Is Al Smith Better Than Teddy Lehman? NFL Stats Decide
Few NFL comparisons generate more debate than Al Smith vs Teddy Lehman. The numbers reveal a genuinely competitive matchup — Al Smith takes 3 categories while Teddy Lehman claims 1, making this one of the closer head to head comparisons at the LB position. Every statistical category matters in a matchup this tight.
Al Smith's Sacks of 5.5 compared to Teddy Lehman's 1 represents a 450% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Teddy Lehman falls 95% below the career average of 20 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 Tackles, where Al Smith posts 232 against Teddy Lehman's 150 — a gap of just 54.7%. Teddy Lehman can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 3-1 tally suggests. In any debate, Tackles is the statistical ammunition for the Teddy Lehman 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.
The verdict favors Al Smith — 3 categories to 1 — but Teddy Lehman makes this far from a one-sided debate. Anyone building the case for Teddy Lehman has real statistical ammunition particularly in Tackles where the gap narrows to just 54.7%. The numbers have spoken, but the argument will continue.
Who is better, Al Smith or Teddy Lehman?
Al Smith holds the statistical edge, winning 3 of 4 categories in this career comparison. Al Smith's Sacks of 5.5 versus Teddy Lehman's 1 is the most decisive factor — a 450% difference.
How do Al Smith and Teddy Lehman compare in Sacks?
Al Smith career Sacks: 5.5. Teddy Lehman career Sacks: 1. Al Smith leads by 450% — dramatically ahead in this key LB metric.
Who had the better overall career, Al Smith or Teddy Lehman?
Based on career statistics, Al Smith edges Teddy Lehman 3-1 across key categories. Al Smith's Sacks of 5.5 leads Teddy Lehman's 1 by 450%, providing the clearest statistical evidence of the career advantage.
