Crawford to DE?

[thisiscowboyscountry]

If he was anywhere near worth his contract, he'd produce a little better at either position. That fat contract was to play the under tackle; now it looks and sounds like he can't do it. Add to that, Cedrick Thornton is struggling. Our DL is just a total mess. Right now McClain seems to be the only guy playing with any consistency.

Why not?

Crawford at LDE---McClain at 3---Thornton at 1---Mayowa at RDE


Collins, Irving, Tapper in reserve. DLaw waiting in the wings.

At this point we should find a way to get the most talented players on the field. Even though it may not be the best position fit this lineup looks the best. I may consider swapping Mayowa for Irving though. When Dlaw is back I would consider just plugging him in for Irving/Mayowa and leaving everyone else where theyre.

 

[Playmaker247]

I think next 2 games it should be

Irving-thorton-mcclain-crawford

Then when Lawrence comes back

Lawrence-thorton-mcClain crawford

 

[mattjames2010]

McClain and Thornton would be a really good idea as our starting DT, two guys over 300 pounds and clog up those running lanes. Since Crawford implied the DT position is breaking him down, I think it's best to start thinking about moving him to DE.

The more I think about this the more I like it. Just feel better with McClain and Thornton together against the run game.

 

[Gameover]

He's too small to handle the constant double teams.

Move him to DE permanently. When Lawrence comes back, move the other Crawford to a reserve role.

 

[Gameover]

If this is the mental makeup of so called leaders on this defense, this team is in deep trouble.

Hogwash

 

[Daillest88]

I watched his bull rush at DE it was impressive he was moving like no one was there. Saying that I'm disappointed he isn't doing crap at DT , thought he would brake out with his shoulder being fixed. Hoping he can excel at LDE and when Lawrence comes back he go to RDE solve Alot of problems if Crawford can play LDE

 

[Sydla]

Worth the shot.

Irving is a better 3 tech IMO. So switch him and Crawford.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

RDE - Lawrence, Mayowa
3DT - Irving, Collins
1DT - McClain, Thornton
LDE - Crawford, Crawford

 

[Sydla]

I'd like to see him play more end this weekend.

 

[Sydla]

The real question here is whether or not Marinelli is stubborn and thinks he's still a 3 tech.

 

[Section446]

When you have the lack of talent that we have on the DL, I think that all possibilities should be on the table.

 

[SportsGuru80]

I always said he was a better LDE...

 

[Howboutdemcowboys31]

Maybe I'm being a pessimist but we paid him 3T money. If they're going to switch him to a far less important position in the scheme his money should be switched too.

 

[endersdragon]

First wasn't he like 7th or 8th for a DT in sacks last year, and yea I have been saying make him DE until we get some guys back since training camp. Also does it seem to anyone else like we almost have better 3-4 personal than 4-3.

 

[ccb04]

My D-Line when Lawrence returns would possibly be.....

- LDE: T. Crawford, J. Crawford, Irving, Davis
- 3tech: Collins, Irving, T. Crawford, J. Crawford
-1tech: T. McClain, Thornton
- RDE: Lawrence, Davis, Mayowa

 

[Kaiser]

My D-Line when Lawrence returns would possibly be.....

- LDE: T. Crawford, J. Crawford, Irving, Davis
- 3tech: Collins, Irving, T. Crawford, J. Crawford
-1tech: T. McClain, Thornton
- RDE: Lawrence, Davis, Mayowa

I like it, but I wonder if McClain and Thornton should be the starting DTs in that scenario.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

Also does it seem to anyone else like we almost have better 3-4 personal than 4-3.

We could. Imagine this 3-4 if all the players were healthy/available:

RDE - T. Craw
NT - Thornton
LDE - Collins

ROLB - Gregory
RILB - Lee
LILB - J. Smith
LOLB - Lawrence

 

[Idgit]

They're moving Crawford because they have depth at 3-tech and need help at DE. Not because Crawford can't handle things inside. Sheesh guys.

And we knew the DL rotation was going to be a mess early on. This isn't anything that ought to be news to anybody.

 

[Alexander]

Welcome news.

Crawford clearly cannot handle the demands of being a three-technique in this system. At least not at the levels it demands for success. This needs a Jason Hatcher-in-his-prime at the least for the other things to click. It has always been that way with Marinelli's defenses.

Not this gives Thornton a shot and perhaps is more suited than 1-technique which he clearly has struggled with.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Who? I count DLaw and that new guy we got from the Jags.... Gregory is out to week 16. Who is the 3rd?

Tapper. He's about ready to return.