the VG board football thread (2 Viewers)

[The Mongoose]

I still expect ups and down from here on out. They have a few stinkers planned for us I'm sure.

Also not convinced Cam Jordan's level of effort will remain like this all year. He's been critical to the defensive improvement, but I think he has that Charles Grant lazy gene somewhere in him.

 

[St. Widge]

I still expect ups and down from here on out. They have a few stinkers planned for us I'm sure.

And that was my point above. This is a team in transition so you are going to see some great games/halves and some bad games/halves. Because we have Brees in his last few years, we are having to rebuild on the move. It's difficult because we have so much money tied up in Brees, that it's hard to pay other positions that we need. Normally, you just start from scratch, but that isn't happening as long as Brees is here. That will make the process more difficult and more hit or miss, but I think it's worth it to take your last few shots with a franchise QB.

But, there is hope for the future with some of the young defensive players and a few on offense. But, this team still badly needs an infusion of young talent. Specifically, they need some help at Guard, pass rusher (whether DE or OLB), WR, TE and DT. The problem is that you never know how long Brees has left at his age so you are hoping that the young talent they have can grow up fast and that the young talent they need grows up even faster.

Once Brees is gone, you go into an era where you are looking for a QB that you can build around. That is unless Grayson can develop into a great QB. I don't see it at this point, but maybe he just needs some time to develop.

 

[buzd]

Also not convinced Cam Jordan's level of effort will remain like this all year. He's been critical to the defensive improvement, but I think he has that Charles Grant lazy gene somewhere in him.

Well I don't know much about football, but in Cam's case, I think we sacrifice some pass rush benefit for having a more complete end who can also play the run.

Also, on Sunday in the first half, it seemed like the Saints were almost playing a 5 man front. Maybe it was technically 4 man plus a blitzer, but they were consistently rushing the passer with 5, and that's where Cam was getting his sacks. Later in the game, he wasn't nearly effective in the 4 man rush (although I think that is probably compounded by fatigue and the fact we were basically in a prevent defense.

I think Cam's pass rush (and the DLine in general) also suffers from the fact that we don't have another dedicated pass rush specialist (I'm going to avoid saying "pure pass rusher") - I hate to say it (because I'm glad he's gone), but a Gallette type. I like our young DLine, but there isn't anyone else who going to get consistent pressure to free up Cam.

RR had a good scheme for the first half yesterday. I hope that's not the only trick in his bag.

 

[The Mongoose]

They also seemed to have moved Cam inside on passing downs and he's causing a lot more trouble there.

 

[St. Widge]

They also seemed to have moved Cam inside on passing downs and he's causing a lot more trouble there.

He was always a bit of a tweener. He isn't a speed rush guy at 300 Lbs., but he isn't really big enough to play inside full time. The truth is he is more of a 3-4 DE that can penetrate. It makes sense using him inside on passing downs because he can push the pocket when he doesn't have to worry about the run against an OG or C. And on normal downs he can get decent push and the occasional effort sack (when he cares enough) all while being very good at setting the edge and playing the run. The problem is that he is kind of a one trick pony in pass rushing. He either wins with power and effort or he gets stuffed.

But, like Buzd said, we still need an outside speed rusher. Kikaha is a nice player, but most of his pressures and sacks come on effort and cleaning up when the play breaks down. That's a great guy to have, but he's not going to go one on one with only 4 people rushing and blow past a LT or RT for a sack very often.

 

[kcirdor]

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[zeetes]

what an awesome ******* game

 

[Benimaru]

me gusta

 

[Saint_Ward]

I think this thread belongs in the Madden sub forum after that game...

 

[antipop]

well, that was a pretty good comeback

 

[whodatfever]

The Falcon DB's were smacking the Patriot's receivers in the butt at one point as if to say "thanks for showing up".

So deserved.

 

[St. Widge]

The Falcon DB's were smacking the Patriot's receivers in the butt at one point as if to say "thanks for showing up".

So deserved.

Always so focused on dude's butts.

 

[Saint_Ward]

My desire for the Falcons to lose obviously was far stronger than my dislike for the Patriots.

 

[The Mongoose]

Always so focused on dude's butts.

This is a great observation.

 

[uproar90]

This is a great observation.

It's interesting that you noticed, eh?