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So why are the starters on the field at all? I think they need the contact to knock off the rust, practice hand placement, read plays and react, etc. I think they would consider a preseason game a success if they exit healthy and felt like they were into the flow of the game...meaning they were in the right place physically and mentally to make plays if the game meant anything
I'm starting to think this as well, that they're playing with enough energy to prevent injuries without throwing their bodies around the way they will when the games count.
Metaphors, if you are right, and I think you have a point, the KC game will be entirely different and they will absolutely stonewall the run. If you're wrong, they will get pushed around in week 1 and especially in week 2.
We'll know soon enough. In the meantime, I suggest people worry about politics, where the regular season games have already begun and the starters have taken the field.
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Let me start by saying that line play isn't my thing...but it seems pretty clear that the DL wasn't operating at regular season speed or intensity. They aren't playing with any "lean" and not driving with their legs. Pretty much just standing up with the blocks and content with just holding the LOS. Also seem to be sliding away from double teams instead of taking them on.
My guess is that the DL starters plus Jarvis are keenly aware of their knees and are determined not to leave them exposed. I've said about a hundred times on this board that we should all knock on wood for Vince's health. Seems to me like Belichick isn't leaving anything to chance.
I also think this is why Fafita and Kenny Smith have looked so good. They don't have to hold anything back and are able to make plays and be disruptive.
So why are the starters on the field at all? I think they need the contact to knock off the rust, practice hand placement, read plays and react, etc. I think they would consider a preseason game a success if they exit healthy and felt like they were into the flow of the game...meaning they were in the right place physically and mentally to make plays if the game meant anything.
You can poo-poo on this all you want, but can anyone seriously watch these games and say that the #1 DL looks like they are going all out?
In addition to this, the reason everyone cries "scheme" when people complain about preseason play is, well, because scheme absolutely does matter. The West Coast offenses of the Bucs and Eagles are designed to take advantage of spaces and problem areas of coverages. This is going to get the ball out quicker against vanilla defenses, thus making it that much more difficult for linemen to show up in pass rushing situations.
Those teams seemed to have a different goal in the preseason, as well.
Keep in mind, those of you who feel the need to **** on Seymour, Wilfork and Warren because of expectations, the three former first rounders are going up against usually six blockers. With the best pass rusher out for the preseason and relatively predictable rushes, it's a lot to ask of three men to beat double teams consistently when the other team knows what you're going to do.
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I don't like Dungy and that's because he [was] the head coach of the Colts. Period. End of question. The degree to which I like a player or coach is predicated solely on the color of the laundry they wear on Sunday. When fans admit this and stop bashing players and coaches for any other reason, the world of sports will be infinitely improved.
I agree. During the Philly game I noticed one play with Sey taking on a blocker and watching the play go outside. Seemed to be working on hand technique and play recognition.
I think we tend to forget the Pats have played alot more football than any other team the past 5 years. That also means less offseason time.
Is BB cognizant of the need to eliminate injuries and keep guys fresh?
Your right!!!! There is nothing wrong! The DL looks great, and they are not trying. Once they start trying I expect them to be the greatest DL in the NFL.
Nothing to worry about, everything is peachy!!
Umm, OK. Let me play now...
Thanks for your amazingly insightful contribution to this thread. I find your posts really thought-provoking and not at all tragically simple-minded and annoyingly repetitive. Please post again as soon as possible!!
Hey, that is kinda fun.
Last edited by Metaphors; 08-29-2008 at 02:23 PM..
I agree. During the Philly game I noticed one play with Sey taking on a blocker and watching the play go outside. Seemed to be working on hand technique and play recognition.
I think we tend to forget the Pats have played alot more football than any other team the past 5 years. That also means less offseason time.
Is BB cognizant of the need to eliminate injuries and keep guys fresh?
I've noticed the same thing on multiple occasions. Last night I paid attention to their footwork specifically and they just weren't digging in at all.
Before assuming that this will continue into the regular season, you have to ask "Why now?" Seymour is finally healthy, Wilfork has "trimmed down" (relative for him) and Warren should be just entering his prime years. It makes no sense that they are going full-tilt during these preseason and yet looking like that. Did they suddenly start sucking at the same time? Are they quitting on their coach? (Thank you Tom Jackson...you can leave now)
If someone has a better explanation that makes sense, feel free to share.
I've noticed the same thing on multiple occasions. Last night I paid attention to their footwork specifically and they just weren't digging in at all.
Before assuming that this will continue into the regular season, you have to ask "Why now?" Seymour is finally healthy, Wilfork has "trimmed down" (relative for him) and Warren should be just entering his prime years. It makes no sense that they are going full-tilt during these preseason and yet looking like that. Did they suddenly start sucking at the same time? Are they quitting on their coach? (Thank you Tom Jackson...you can leave now)
If someone has a better explanation that makes sense, feel free to share.
Well, clearly since they don't have the other teams defensive signals they've lost their ability to cheat
In all seriousness though, the tier of this defense I am LEAST worried about turning it on come week one is the DL. They need to get the feel of the game in them, but I refuse to believe that these three experienced pro-bowl linemen need practice with the scheme or strategy. They're going to try to stay healthy and knock off some rust. I doubt they're really worried about the results.
Thanks for your amazingly insightful contribution to this thread. I find your posts really thought-provoking and not at all tragically simple-minded and annoying repetitive. Please post again as soon as possible!!
Re: What is wrong with our "all pro" DL?
Linear Mode
