A comparison of Defenses

GumboBC · 05-07-2004, 04:28 PM

The next question is, \"What do these facts mean?\"

Does it mean that no matter how much impact Smith and Liesle have as rookies it doesn\'t matter because our linebacking is so weak?

How should we interpret these facts I wonder?

Well, I think without a doubt it shows us that the biggest weakness on defense was the linebackers. More specifically, the MLB. But, still, all of the linebackers are going to have to play better if we are going to effectively stop the run.

The question then becomes -- Can we do it? And, how can we do it?

I think the answer to the first question is Yes. The answer to the second question is more complex. Let me give it a shot, though....

1. Even though our D-line stats looked good. There is a lot of room for improvment. What I mean by that is, the middle of our D-line didn\'t penetrate the offensive backfield enough and disrupt things. That\'s got to change. Most of our good stats on run defense come from the defensive end postion. We need more production from Sullivan and we need Brian Young to be an improvment over what we had last year.

2. Orlando Ruff I don\'t think is the answer at MLB. We need someone that can run sideline to sideline and get to the ball-carrier. Cie Grant can do that. So, can Courtney Watson. Now, will they. Nobody knows.

3. The other thing that will make our run defense better is if we are able to stop the run better on 1st and second down, then opposing teams offense will become more predictable and we won\'t be guessing so much. It\'s much tougher when they can call a rush or a pass play on every down. We need to get them in more 3rd and longs.

That\'s my take. How \'bout you BMG?? What\'s your take. I\'d like to hear yours and everyone elses...

[Edited on 7/5/2004 by GumboBC]

05-07-2004, 04:28 PM	#5
GumboBC Banned Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,616	A comparison of Defenses The next question is, \"What do these facts mean?\" Does it mean that no matter how much impact Smith and Liesle have as rookies it doesn\'t matter because our linebacking is so weak? How should we interpret these facts I wonder? Well, I think without a doubt it shows us that the biggest weakness on defense was the linebackers. More specifically, the MLB. But, still, all of the linebackers are going to have to play better if we are going to effectively stop the run. The question then becomes -- Can we do it? And, how can we do it? I think the answer to the first question is Yes. The answer to the second question is more complex. Let me give it a shot, though.... 1. Even though our D-line stats looked good. There is a lot of room for improvment. What I mean by that is, the middle of our D-line didn\'t penetrate the offensive backfield enough and disrupt things. That\'s got to change. Most of our good stats on run defense come from the defensive end postion. We need more production from Sullivan and we need Brian Young to be an improvment over what we had last year. 2. Orlando Ruff I don\'t think is the answer at MLB. We need someone that can run sideline to sideline and get to the ball-carrier. Cie Grant can do that. So, can Courtney Watson. Now, will they. Nobody knows. 3. The other thing that will make our run defense better is if we are able to stop the run better on 1st and second down, then opposing teams offense will become more predictable and we won\'t be guessing so much. It\'s much tougher when they can call a rush or a pass play on every down. We need to get them in more 3rd and longs. That\'s my take. How \'bout you BMG?? What\'s your take. I\'d like to hear yours and everyone elses... [Edited on 7/5/2004 by GumboBC]
GumboBC Banned Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,616