- Joined
- May 1, 2008
- Messages
- 16,682
- Reaction score
- 3,686
I think when we've struggled vs the run it's been one of two things.
1. Our de's did a poor job of setting the edge. That's a technique issue not an athletic one. The 2 Jets games are perfect examples of this. Horrible play from the de's.
2. The zone blocking just gets a hat on a hat. The rb looks for the hole. While the fatties are good at the point of attack. They have struggled getting off the block and don't have the movement skills to make the tackle. Really evident against Baltimore in the playoff game. Teams don't run ISO's and attack a hole any more. With some exceptions. I just feel the desire to get the next VW is like fighting the last war. Not, the next one. Just my .02. I like Hardison and Edwards. I think either one might work in the type of DT I would prefer. I also wouldn't mind a one-trick pony as our 9th DL. A speed rusher who comes in on 3rd down and just tries to turn the corner. Maybe, Michael Buchanan can be that guy. Make the qb move. Hope Easley and a new DT are quick enough to track him down.
I like the idea of quickness to the hole, even if it means giving up something at the POA. I rather agree with you that "the desire to get the next VW is like fighting the last war". I like Eddie Goldman because of his movement skills, but I'm think that even more mobile and explosive guys like Edwards and Hardison might be the way to go, and cheaper. Easley, Hardison and Edwards plus Chris Jones or Zach Moore as a DE/DT would be a nice group, and then have Siliga and Branch/Wilfork as the wide bodies.
I like the "interchangeable parts" defense. Someone like Max Valles would be my preference to add as an EDGE player with versatility and movement skills. Jones, Ninkovich, Highertower Collins, Ayers and Valles/Buchanan could be the EDGE guys along with Mayo (at a reduced cap hit) and Casillas as off-LOS LBs.