm. You're a linebacker, man.

On a side note: Desmond Bishop, A.J. Hawk and Morgan Burnett should all be ashamed of themselves as well.

 

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Brian can also be found at Out of My League, where he compiles fantasy football rankings each week.

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