Al Smith or Jer'Zhan Newton? The NFL Stat Breakdown
This is as close as it gets. Al Smith and Jer'Zhan Newton split the statistical categories evenly — 2 apiece — making this one of the most genuinely contested LB comparisons in NFL history. When the numbers are this balanced, the debate comes down to which statistics matter most to you.
Al Smith's Tackles of 232 compared to Jer'Zhan Newton's 82 represents a 182.9% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Jer'Zhan Newton falls 86.3% below the career average of 600 in this category while Al Smith exceeds it. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Al Smith's edge.
The most competitive category in this matchup is Sacks, where Al Smith posts 5.5 against Jer'Zhan Newton's 7 — a gap of just 27.3%. Jer'Zhan Newton can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 2-2 tally suggests. In any debate, Sacks is the statistical ammunition for the Jer'Zhan Newton side.
Defensive impact in the NFL is notoriously difficult to quantify. Sacks and tackles capture individual production, but disruption, coverage grades and run-stopping ability paint the complete picture of defensive excellence.
With categories split evenly, this comparison ultimately comes down to which statistics matter most to you. Al Smith claims the tiebreaker through Tackles advantage — a 182.9% edge — but reasonable people can, and do, argue both sides of this NFL debate.
Who is better, Al Smith or Jer'Zhan Newton?
Al Smith holds the statistical edge, winning 2 of 4 categories in this career comparison. Al Smith's Tackles of 232 versus Jer'Zhan Newton's 82 is the most decisive factor — a 182.9% difference.
How do Al Smith and Jer'Zhan Newton compare in Tackles?
Al Smith career Tackles: 232. Jer'Zhan Newton career Tackles: 82. Al Smith leads by 182.9% — dramatically ahead in this key LB metric.
Who had the better overall career, Al Smith or Jer'Zhan Newton?
Based on career statistics, Al Smith edges Jer'Zhan Newton 2-2 across key categories. Al Smith's Tackles of 232 leads Jer'Zhan Newton's 82 by 182.9%, providing the clearest statistical evidence of the career advantage.
