everlong
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
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can't overhaul both sides at the same time and expect to compete.
It was a philosophical overhaul more than a personnel.
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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.can't overhaul both sides at the same time and expect to compete.
Very interesting topic, Fencer. Thanks for bringing it up. I think that the game has really changed over the past half dozen years. Back when BB was with Parcells it all started up front from them. Big, strong and tough were what they were looking for. As the game has become so much more athletically focused, that kind of thinking has become passe.
If BB has one great asset over all others its getting ahead of the curve, and be willing to make radical changes to implement it. Think about it, it was BB who made the slot reciever a major component of an offense It was BB who redefined the TE position and what they can mean to an offense. BB ran the 3-4 defense long before it became the predominate base that it has. He was among the first to dump the FB as a necessary position....and I could go on.
Now BB is signalling the end of 'big fatty", formally one of his favorite kind of players. Spread offenses, read options, very mobile athletic QB's all necessitate a more mobile athletic defensive lineman. BB evidently sees a time where sub 300lb DT's like Armstead will thrive, and guys like Cunningham at 260lbs can be of use on the inside in certain packages.
Now, personally I think the current "read option" craze will have the life span of the run and shoot, and will be nothing more than trick play within 5 years, but the fact is that it will be a reality for next few years and BB is getting ready for it.
I am really looking forward to seeing how radically this defense will change week to week this year. We finally have the depth at LB and in secondary to really open the play book this year and truly be the "week to week" defense that we say a few years ago.
Or at least that's one point of view.
I am really looking forward to seeing how radically this defense will change week to week this year. We finally have the depth at LB and in secondary to really open the play book this year and truly be the "week to week" defense that we say a few years ago.
Or at least that's one point of view.
I agree that Belichick is looking at the read option offenses and is going to configure his defenses to be able to deal with it but I am not so sure about it being a "craze," and i think the life expectancy of it is going to rest on how well these young QB's throw out of it. If players like RGIII, Russell Wilson, and Kaepernick continue to throw the way they did last season I see no reason coaches will go away from it.
Bill Belichick, Vince Wilfork, and the New England Patriots defense - Grantland
That may be the article referenced in the original post.
Looks to this observer that the Patriots are loading up on athletes in the front 7, without real regard to traditional notions of d-line play. The Giants have made that work with their NASCAR package. The Patriots drafting of Collins hints at trying to flood the front seven with athletes.
Jones, Collins, Armstead, Mayo, Hightower, et al...this is probably the most athletic, in terms of sheer natural talent, that the front seven has been in the Belichick era. Guys like Francis and Cunningham have shown some pass rush ability from the interior, and it certainly appears that the Pats are clamoring for more speed on the field.
Also, the releases of Love and Deaderick certainly won't slow down the momentum of those who feel Seymour may be on his way back. I remain skeptical, but wouldn't exactly kick him out of bed for eating crackers.
Buchanon was generally considered a borderline 1st Rounder 8 months ago, Bro.
I think the issue for the "read option" will be less about how the QB's throw off that look, and more about how long they can stay on the field.I agree that Belichick is looking at the read option offenses and is going to configure his defenses to be able to deal with it but I am not so sure about it being a "craze," and i think the life expectancy of it is going to rest on how well these young QB's throw out of it. If players like RGIII, Russell Wilson, and Kaepernick continue to throw the way they did last season I see no reason coaches will go away from it.
I think the issue for the "read option" will be less about how the QB's throw off that look, and more about how long they can stay on the field.
Ironically he was cutting edge on the offense side of the ball but thought he could still make his old defense work and is just getting to the part 6 years later. If only they had retooled the defense at the same time....