BobDigital
Pro Bowl Player
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2013
- Messages
- 16,350
- Reaction score
- 15,044
I think we are too quick to hit the panic button on this unit.
It is true they got run on pretty well. Some of that was lost contains that are uncharacteristic for Nink and Sheard (or so i hear) and some of it was how undersized they decided to go. Honestly I feel that can all be cleaned up at will with a little more disciple (and maybe a few deserved holding calls) and personnel changes.
When we did go with our bigs the run was not an issue.
The lack of pass rush is a tiny bit concerning but the Patriots did get some sacks vs a very hard QB to sack and rarely brought more than 4 IIRC. Also the front 7 in general was fairly off this game (really only Hightower seemed to be 100% on his game). I see it as first game issues and expect Jones, Collins, Nink, ect... to step it up as the year goes on.
The back 4 or 5 depending is going to be a work in progress and a lot there will depend on how Butler comes along as the year goes. McCourty with a missed pick he usually gets. Brown/Fletcher look as advertised for better or worse. I just am not concerned.
A lot of vets were not their usual selves and a lot of rookies and young players have room to grow. Frankly I expect this to be in the bottom quarter of performances we will see from this unit all year.
It is true they got run on pretty well. Some of that was lost contains that are uncharacteristic for Nink and Sheard (or so i hear) and some of it was how undersized they decided to go. Honestly I feel that can all be cleaned up at will with a little more disciple (and maybe a few deserved holding calls) and personnel changes.
When we did go with our bigs the run was not an issue.
The lack of pass rush is a tiny bit concerning but the Patriots did get some sacks vs a very hard QB to sack and rarely brought more than 4 IIRC. Also the front 7 in general was fairly off this game (really only Hightower seemed to be 100% on his game). I see it as first game issues and expect Jones, Collins, Nink, ect... to step it up as the year goes on.
The back 4 or 5 depending is going to be a work in progress and a lot there will depend on how Butler comes along as the year goes. McCourty with a missed pick he usually gets. Brown/Fletcher look as advertised for better or worse. I just am not concerned.
A lot of vets were not their usual selves and a lot of rookies and young players have room to grow. Frankly I expect this to be in the bottom quarter of performances we will see from this unit all year.