Will BB attempt to fix the pass rush?

[mgteich]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

You will have continue to have many supporters who will blame the lack of a pass-rusher ro two for the failures in 2009. And you will ahve support in the lust to have our defense look like that of other teams.

You might review your own posts throughout the season. We have a young defense. It is not as good as some from other teams. We do not need to have to have the best defense in the league to be in the Super Bowl.

You have discussed wanting playmakers like Spiller and McClain or Dansby. You look for a McGinist replacement, as if there are lots of those out there.

========================================================
Of course, the front seven needs to put more pressure on the defense. However, the need on a Belichick defense is not a "premier" pass rusher. The need is to improve pressure from the 3-4 DE. Wright is a HUGE downgrade from Seymour. And, yes we do indeed need better play from the ILB position.
======================================
In the 3-4, defense starts in the middle, not in the outside flashy, risky "pass rush".
===============================================================
MY BOTTOM LINE
1) I agree with your position that we need improvement at ILB. Belichick drafted MacKenzie for that purpose. He can try again and have two possibilities for improvement.
2) I do think that Belichick will draft a DE.
3) I have little doubt that what was really needed was for Brady to play as well as Manning and Favre and for our wideouts to play as well as Manning's. Sure, it would have been great for a bunch of kids to become a great defense in this year of transition. The reality is that they did well enough to win.

We were supposed to have a GREAT offense. What we had waas Moss and Welker and hope for rain (hope that they couldn't be covered). If they were taken out of the game, we were done. The colts would ahve lost to the jets without Garcon and Collie. That was our #1 deficiency.

Because it is an accurate claim.

Up in the 4th quarter, stupid PI call on Butler, bad playcalling, all of that doesn't negate the fact that our defense got no pass rush on Manning, and he carved us up in the 4th quarter. We got no pressure on Drew Brees 2 weeks later in New Orleans, and the game was essentially over by halftime. We got no pressure on Chad Henne, and he torched us, for Crissakes.

Getting effective defensive pressure does not equate to running a blitz-happy, gambling offense, either. But if you think we got effective pressure this year, you need your eyes/head examined.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

Because it is an accurate claim.

Up in the 4th quarter, stupid PI call on Butler, bad playcalling, all of that doesn't negate the fact that our defense got no pass rush on Manning, and he carved us up in the 4th quarter. We got no pressure on Drew Brees 2 weeks later in New Orleans, and the game was essentially over by halftime. We got no pressure on Chad Henne, and he torched us, for Crissakes.

Getting effective defensive pressure does not equate to running a blitz-happy, gambling offense, either. But if you think we got effective pressure this year, you need your eyes/head examined.

mayo

You jumped the shark here, sorry. I love your posts but this is troublesome.

I would urge you to WATCH the Indy game. The defense didn't get "carved up". With three minutes to go, the defense had given up 7 points and collected 2 picks in the second half. Then.....

It's PI, TD from the 11 yard line, TD from the 30 yard line.

Absent the bogus PI call, it's a 13 or 6 point win and the week is filled with "The Pats are back" stories with "Spygate" again the rage.

Also, what's up with analysis in a vacuum?

You need to review the Miami game again and then look at what Miami did at home against their other 7 opponents. I might add you need to review the tape of the Jets game.

(Hint: the Dolphins pretty much took it to everyone in Miami)

Your obsession with "the blitz" is interesting. Unfortunately, it clouds your ability to accurately and realistically evaluate this season's performance. You need a few things to come to grips with:

The defense was 5th in scoring. It's just amazing that this site can't get a grip that this stat means something.

Even "great" defenses will give up points. In today's pass friendly league, you have to keep scoring points (hint, hint ,hint... Jets, Denver, Miami...)

The Dolphins in Miami are preety instructive. Three of the four teams that played Sunday, had games in South Florida. You need to look at the four games and see how great those "blitzing" defenses did and then try to figure out what the two victories had that the two losses didn't.

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

You will have continue to have many supporters who will blame the lack of a pass-rusher ro two for the failures in 2009. And you will ahve support in the lust to have our defense look like that of other teams.

You might review your own posts throughout the season. We have a young defense. It is not as good as some from other teams. We do not need to have to have the best defense in the league to be in the Super Bowl.

You have discussed wanting playmakers like Spiller and McClain or Dansby. You look for a McGinist replacement, as if there are lots of those out there.

========================================================
Of course, the front seven needs to put more pressure on the defense. However, the need on a Belichick defense is not a "premier" pass rusher. The need is to improve pressure from the 3-4 DE. Wright is a HUGE downgrade from Seymour. And, yes we do indeed need better play from the ILB position.
======================================
In the 3-4, defense starts in the middle, not in the outside flashy, risky "pass rush".
===============================================================
MY BOTTOM LINE
1) I agree with your position that we need improvement at ILB. Belichick drafted MacKenzie for that purpose. He can try again and have two possibilities for improvement.
2) I do think that Belichick will draft a DE.
3) I have little doubt that what was really needed was for Brady to play as well as Manning and Favre and for our wideouts to play as well as Manning's. Sure, it would have been great for a bunch of kids to become a great defense in this year of transition. The reality is that they did well enough to win.

We were supposed to have a GREAT offense. What we had waas Moss and Welker and hope for rain (hope that they couldn't be covered). If they were taken out of the game, we were done. The colts would ahve lost to the jets without Garcon and Collie. That was our #1 deficiency.

I'm not quite sure what you're saying, or what it is you think should be done to make the team better. Making the team better is my only goal - I don't have any agenda to "look" like another team, on either offense or defense. There are some gross characteristics which I may admire (the Saints' tendency to spread the ball around on offense and overwhelm teams with too many playmakers to cover, and to integrate the running and passing attack; the Jets, Ravens and Steelers tendency to be more physical and attacking on defense) but I'm not suggesting that we morph into any one of those teams.

Here's my take on the defense, to be perfectly clear:

1. I think the secondary is fine, assuming we re-sign Bodden. No, they're not all world. Yes, they need to continue to develop, as we have many young players. No, they aren't good enough to stop Manning or Brees if we don't get pressure. But we have plenty of talent, depth and playmaking capability in the secondary if we can get some pressure up front to put them in the position to make plays. I expect much more from Chung and Butler in 2010.

2. I think a 3-4 line of Wright-Wilfork-Warren is adequate, assuming Wilfork stays for 2010. Wright is a huge downgrade from Seymour (when he's actually playing), but just about anyone would be. I think we need at least one developmental DE to replace Jarvis Green, who I doubt we keep. I DO NOT think we need to take a 3-4 DE in the first 4 picks, unless BB thinks one is too good to pass up. I don't see that player in this draft, personally. Possibly Corey Wootten, but I'm not convinced.

3. I think we need to get stronger up the middle. We could do some of that on the DL by playing a "big" 4-3, or by geatting stronger at ILB. I thought Mayo played out of position and that he needs to revert to the WILL, and that we need a SILB. McKenzie may develop to be that player, but I'm not willing to put all my eggs on a rookie coming off an ACL injury. I believe that being stronger up the middle would help our outside pass rush tremendously, and I believe that many people are too focused on the outside pass rush and not focused enough on improving the defense up the middle.

4. I am not content with Adalius Thomas, Derrick Burgess, Tully Banta-Cain, Rob Ninkovich, Shawn Crable and Pierre Woods as our outside rushers. I expect several of those guys to be gone, and I think we need an upgrade in talent. I'd like to see a natural strong side and weak side DE/OLB who can contribute at least situationally in 2010, and become a full time starter in 2011. I'm OK with Burgess and Banta-Cain as starters for 2010 because I don't see any guarantee of anything better, though I'm not opposed to bringing in a FA like Merriman or Kampman.

I am NOT saying that we necessarily abandon the 3-4, or even a 2-gap 3-4 approach. I am not saying that we morph into a flashy blitz-oriented, outside pass rush oriented, speed rushing defense. I AM saying that we need to get stronger up the middle, more athletic on the outside, and more aggressive about generating effective pressure so that our secondary can make plays instead of being ripped apart.

I would be happy to hear exactly what you think the needs are to improve our defense.

I'll address the offense in separate post.

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

mayo

You jumped the shark here, sorry. I love your posts but this is troublesome.

I would urge you to WATCH the Indy game. The defense didn't get "carved up". With three minutes to go, the defense had given up 7 points and collected 2 picks in the second half. Then.....

It's PI, TD from the 11 yard line, TD from the 30 yard line.

Absent the bogus PI call, it's a 13 or 6 point win and the week is filled with "The Pats are back" stories with "Spygate" again the rage.

Also, what's up with analysis in a vacuum?

You need to review the Miami game again and then look at what Miami did at home against their other 7 opponents. I might add you need to review the tape of the Jets game.

(Hint: the Dolphins pretty much took it to everyone in Miami)

Your obsession with "the blitz" is interesting. Unfortunately, it clouds your ability to accurately and realistically evaluate this season's performance. You need a few things to come to grips with:

The defense was 5th in scoring. It's just amazing that this site can't get a grip that this stat means something.

Even "great" defenses will give up points. In today's pass friendly league, you have to keep scoring points (hint, hint ,hint... Jets, Denver, Miami...)

The Dolphins in Miami are preety instructive. Three of the four teams that played Sunday, had games in South Florida. You need to look at the four games and see how great those "blitzing" defenses did and then try to figure out what the two victories had that the two losses didn't.

I have watched those games, more than once.

Where did I mention the word "blitz"? I've never said anything about wanting a blitz-happy, gambling defense. I've said I want a more aggressive defense that can generate more effective pressure, from the middle as well as the outside.

I've defended our defense all season. I've said repeatedly that our offense's inability to convert in the red zone and score 2nd half points cost us games more than our defense. I understand that in today's NFL every defense will give up points.

But we gave up more 300 yard passing games this season than I can remember ever having done. I'll need to go back and look at the data from previous seasons.

I believe that our defense has a solid foundation to build on. I've addressed in my previous post from this thread what I think the needs and areas to address are. I've also said elsewhere on this forum that I thought an interior playmaker like Rolando McClain could make a bigger difference to our defense than any pass rusher. But yes, I also think a more effective pass rush (NOT necessarily a blitz approach) is a critical element to our being more successful next season.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

I have watched those games, more than once.

Where did I mention the word "blitz"? I've never said anything about wanting a blitz-happy, gambling defense. I've said I want a more aggressive defense that can generate more effective pressure, from the middle as well as the outside.

I've defended our defense all season. I've said repeatedly that our offense's inability to convert in the red zone and score 2nd half points cost us games more than our defense. I understand that in today's NFL every defense will give up points.

But we gave up more 300 yard passing games this season than I can remember ever having done. I'll need to go back and look at the data from previous seasons.

I believe that our defense has a solid foundation to build on. I've addressed in my previous post from this thread what I think the needs and areas to address are. I've also said elsewhere on this forum that I thought an interior playmaker like Rolando McClain could make a bigger difference to our defense than any pass rusher. But yes, I also think a more effective pass rush (NOT necessarily a blitz approach) is a critical element to our being more successful next season.

Now this is the mayoclinic I admire.

"Carved up in the 4th quarter" is a little strong for the Indy game.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

Because it is an accurate claim.

Up in the 4th quarter, stupid PI call on Butler, bad playcalling, all of that doesn't negate the fact that our defense got no pass rush on Manning, and he carved us up in the 4th quarter. We got no pressure on Drew Brees 2 weeks later in New Orleans, and the game was essentially over by halftime. We got no pressure on Chad Henne, and he torched us, for Crissakes.

Getting effective defensive pressure does not equate to running a blitz-happy, gambling offense, either. But if you think we got effective pressure this year, you need your eyes/head examined.

What's troubling is that you're now playing the "move the goalposts" game. That's not your usual style. I didn't make any claim about what level of pass rush the Patriots got against any team. I pointed out that the Patriots were in position to win the Colts game "as is".

By the way, is Tampa Bay's defense a formidable pressure defense? It shut down the Saints.

The Jaguars played the Colts twice this season, making almost no attempt to get to Manning. They lost the two games by a total of 6 points, despite being woefully outclassed, talent-wise. Last year, it was a split of the two games, a 2 point win and a 7 point loss.

Your claim is not accurate.

 

[mgteich]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

1. Agreed, although I do want us to bring in free agents to compete for a roster spot. I SUSPECT that our incumbants will win spots, but it seems quite possible that Wilhite or Wheatley could get beaten out, or Springs could get injured again.

2. I agree that the DL is adequate. In ONE year, we've gone from one of the very best 3-4 defensive lines to ADEQUATE. That is simply not acceptable, given that we wave 2 firsts and a recent #40 pick, and lots of money, tied up in this DL. If we have gone from great to adequate in a year or two, then it seems that we need a 3-4 DE to replace Seymour, especially with Green leaving.

3. I agree that we need a third ILB, someone to replace Guyton or to compete with him for reps. Mackenzie was Belichick's choice in 2009. Others here wanted various 4th round developmental picks. I would note that most poster focus on the need outside, as they did before the last draft.

Obviously another DROY inside is what we need, but that is what every team needs. Of course, one can dream about signing all-pros and top 10 rookies who will immediately be stars. But that is the stuff of dreams. I expect Mayo to be back from his injury. I expect us to add a couple of free agents to compete inside. I would be pleasantly surprised with Dansby or McLain.

4. Yes, we need an OLB to replace Thomas, since he is apparently going to be sent packing. We had the player with the talent. For whatever reason, he will be fired. He needs to be replaced. I have no doubt that a motivated Thomas and Banta-Cain would have been a fine set of passrushers, given an improvement at DE.
==========================

BOTTOM LINE
A) Our defense is young and improving.
B) The first key to the 2010 defense is to re-sign or replace Wilfork and Bodden.
C) The highest priorities are to replace and upgrade Green, Thomas and Seau (the run-stuffing ILB to play next to Mayo). I don't necessarily think that it is necessary for opur DROY to change positions, bu that is OK too. The key is to have another real starting quality ILB. I want that last year, but everyone was very high on Guyton and thought that we had our starter. I was a broken record with regard to drafting Laurinitis.

I'm not quite sure what you're saying, or what it is you think should be done to make the team better. Making the team better is my only goal - I don't have any agenda to "look" like another team, on either offense or defense. There are some gross characteristics which I may admire (the Saints' tendency to spread the ball around on offense and overwhelm teams with too many playmakers to cover, and to integrate the running and passing attack; the Jets, Ravens and Steelers tendency to be more physical and attacking on defense) but I'm not suggesting that we morph into any one of those teams.

Here's my take on the defense, to be perfectly clear:

1. I think the secondary is fine, assuming we re-sign Bodden. No, they're not all world. Yes, they need to continue to develop, as we have many young players. No, they aren't good enough to stop Manning or Brees if we don't get pressure. But we have plenty of talent, depth and playmaking capability in the secondary if we can get some pressure up front to put them in the position to make plays. I expect much more from Chung and Butler in 2010.

2. I think a 3-4 line of Wright-Wilfork-Warren is adequate, assuming Wilfork stays for 2010. Wright is a huge downgrade from Seymour (when he's actually playing), but just about anyone would be. I think we need at least one developmental DE to replace Jarvis Green, who I doubt we keep. I DO NOT think we need to take a 3-4 DE in the first 4 picks, unless BB thinks one is too good to pass up. I don't see that player in this draft, personally. Possibly Corey Wootten, but I'm not convinced.

3. I think we need to get stronger up the middle. We could do some of that on the DL by playing a "big" 4-3, or by geatting stronger at ILB. I thought Mayo played out of position and that he needs to revert to the WILL, and that we need a SILB. McKenzie may develop to be that player, but I'm not willing to put all my eggs on a rookie coming off an ACL injury. I believe that being stronger up the middle would help our outside pass rush tremendously, and I believe that many people are too focused on the outside pass rush and not focused enough on improving the defense up the middle.

4. I am not content with Adalius Thomas, Derrick Burgess, Tully Banta-Cain, Rob Ninkovich, Shawn Crable and Pierre Woods as our outside rushers. I expect several of those guys to be gone, and I think we need an upgrade in talent. I'd like to see a natural strong side and weak side DE/OLB who can contribute at least situationally in 2010, and become a full time starter in 2011. I'm OK with Burgess and Banta-Cain as starters for 2010 because I don't see any guarantee of anything better, though I'm not opposed to bringing in a FA like Merriman or Kampman.

I am NOT saying that we necessarily abandon the 3-4, or even a 2-gap 3-4 approach. I am not saying that we morph into a flashy blitz-oriented, outside pass rush oriented, speed rushing defense. I AM saying that we need to get stronger up the middle, more athletic on the outside, and more aggressive about generating effective pressure so that our secondary can make plays instead of being ripped apart.

I would be happy to hear exactly what you think the needs are to improve our defense.

I'll address the offense in separate post.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

But we gave up more 300 yard passing games this season than I can remember ever having done. I'll need to go back and look at the data from previous seasons.

New England gave up 4 300 yard passing games this season (Broncos, Colts, Saints, Dolphins: all losses). Last year, it was 2 (Chargers, Dolphins: 1-1 record). In 2007, it was just 1, but A.J. Feeley was the one doing the carving.

However, the mistake you're making is blaming scheme instead of talent.

 

[mgteich]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

With you defending the defense, it doesn't need enemies.

You have said that the defensive line is adequate, the secondary is fine, the passrush is terrible, and that we need much improvement at ILB asnd OLB.

I have watched those games, more than once.

Where did I mention the word "blitz"? I've never said anything about wanting a blitz-happy, gambling defense. I've said I want a more aggressive defense that can generate more effective pressure, from the middle as well as the outside.

I've defended our defense all season. I've said repeatedly that our offense's inability to convert in the red zone and score 2nd half points cost us games more than our defense. I understand that in today's NFL every defense will give up points.

But we gave up more 300 yard passing games this season than I can remember ever having done. I'll need to go back and look at the data from previous seasons.

I believe that our defense has a solid foundation to build on. I've addressed in my previous post from this thread what I think the needs and areas to address are. I've also said elsewhere on this forum that I thought an interior playmaker like Rolando McClain could make a bigger difference to our defense than any pass rusher. But yes, I also think a more effective pass rush (NOT necessarily a blitz approach) is a critical element to our being more successful next season.

 

[mayoclinic]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

With you defending the defense, it doesn't need enemies.

You have said that the defensive line is adequate, the secondary is fine, the passrush is terrible, and that we need much improvement at ILB asnd OLB.

That seems a bit harsh.

What do you want, polyanna admiration and blind adoration? The defense has some warts on it. It gave up over 200 yards rushing in our biggest game in almost 2 years; it gave up more 300 yard passing games than in the past 2 years combined; it looked like a deer in the headlights against Drew Brees; and it failed to stop Peyton Manning or Matt Schaub with big 4th quarter leads.

In spite of which, I believe we had an above-average defense, and a great nucleus for the future. We have the best secondary we've had since 2003-2004, more speed on defense than I've ever seen us have, and a core group of emerging young playmakers. Our defense with all it's flaws would have been adequate for us to be an elite team if our offense had lived up to expectations. And our defense could easily be elite with a couple of key changes/additions.

 

[Metaphors]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

I'm not sure I understand all these threads that implicitly or explicitly describe how the Pats are in a state of decline with little realistic hope for improvement. Even worse, they seem to suggest that Belichick either is unwilling (traitor) or unable (incompetent) to improve the team.

Instead of arguing that point, how about listing what the Pats have going for them to improve the team:

1) 4 top 50 picks in a very deep 2010 draft
2) 2 top 30 picks in a top-heavy 2011 draft
3) 3 top 100 players from previous drafts that have yet to suit up (Crable, McKenzie, Tate)
4) Enough cap space (assuming a cap is part of the next CBA) to re-sign their own free agents and add a key free agent or two
5) Only 1 bad big-money contract (AD) that will be recycled this off-season. (Note: I don't count Kaczur or Sanders, though some would argue I should)
6) Stable hands-off ownership with the revenue to do pretty much whatever is needed

So people are suggesting the Belichick is going to take a team that (when healthy) is a championship contender with no major age issues, sprinkle in the above assets, and out will pop a team that is worse? I don't get it.

Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

Yep...along with improving every other aspect of the team that hasn't already been addressed.

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

I'm not sure I understand all these threads that implicitly or explicitly describe how the Pats are in a state of decline with little realistic hope for improvement. Even worse, they seem to suggest that Belichick either is unwilling (traitor) or unable (incompetent) to improve the team.

Instead of arguing that point, how about listing what the Pats have going for them to improve the team:

1) 4 top 50 picks in a very deep 2010 draft
2) 2 top 30 picks in a top-heavy 2011 draft
3) 3 top 100 players from previous drafts that have yet to suit up (Crable, McKenzie, Tate)
4) Enough cap space (assuming a cap is part of the next CBA) to re-sign their own free agents and add a key free agent or two
5) Only 1 bad big-money contract (AD) that will be recycled this off-season. (Note: I don't count Kaczur or Sanders, though some would argue I should)
6) Stable hands-off ownership with the revenue to do pretty much whatever is needed

So people are suggesting the Belichick is going to take a team that (when healthy) is a championship contender with no major age issues, sprinkle in the above assets, and out will pop a team that is worse? I don't get it.

Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

Yep...along with improving every other aspect of the team that hasn't already been addressed.

This is patsfans.com. At patsfans.com the only thing that matters is the pass rush. Games are won through the number of sacks.

Points allowed means nothing. It's all about the subjective measurement called the "pass rush".

 

[JoeShmoe]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

That seems a bit harsh.

What do you want, polyanna admiration and blind adoration? The defense has some warts on it. It gave up over 200 yards rushing in our biggest game in almost 2 years; it gave up more 300 yard passing games than in the past 2 years combined; it looked like a deer in the headlights against Drew Brees; and it failed to stop Peyton Manning or Matt Schaub with big 4th quarter leads.

Thing is though, if our offense had converted plays against the colts, dolphins, denver, texans etc we win those games hands dowm. When it mattered most we couldnt keep thor offenses off the field.

Manning against the jets showed that a great QB finds a way whatever packages you throw at them or recievers you shut down

We have a potential GOAT at QB and to me giving him the time, protection and weapons he needs beats out a couple of DE/OLB's who Manning, Brees etc will beat anyway given time in a game

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

Thing is though, if our offense had converted plays against the colts, dolphins, denver, texans etc we win those games hands dowm. When it mattered most we couldnt keep thor offenses off the field.

Manning against the jets showed that a great QB finds a way whatever packages you throw at them or recievers you shut down

We have a potential GOAT at QB and to me giving him the time, protection and weapons he needs beats out a couple of DE/OLB's who Manning, Brees etc will beat anyway given time in a game

Here's the critical point:

All things equal, Brady is a better QB than Manning and Brees. The 2007 offense with three new receivers was truly historic. However, as fans we expect TB to be super human.

TB's 2009 was better than Goober's 2008 "MVP" season. Goober plopped another "one and done" in 2008 and everyone rushes to blame it on no training camp.

TB has a much more severe injury, misses a season yet somehow rehab and minimal chance to work with the receiver corps doesn't apply. Add to that losing Welker.

ACL's are a two year rehab. This offseason gives TB the chance at a full off season and the ability to work with the receivers. Does anyone really think Goober didn't work with Garcon and Collie?

Also, there is a chance that TB might NOT make it all the way back.

If this tean had a 2002-2007 Brady, the Dolts don't get within 2 touchdowns.

 

[Prufrock]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

Did this defense even get any sacks this season? I'm sitting here trying to remember at least one and I can't.

 

[The Dynasty]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

Did this defense even get any sacks this season? I'm sitting here trying to remember at least one and I can't.

The Patriots were actually 23rd in the league in sacks with 31. The Jets were just above them with 32 sacks. That shows that the key to a good defense isnt all about sacks, all you have to do is get pressure on the QB to make him force throws and be uncomfortable

 

[Kontradiction]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

The Patriots were actually 23rd in the league in sacks with 31. The Jets were just above them with 32 sacks. That shows that the key to a good defense isnt all about sacks, all you have to do is get pressure on the QB to make him force throws and be uncomfortable

Exactly. Sacks are good but they aren't the end all of a pass rush. Even if you aren't getting sacks, it would do some good to get QB hits. It's a proven fact that if a QB gets roughed up enough in the pocket, either during or immediately following a throw, he will begin to dance in the pocket and hurry his throws. This season, we didn't really even manage to get hits on the QB on a fairly consistent basis.

 

[captain stone]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

So do you guys think BB will make pass-rushing a priority this offseason?
Or will we be here in August talking up Woods and Crable again?

The latter, I fear.

Bill is unwilling, or incapable, of improving our pass-rush...and I don't know which is worse.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

The latter, I fear.

Bill is unwilling, or incapable, of improving our pass-rush...and I don't know which is worse.

The team was 2nd in the NFL in sacks in 2007.

But your post does serve as a reminder that the silly season has begun, so thanks for that.

 

[celticboy04]

Re: Will BB attempt to fix the passrush?

Exactly. Sacks are good but they aren't the end all of a pass rush. Even if you aren't getting sacks, it would do some good to get QB hits. It's a proven fact that if a QB gets roughed up enough in the pocket, either during or immediately following a throw, he will begin to dance in the pocket and hurry his throws. This season, we didn't really even manage to get hits on the QB on a fairly consistent basis.

The team was 2nd in the NFL in sacks in 2007.

But your post does serve as a reminder that the silly season has begun, so thanks for that.

Greetings,
I tried to tell some people on this board these points a few times, but was met with many counter-arguments like those points did not matter. I guess with many people sacks are sexy because they are numbers. I even brought up how the Pats finished second in sacks in 2007, but many people acted is if it was a worthless fact. Now I am not going to sit up here and act like this team does not need an upgrade with the pass rush, but some people think that is the ONLY area that needs improvement.
Shalom,
Celticboy04