NFL
Schobel shackling QBs
by MATT KRUEGER Reporter

MAN OF THE YEAR — Linebacker London Fletcher-Baker earned his second consecutive Buffalo Bills Walter Payton Man of the Year award last week. The award goes to the member of the team who demonstrates outstanding balance in his life between civic and professional responsibilities. Photo by Patrick McPartland

Aaron Schobel isn’t one to boast or brag about on-field accomplishments and he definitely is not the loudest Bill in the Buffalo locker room.

But Schobel’s actions on the field, specifically his ability to make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks, speak louder than any sound byte. He’s a pass-rushing machine with a laser-targeting sack system. And he’s a big reason the Bills have won four of their last six games.

“He’s a natural player,” coach Dick Jauron said. “He has a great attitude, a great temperament, I think, for the game. And he plays hard. And he’s a skilled guy, a highly skilled guy. He’s a rare player.”

With his nine-tackle, three-sack performance in the Bills’ 31-13 win over the New York Jets Sunday, Schobel took over the top spot in the NFLfor sacks. His 12.5 sacks this season ties him with San Deigo linebacker Shawne Merriman for the lead.

Aaron Schobel

Schobel got to New York quarterback Chad Pennington on a second-and-6 play from the Jets 28-yard line in the third quarter, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Ryan Denney. That turnover led to a 6-yard touchdown pass from J.P. Losman to tight end Robert Royal about 90 seconds later.

Schobel then added two sacks on backup quarterback Kellen Clemens on the Jets’ final drive of the game.

Those three sacks tied a personal record for most in a game and helped him surpass his career best for sacks in a season. His previous best was 12 in 2005.

Schobel has gotten a sack in the past four games. It’s the second time this season he has gotten a sack in four consecutive games. He is now one of only two Buffalo Bills, joining the legendary Bruce Smith, to record three 10-plus sack seasons. Schobel had 11.5 in 2003.

After a slow start to the season, Schobel has 11.5 sacks in the past nine games.

With 45 tackles this season, Schobel trails his marks from the past three seasons. He finished with 60 in 2003, 73 in 2004 and 71 in 2005.

For Jauron, who didn’t get to see too much of Schobel when he was coaching the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears, the sixth-year defensive end has exceeded his coach’s expectations.

“We were certainly aware of his abilities,” Jauron said. “But he’s definitely better than I thought he was. And I thought he was pretty good.”

With 59 career sacks, Schobel trails only Phil Hanson (61.5) and Smith (171) on the Bills all-time sack leaders list. He has led the Bills in each of his six seasons.

e-mail: mkrueger@beenews.com