That's great it starts with an earthquake

[jays52]

Jay...you said to "trust Mccourty, he will right the ship. He will" What have u seen from McCourty this year that makes you believe that? I hope you are right....I loved watching the guy last year. But, i'm starting to think that he benefitted ALOT from the play of Merriweather and Sanders and they covered up some of his weaknesses. Now he IS the guy....without much help. Chung is good but seems to be a little slow at times (maybe still after effects from injury?) But other than chung u have a bunch of jags playing with him. Curious as to your thoughts here....thanks

I saw some stuff earlier in the year when he was playing more man that made me think his game just needed some tweaking. Essentially McCourty's game is trail and close. It's a hallmark of a lot of excellent long armed corners and he played it extremely well last year. Basically the corner baits the throw by letting the receiver get a step on him, then closes as the ball is in flight and ultimately places himself between the receiver and the ball. In order to play this correctly, you have to take your eyes off of the receiver and play the ball while still sensing your opponent.

McCourty has incredible closing speed. I first saw it last preseason when Donnie Avery (one of the fastest, quickest players) beat him on a double move. While completely roasted, McCourty recovered in time to still be able to make the tackle and saved a sure TD. This year he was always in position to make a play on the ball, he just wasn't getting his head and hips around to the ball in time. While guys were catching a lot of balls on him, he was right inntheir hip pocket and never shaken. He was never getting torched, just not playing like he is capable of doing. It wasn't a physical issue nor a scheme issue, just a minor tweak in technique. That kind of thing is a fixable issue, not a limiting trait. Having seen that, I still believe that he has an elite ceiling, and was on the verge of returning to form.

Towards the safeties thing. Yes, obviously communication helps, but safety/corner interaction isn't like an offensive concept where having a will open up b. Even in a fairly safe defense like a cover-2, there are areas where offenses will try to drop the ball to escape the safeties and put the ball on a one on one matchup. Also, last year the patriots mixed in a lot of cover-3 looks to place Chung in an advantageous position to make plays in the intermediate areas. In a cover-3, your two outside corners and free safety are the upper shell of the defense, so McCourty wouldn't be getting any safety help. Ultimately, safety help restricts the number of routes the receiver can make, not his ability to run them. It allows the corner to focus on for example outside breaks only, or to be more aggressive in jumping the hard intermediate cuts. This year McCourty wasn't getting out of position, nor struggling to prevent separation. Those would be indicative of needing safety help. His issue was simply to get his head around and play the ball. Which, again, is usually an easy fix. Hence my frustration with giving up on him so quickly.

 

[Patriot Missile]

This team is what is. I still am in the position that they are rebuilding. There is no way that any coach puts a secondary out there as bad as this one with a minimal pass rush like the one we are seeing. I'm pretty sure BB is aware that this defense blows. Problem is we have to live with watching it against superior passing teams.

Look, our record has been spectacular over the last decade overall and yes, only losers expect mediocrity. But all they have to do is get better with what they got. Is it enough? I don't think so. If 10-6 to 12-4 and no superbowl is sucking I don't what to tell you. Everyone claims last year was our rebuilding year and all proud of the fact that 14-2 was our record. Really? Just 1 year to rebuild? Get real.

My bottom line is Brady still has 4-5 years left of good football in him. That's plenty of time to right this wreck of a defense and rebuild back it into a contender with balance on all three sides of the ball.

Now if this years draft comes up and BB decides that the value of the offensive players outweighs the defensive or claims the defensive class is just too weak to justify then I'm going %^&*($g ape$#@!. I will be the first one calling for his gm rights to be pulled. He's earned quite a bit of leverage with all his accomplishments but that would absolutely piss me off unless he has some nice free agents lined up of course.

Anyway we still have a 5-2 record and a real good shot at the playoffs. If this defense can improve we have a good shot to go a long way. I'm hoping, but I also realize we do have limitations because of the rebuilding that needs to be done.

 

[TheSolderKing]

where is the GRIT???


that is all I have to say. I hate to be a Debby Downer, but these Past drafts minus the year before last were not very good at all.


I love the REM intro/ [your] title Bro I haven't scanned thread (not sure if anyone caught on)


R.E.M. - It's The End Of The World - YouTube


it kind of feels like it on here, huh?

 

[Ring 6]

We'll agree to disagree on that one for the moment. By the end of the year, you might be right.

But right now - I think there is a formula for teams to defeat this time IF they have the personnel to pull it off. There are between 3-5 teams with that personnel, unfortunately, they are also the league's elite and stand between us and another Super Bowl.

A plethora of things can happen between now and January to break that. Some things as simple as Devin McCourty returning to form; Haynesworth breaking out; Cunningham evolving and contributing; Taylor Price emerging...any one of these things would add a new dimension that helps redefine our team.

OK, so your argument is that a team coming out and playing a defense that is totally out of character with anything they have ever done before and having some success is a blueprint before you see the counter the offense makes when it sees it again and is prepared? Really?
The offense put up 17 points in 20 minutes of top. That is more on a defense that couldn't force a punt than the offense being figured out. The offense was not its typical best in the league, but it was good enough to win a football game if the defense had simply a decent day. Lets not confuse what is really going on with what gives you a reason to complain.

 

[Ring 6]

I saw some stuff earlier in the year when he was playing more man that made me think his game just needed some tweaking. Essentially McCourty's game is trail and close. It's a hallmark of a lot of excellent long armed corners and he played it extremely well last year. Basically the corner baits the throw by letting the receiver get a step on him, then closes as the ball is in flight and ultimately places himself between the receiver and the ball. In order to play this correctly, you have to take your eyes off of the receiver and play the ball while still sensing your opponent.

McCourty has incredible closing speed. I first saw it last preseason when Donnie Avery (one of the fastest, quickest players) beat him on a double move. While completely roasted, McCourty recovered in time to still be able to make the tackle and saved a sure TD. This year he was always in position to make a play on the ball, he just wasn't getting his head and hips around to the ball in time. While guys were catching a lot of balls on him, he was right inntheir hip pocket and never shaken. He was never getting torched, just not playing like he is capable of doing. It wasn't a physical issue nor a scheme issue, just a minor tweak in technique. That kind of thing is a fixable issue, not a limiting trait. Having seen that, I still believe that he has an elite ceiling, and was on the verge of returning to form.

Towards the safeties thing. Yes, obviously communication helps, but safety/corner interaction isn't like an offensive concept where having a will open up b. Even in a fairly safe defense like a cover-2, there are areas where offenses will try to drop the ball to escape the safeties and put the ball on a one on one matchup. Also, last year the patriots mixed in a lot of cover-3 looks to place Chung in an advantageous position to make plays in the intermediate areas. In a cover-3, your two outside corners and free safety are the upper shell of the defense, so McCourty wouldn't be getting any safety help. Ultimately, safety help restricts the number of routes the receiver can make, not his ability to run them. It allows the corner to focus on for example outside breaks only, or to be more aggressive in jumping the hard intermediate cuts. This year McCourty wasn't getting out of position, nor struggling to prevent separation. Those would be indicative of needing safety help. His issue was simply to get his head around and play the ball. Which, again, is usually an easy fix. Hence my frustration with giving up on him so quickly.

Now THATS the Jay content we love.

 

[Off The Grid]

I saw some stuff earlier in the year when he was playing more man that made me think his game just needed some tweaking. Essentially McCourty's game is trail and close. It's a hallmark of a lot of excellent long armed corners and he played it extremely well last year. Basically the corner baits the throw by letting the receiver get a step on him, then closes as the ball is in flight and ultimately places himself between the receiver and the ball. In order to play this correctly, you have to take your eyes off of the receiver and play the ball while still sensing your opponent.

McCourty has incredible closing speed. I first saw it last preseason when Donnie Avery (one of the fastest, quickest players) beat him on a double move. While completely roasted, McCourty recovered in time to still be able to make the tackle and saved a sure TD. This year he was always in position to make a play on the ball, he just wasn't getting his head and hips around to the ball in time. While guys were catching a lot of balls on him, he was right inntheir hip pocket and never shaken. He was never getting torched, just not playing like he is capable of doing. It wasn't a physical issue nor a scheme issue, just a minor tweak in technique. That kind of thing is a fixable issue, not a limiting trait. Having seen that, I still believe that he has an elite ceiling, and was on the verge of returning to form.

Towards the safeties thing. Yes, obviously communication helps, but safety/corner interaction isn't like an offensive concept where having a will open up b. Even in a fairly safe defense like a cover-2, there are areas where offenses will try to drop the ball to escape the safeties and put the ball on a one on one matchup. Also, last year the patriots mixed in a lot of cover-3 looks to place Chung in an advantageous position to make plays in the intermediate areas. In a cover-3, your two outside corners and free safety are the upper shell of the defense, so McCourty wouldn't be getting any safety help. Ultimately, safety help restricts the number of routes the receiver can make, not his ability to run them. It allows the corner to focus on for example outside breaks only, or to be more aggressive in jumping the hard intermediate cuts. This year McCourty wasn't getting out of position, nor struggling to prevent separation. Those would be indicative of needing safety help. His issue was simply to get his head around and play the ball. Which, again, is usually an easy fix. Hence my frustration with giving up on him so quickly.

Exquisite.

My apologies, sir, if my defense of you ~ particularly in light of your incredibly classy response to the rude words that I found inexcusably offensive ~ or my fawning admiration embarrasses you. At least I can say that it is clearly evident that I'm not the only one around here who admires your Work. For the common good, I will place AJ on "Block", and let him have the last word, albeit words I won't have the privilege of reading!!

 

[Off The Grid]

Thank you for the moron view.

No need to get your undies in a bunch.

I can't say I'm surprised or disappointed that you responded to my calling you on your rude response to the OP ~ and my reminder to you of how far below his level of work yours is ~ with a nasty insult.

The truth clearly hurts ~ as evident by the jealousy infusing your insulting response ("you mailed this one in") to his rich, thoughtfull, and textured OP...but you're just not in his league, pal.

Nor do I suggest...am I.

*Evidently, I can't "ignore" you, because somebody made you a Moderator.

I shall do so manually.

Peace.

 

[Ring 6]

No need to get your undies in a bunch.

I can't say I'm surprised or disappointed that you responded to my calling you on your rude response to the OP ~ and my reminder to you of how far below his level of work yours is ~ with a nasty insult.

The truth clearly hurts ~ as evident by the jealousy infusing your insulting response ("you mailed this one in") to his rich, thoughtfull, and textured OP...but you're just not in his league, pal.

Nor do I suggest...am I.

*Evidently, I can't "ignore" you, because somebody made you a Moderator.

I shall do so manually.

Peace.

Wait, this comes after you said you were not responding to me and giving me that last word. So here's the last word:

You are entitled to whatever opinion you choose to have, as am I.

 

[ausbacker]

Now THATS the Jay content we love.

I had no issue with jays52's original post and subsequent posting. It seems that it's only been problematic for you. jays52 is an elite poster, something you should take note of.

 

[stcjones]

Thanks alot for such an indepth and informative reply.....really appreciate it. Do u or have you ever coached? You have a great understanding of the game and great ability to explain complex things in simple terms!

I saw some stuff earlier in the year when he was playing more man that made me think his game just needed some tweaking. Essentially McCourty's game is trail and close. It's a hallmark of a lot of excellent long armed corners and he played it extremely well last year. Basically the corner baits the throw by letting the receiver get a step on him, then closes as the ball is in flight and ultimately places himself between the receiver and the ball. In order to play this correctly, you have to take your eyes off of the receiver and play the ball while still sensing your opponent.

McCourty has incredible closing speed. I first saw it last preseason when Donnie Avery (one of the fastest, quickest players) beat him on a double move. While completely roasted, McCourty recovered in time to still be able to make the tackle and saved a sure TD. This year he was always in position to make a play on the ball, he just wasn't getting his head and hips around to the ball in time. While guys were catching a lot of balls on him, he was right inntheir hip pocket and never shaken. He was never getting torched, just not playing like he is capable of doing. It wasn't a physical issue nor a scheme issue, just a minor tweak in technique. That kind of thing is a fixable issue, not a limiting trait. Having seen that, I still believe that he has an elite ceiling, and was on the verge of returning to form.

Towards the safeties thing. Yes, obviously communication helps, but safety/corner interaction isn't like an offensive concept where having a will open up b. Even in a fairly safe defense like a cover-2, there are areas where offenses will try to drop the ball to escape the safeties and put the ball on a one on one matchup. Also, last year the patriots mixed in a lot of cover-3 looks to place Chung in an advantageous position to make plays in the intermediate areas. In a cover-3, your two outside corners and free safety are the upper shell of the defense, so McCourty wouldn't be getting any safety help. Ultimately, safety help restricts the number of routes the receiver can make, not his ability to run them. It allows the corner to focus on for example outside breaks only, or to be more aggressive in jumping the hard intermediate cuts. This year McCourty wasn't getting out of position, nor struggling to prevent separation. Those would be indicative of needing safety help. His issue was simply to get his head around and play the ball. Which, again, is usually an easy fix. Hence my frustration with giving up on him so quickly.

 

[Kontradiction]

its getting abit annoying that anyone who doesnt succumb to the "sky is falling" thought process is a "homer"

realistically, we have alot of problems on defense...and unless we improve in some areas we arent going to go far in the playoffs.

but, alot of posters tend to oversensationalize when we lose...we are still 5-2, maybe 6-2 after next week...no team is without large flaws in the afc this year.

for as many yards as we are giving up, you would think that teams are scoring 30+ on us....but we are middle of the pack with 20or so points...and a large part of that is that we have a good redzone defense that limits our opponents to a turnover or 3pts.

can we ever fix this defense into a Ravents type D?? no....but you can take areas and try and turn them into a strength and that helps mask the weakness'

two areas we can improve on that will greatly help our secondary is

1. Pass rush- we have a good D-line, its starting to come through but just not consistently enough where we force the QB to make quick and bad decisions. if that can come together, our problems in the secondary will be greatly masked

2. 3rd down defense/tackling--these are issues that can be improved with coaching/more familiarity. you get a couple extra 3rd down stops, we have an opportunity to beat the steelers.


on Offense: anyone who calls this a "high school offense" obviously hasnt watched any Jets of Ravens games.

right now, we probably have one of the most dynamic offenses in ways we can attack you. we can air it out, or run it down your throats...dont forget we beat the Jets by a ground and pound approach.

what is killing us now is that we are missing a deep threat...teams have figured out to crowd the middle and play tight man, because most of our WR/TE cant get enough separation..

the one promising aspect to solve this though.....Taylor Price. he was WIDE OPEN deep and able to get separation on a good corner. if Brady doesnt underthrow, thats a TD...he did more with 7opportunities to show he should get more playing time than Ocho did with his even more opportunities....if he can play up to the potential we saw in the pre-season...we can solve that problem because we would have a speedy young WR who can beat man coverage

its never as good as it looks after a win, but its also never as bad as it looks after a loss...

The red zone defense is the only thing that gives me hope for that side of the ball. It's no coincidence that the defense tightens up in the red zone when Haynesworth comes in. I'd like to see him play more (back injuries might prevent that, but we'll see) and Devin McCourty remember just who the hell he is. If that happens, the pass defense should improve at least marginally. With that said, our nickel corners will still suck pretty hard and the safety position is a huge flaw.

 

[Ring 6]

I had no issue with jays52's original post and subsequent posting. It seems that it's only been problematic for you. jays52 is an elite poster, something you should take note of.

Jay is a fine poster with a lot of knowledge. That does not mean he is correct about everything he posts. You are allowed to think for yourself, something you should take note of.

 

[jays52]

Exquisite.

My apologies, sir, if my defense of you ~ particularly in light of your incredibly classy response to the rude words that I found inexcusably offensive ~ or my fawning admiration embarrasses you. At least I can say that it is clearly evident that I'm not the only one around here who admires your Work. For the common good, I will place AJ on "Block", and let him have the last word, albeit words I won't have the privilege of reading!!

Hahahaha don't be silly, man. You're OTG. You've only got one speed and that is kill. Don't worry dude, I simply read that as "Don't harsh on Jay, I likehis posts!!!!". As always the support is appreciated and mutual.

 

[jays52]

Thanks alot for such an indepth and informative reply.....really appreciate it. Do u or have you ever coached? You have a great understanding of the game and great ability to explain complex things in simple terms!

Thanks a bunch man, and I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I've been swamped with the big boy job lately. That's a very nice compliment and I really appreciate it. At one time in my life, yes I had the opportunity to be a coach. That said, life reared her ugly head and I was given a choice between what I wanted and what was best for someone I had just met. Personal goals vs availability and availability won. So now I'm but a lowly software guy and fishing guide. I do some consulting for my friends who coach and that helps saciate the need, and I've designed some pretty highly ranked defenses as well as offenses. Ultimately validations all most of us seek so seeing the success of the kids is all I need. Again, thanks for the compliment. You're clearly a very bright poster and I really appreciate it

 

[ausbacker]

Jay is a fine poster with a lot of knowledge. That does not mean he is correct about everything he posts. You are allowed to think for yourself, something you should take note of.

I'll back jays52 over you, if that's what you're proposing.

 

[jays52]

Jay is a fine poster with a lot of knowledge. That does not mean he is correct about everything he posts. You are allowed to think for yourself, something you should take note of.

With the exception of "something you should take note of", I agree 100%. you're a valuable, knowledgeable poster, Andy, and I appreciate the differing opinion. it makes me revaluate mine and ultimately gives us both a better opinion.

 

[Ring 6]

With the exception of "something you should take note of", I agree 100%. you're a valuable, knowledgeable poster, Andy, and I appreciate the differing opinion. it makes me revaluate mine and ultimately gives us both a better opinion.

Thanks, thats just how I feel, my wisecrack aside.
Hell, we have one of the handful of greatest coaches/GMs in NFL history, who has had as much success as just about anyone, and people are saying he should be fire because of his decisions, so I don't know how anyone could expect there to be any opinion that has no room for disagreement.