Symbiosis - DL and DBs

JKool · 06-10-2004, 03:34 PM

There has been some very good discussion regarding the connection between pass rush and the defensive backfield. The vast array of these discussions have focused on whether or not our backfield really does need help; it looks like there stats are pretty solid given the number of passes thrown against them, and so on.

It is a relatively general view that there is a connection between the success of the defensive backfield and the pass rush, but isn't there also a connection between the success of the pass rush and the defensive backfield. Corners (shut down corners) and sometimes Safeties and Linebackers play a critical roll in forcing QBs to "check down" - thus, coverage sacks. This can happen very quickly - if a QB has to hesitate, then a End can get an extra second to get to him!

Thus, I was interested in thoughts on this symbiotic relationship. We're excited that our pass rush (which should be improved - though I hear scary things about Whitehead's health - with the additions of Will Smith) will benefit our secondary. Of course, that SHOULD happen, but without some improvement in our secondary, our pass rush could be asked to do too much (get to the QB, hurry the QB, and so on) with little help from the guys behind them! This could lead to the DL tiring more quickly. If our front four get too frustrated, then the secondary may look shaky again - espc with our lack of depth there.

Anyway, I just thought it might be fun to chew on this debate from a slightly different angle (apologies if someone has already made this point, but I thought it could get some time of its own).

06-10-2004, 03:34 PM	#1
JKool 1000 Posts + Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 2,423	Symbiosis - DL and DBs There has been some very good discussion regarding the connection between pass rush and the defensive backfield. The vast array of these discussions have focused on whether or not our backfield really does need help; it looks like there stats are pretty solid given the number of passes thrown against them, and so on. It is a relatively general view that there is a connection between the success of the defensive backfield and the pass rush, but isn't there also a connection between the success of the pass rush and the defensive backfield. Corners (shut down corners) and sometimes Safeties and Linebackers play a critical roll in forcing QBs to "check down" - thus, coverage sacks. This can happen very quickly - if a QB has to hesitate, then a End can get an extra second to get to him! Thus, I was interested in thoughts on this symbiotic relationship. We're excited that our pass rush (which should be improved - though I hear scary things about Whitehead's health - with the additions of Will Smith) will benefit our secondary. Of course, that SHOULD happen, but without some improvement in our secondary, our pass rush could be asked to do too much (get to the QB, hurry the QB, and so on) with little help from the guys behind them! This could lead to the DL tiring more quickly. If our front four get too frustrated, then the secondary may look shaky again - espc with our lack of depth there. Anyway, I just thought it might be fun to chew on this debate from a slightly different angle (apologies if someone has already made this point, but I thought it could get some time of its own).