Shockt327

So, I can't help but wonder about our interior rush personnel out of the Nickel, especially since Fanene is out of the picture....

I thought it was a problem last year. In large part because, in the past, we'd usually sub out Wilfork in Nickel. Seemed like he played way too many snaps last year. I'm hoping he's kept fresh. Also, in the past, it seems like the team would rely upon guys that had a quicker burst than what we currently have in Wilfork/Love. For example Mike Wright often played DT in the Nickel. We'd bump Seymour inside to DT, as well. Jarvis Green would get reps in years past, as well. But last year it seemed like Wilfork and Love would get the most reps. I don't want to complain too much. Love showed flashes here and there. It's not awful, but it's lacking...

However, I'm really liking how Jermaine Cunningham has been getting reps at DT over the past few preseason games. So, thoughts? Is it a worthy experiment? Will it work in an actual reg-season game? Who else should see reps at DT? Cause I still think we need another DT for Nickel.

Or do you guys think it's a non issue?

Sicilian

Brace and Deaderick have looked decent in the preseason too, so I'll bet they get a few reps on third and long. Not to mention that Wilfork and Love, though you don't want them taking ALL the interior reps, can still be used for some of the situations. It's not like you want them to be exclusively running down players.

PP2

Ron Brace...

BradyManny

Originally, I was going to point out this is where we'd really be missing Fanene.

But I agree. Ron Brace has been impressive this preseason and reports on him in camp are high. He might be one of the few guys who is able to turnaround a few years of nothingness and turn into something. He's beating his man - if he can do that consistently in the regular season, he can collapse the pocket.

signbabybrady

I actually like Love and Wilfork as 3 down players. Love had 4 or 5 sacks last year and Vince is a beast. I think they both are good interior pass rushers but I also do like moving quicker guys inside too and I think Cunningham getting some work there is a good way to get him some reps as he has looked improved this summer. Dont count out Bequette either he should be a decent player in the Mike Wright mold though he still seems raw.

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cstjohn17

Pryor did some of this as well but looks like he is out for a while.

Francis looks like he can move around the line a bit, time will tell if he can play or is a JAG.

Justin Francis Draft Profile

Shockt327

Deaderick? Too slow. He was used mostly on run downs last year.

Also, he played out of a 5-technique/two-gap position on those downs, too. So with Wilfork at nose and Nink at OLB right next to him; it was like a 3-4 defense on the strong side. Really, not a Nickel passrusher, imo.

Grantland had a great article on that hybrid D, too....

SwedishPat

I think it is better to rest Wilfork. He plays a lot and I think that as he gets older rest will become more important so why not rest him on sure pass down? He is very good at two gaping but is not our best pass rusher. Give him some rest will help us more than his pass rush in my opinion.

Sicilian

I think Deaderick could at least factor into the rotation at that position. He's not going to be your go-to guy on 3rd and long, but when you've got a 3rd and 4 or 5, you want a guy who can be stout against the run in case the offense decides to try it, but also at least has the ability to rush in the event of the pass. Wilfork and Love would be your best bets, but if you want to give them a breather I don't see where Deaderick can't fill that role.

signbabybrady

Obviously I disagree I think it is better to play Wilfork.

But seriously I dont think his rest should be relageted to third down I think it should be more of a every third or fourth series type thing. He is our best DL and is very useful on third down. I dont see how when its a key third down play with the game on the line that our best DL does not include Vince.

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