Our Rush defense

[gkekoa]

I decided to look at our rush defense and find out why we were so bad. So I went to outsiders and got some interesting statistics.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2015 DEFENSIVE LINES


Notice how bad we are when we get away from the DL. We are ranked 30 in both 2nd layer and the open field. This screams poor LB and secondary play.

We are actually ranked number one in run defense on short yardage situations.

We are ranked 20 in splash plays for the DL..


So, for all the hate our DL has got, I admit it isn't great, perhaps it isn't as bad as some of you believe.

 

[Sharkinva]

I decided to look at our rush defense and find out why we were so bad. So I went to outsiders and got some interesting statistics.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | 2015 DEFENSIVE LINES


Notice how bad we are when we get away from the DL. We are ranked 30 in both 2nd layer and the open field. This screams poor LB and secondary play.

We are actually ranked number one in run defense on short yardage situations.

We are ranked 20 in splash plays for the DL..


So, for all the hate our DL has got, I admit it isn't great, perhaps it isn't as bad as some of you believe.

Two things you are glossing over.

1. Second level plays usually means that the first level (The D-line) whiffed.
2. The talent level from last year to this year has likely taken a drop.

But sure we will be fine with Baker who is a 2nd tier D-line starter, Paea and Reyes who are also 2nd tier at best.. and Murphy, RJF and the rest of the backup/rotationals

 

[gkekoa]

Two things you are glossing over.

1. Second level plays usually means that the first level (The D-line) whiffed.
2. The talent level from last year to this year has likely taken a drop.

But sure we will be fine with Baker who is a 2nd tier D-line starter, Paea and Reyes who are also 2nd tier at best.. and Murphy, RJF and the rest of the backup/rotationals

You are overlooking a huge key...the first level is supposed to occupy blockers more than make plays.

If you count health, I think the talent level will actually be better.

 

[Sharkinva]

You are overlooking a huge key...the first level is supposed to occupy blockers more than make plays.

If you count health, I think the talent level will actually be better.

Problem is, the first level DIDNT occupy blockers, thus they got to the second and in some cases the third level.

And all the health in the world doesnt turn a bunch of backups and second tier players into real starters. Yes Paea and Reyes will likely start. But as I have said before, if a guy is starting mainly because we have no one capable of doing better, this is not a positive thing.

 

[Burnsie]

We stopped the run well when Pot Roast was in the game like on short yardage situations. However he only played 30-35% of the snaps because he was not nearly as effective in the passing game or during normal down/distance. Basically because he couldn't rush the passer or push the pocket inside. So teams would run very well against us in these situations. They would use this as a key match-up/strategy when game planning and attacking us.

I have a feeling this will only be solved with another year or two of continued upgrading of personnel with SM at the helm. Unless Joe Barry can find ways to start run blitzing much more or setup game plans to take away the run. Hopefully with much better secondary play, more pressure from Gallette & Murphy (been moved to DE) and with the additions of Norman and our draft picks, he will have many more options to scheme against opposing offenses. Last year he just did not have that many options with the weak line and secondary play.

 

[Stymietee]

"Uneasy lies the head that wears (a) the crown"

 

[gkekoa]

I am not saying we are going to be great against the run. I am saying we will be better because we will tackle better in the secondary.

 

[Ritzarmy]

Can we still sign NT Dominique Easley who is only 24? Yes he has been hurt in the past but I feel he is a risk we should take if he is still is a FA.

 

[j_y19]

I am not saying we are going to be great against the run. I am saying we will be better because we will tackle better in the secondary.

Both you and shark are right. We have vastly improved our secondary in the last week which will help in terms of limiting the big runs. But we didn't do much to fix the DL. I see it as a wash and will probably field a front 7 with the same level of talent as last year. We should probably expect to still be in the bottom half of the league in run defense. It's a bit disappointing we couldn't address it with one of the top tier DTs in the draft. However, we picked up a couple of intriguing prospects in the latter rounds that play the run very well. Ioanndis is a rock it taking on double teams and rarely gets pushed back. And Daniels absoutely just blows up running plays. We just need to see if they can transfer those skills to the next level.

We all knew we couldn't fix all our holes this draft. But we definitely improved our talent level overall as a team. In fact, the only pick I didn't like was the QB we took. He is really kinda weak and probably a wasted pick.

 

[gkekoa]

Both you and shark are right. We have vastly improved our secondary in the last week which will help in terms of limiting the big runs. But we didn't do much to fix the DL. I see it as a wash and will probably field a front 7 with the same level of talent as last year. We should probably expect to still be in the bottom half of the league in run defense. It's a bit disappointing we couldn't address it with one of the top tier DTs in the draft. However, we picked up a couple of intriguing prospects in the latter rounds that play the run very well. Ioanndis is a rock it taking on double teams and rarely gets pushed back. And Daniels absoutely just blows up running plays. We just need to see if they can transfer those skills to the next level.

We all knew we couldn't fix all our holes this draft. But we definitely improved our talent level overall as a team. In fact, the only pick I didn't like was the QB we took. He is really kinda weak and probably a wasted pick.

I don't discount Shark being right about our DL. It isn't great or even good. My difference comes on how much those second round DL would have improved that line. I would not be surprised if Ioannidis plays almost as well as Reed and Robinson. Neither of those players produced in college like their athletic talent says they should and that was playing alongside each other.

As for the QB pick, he is a project no doubt. But he was drafted to be a third QB today and a project to become a backup.