- Moderator
- #1
- Joined
- Aug 8, 1997
- Messages
- 13,744
- Reaction score
- 17,561
- Age
- 58
Offline
I think there is no doubt that coach Payton have decided that this is the time to build a defense. Even when there have been some personel additions during this administration, I think both Payton and Gibbs are considering that they will starting to build from square one.
Now, this is the time when we get excited by the physical abilities and playing of different free agents and rookies. I think however that it is important to understand the design of the defense to then recognize which pieces fit the puzzle better.
For what we have seen during Gibbs' tenure, the scheme is based on stopping the run the first two downs, then to press mainly with linemen and to keep linebackers in support at passing downs. On running downs the safeties are play more on left and right side instead of the classic alignement of strong and free safety. On coverage the safeties play based on assignements more then one playing outfielder and the other supporting the linebackers in the middle. The corners should be aggresive attacking the receivers, and able to keep man coverage, sometimes without much support on first and second downs.
Based on all that I have some questions to ask:
1) On the defensive line, what is more important, to get a disruptive tandem of takles or big ones that can protect the linebackers and safeties to make plays?
2) What kind of linebackers do we need? If we opt for a disruptive tackle is it better to get a big strong middle linebacker who will be able to shed blocks?, If we get a big body can we leave with a MIKE like Vilma (even Rivers who is a WILL) that are not as big but are quick to hit the runner? With relatively small tackles how much a guy like Lance Briggs will really contribute to our defense?
3) Is it really a priority to spend a first rounder on a safety? I know Phillips is a playmaker but will he be able to shine in a scheme where he won't be as free to roam all over the field as an outfielder?
4) Since our defense is not based on attacking from different positions, even when we have a lot of money invested in our ends, wouldn't it make sense to bring a pass rush specialist, even when he would play only in second and third downs?
Payton has said that he finished the evaluation of players. Obviously he also have done the same with his coaches. I really hope that Loomis, Payton and Gibbs have a very clear idea on where to spend the free agency money and then to draft according to players that fit the design of the scheme.
Now, this is the time when we get excited by the physical abilities and playing of different free agents and rookies. I think however that it is important to understand the design of the defense to then recognize which pieces fit the puzzle better.
For what we have seen during Gibbs' tenure, the scheme is based on stopping the run the first two downs, then to press mainly with linemen and to keep linebackers in support at passing downs. On running downs the safeties are play more on left and right side instead of the classic alignement of strong and free safety. On coverage the safeties play based on assignements more then one playing outfielder and the other supporting the linebackers in the middle. The corners should be aggresive attacking the receivers, and able to keep man coverage, sometimes without much support on first and second downs.
Based on all that I have some questions to ask:
1) On the defensive line, what is more important, to get a disruptive tandem of takles or big ones that can protect the linebackers and safeties to make plays?
2) What kind of linebackers do we need? If we opt for a disruptive tackle is it better to get a big strong middle linebacker who will be able to shed blocks?, If we get a big body can we leave with a MIKE like Vilma (even Rivers who is a WILL) that are not as big but are quick to hit the runner? With relatively small tackles how much a guy like Lance Briggs will really contribute to our defense?
3) Is it really a priority to spend a first rounder on a safety? I know Phillips is a playmaker but will he be able to shine in a scheme where he won't be as free to roam all over the field as an outfielder?
4) Since our defense is not based on attacking from different positions, even when we have a lot of money invested in our ends, wouldn't it make sense to bring a pass rush specialist, even when he would play only in second and third downs?
Payton has said that he finished the evaluation of players. Obviously he also have done the same with his coaches. I really hope that Loomis, Payton and Gibbs have a very clear idea on where to spend the free agency money and then to draft according to players that fit the design of the scheme.