| There aren't a lot of stats to compare defensive lineman, but unofficially Jones finished with 179.5 sacks to Long's 91.5. Jones invented the term "sack".
Jones was twice the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Long once. Jones was a five-time All Pro to Long's three.
Deacon Jones was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, Howie Long was elected in his third.
Sports Illustrated twice ranked Jones ahead of Long. The Sporting News ranked "Football's 100 Greatest Players" in 1999. Jones was 13th overall, the top defensive end, ahead of Bruce Smith, Reggie White, et al. Howie Long did not make the list.
This is to take nothing away from Howie Long, but every bit of evidence says that Jones was better. |