Fuzzy Defensive Thoughts '17 PS GM1

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Analyzing a game where 90% of the starters didn't even play is a little premature. Half the dline we saw start the game wont even be on the roster.

And as for Taco, I think he held his own for the first game. He's not the lumbering lunk many wanted to portray him as. He held his ground and showed some get off the ball. He won't be a world beater this first year, but you mix him in with actual starting quality lineman, he'll show better.

If I had made predictions about how the team will end up performing you'd have a point. I only talked about the players who played.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

decent analysis. couple of points to remember

the starting LBs didn't play. thus the expected drop off in performance of LBs. NFL defenses and offenses need all parts firing together for them to work, and everyone carrying out their assignments. Hitchens and Lee would have made huge difference.

its been two weeks of practice and three new DBs and I could understand why they are not on the same page with handing off WRs, etc.

keep in mind, there are no game plannings for these preseason games.... and specific items they work on during the game, per practice results, etc. so the games are representative of actual games that will be played and they will always be flaws....

I expect given the suspensions that our defensive game plan will be different until we get all the pieces....and I expect both Tapper and Taco to have average years for what fans expect, but good rookie seasons. they are both learning. neither is considered elite....so having them look great in first year and in first preseason game is unrealistic.

I understood that the starters didn't play but my point was that the backups can't run and the third string was better.

I'm not panicking. I know that Lee and to a lesser extent Hitchens can run. Wilson's performance in did concerning because he's a starter but I also noted that he was playing out of position.

My point about the linebackers also fed into the larger point that it's hard to evaluate the secondary play When the linebacker coverage was deficient with the backups. That was a potential starting secondary out there.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Is dlaw better than mayowa?

I don't really know. Both aren't very impressive. Any thoughts?

More rounded player IMO. Mayowa is pretty much 8-9 gap rusher. Very effective at it though.

In terms of gaps, Lawrence may be the most versatile on our roster as he can rush from the 6 gap all the way to the 9 on both sides of the line. He did the most damage in his career from wide gaps on the strong side. Particularly the 9. At this point him at certain gaps is somewhat of a projection, but he has the requisite traits to be able to rush from all DE gaps

 

[Kaiser]

Is dlaw better than mayowa?

I don't really know. Both aren't very impressive. Any thoughts?

One thought is that you have DLaw and Mayowa and Charles Tapper taking all the reps at RDE you may end up with a combined total that is improssive. That's the Marinelli system and all three guys do have talent.

 

[LocimusPrime]

More rounded player IMO. Mayowa is pretty much 8-9 gap rusher. Very effective at it though.

In terms of gaps, Lawrence may be the most versatile on our roster as he can rush from the 6 gap all the way to the 9 on both sides of the line. He did the most damage in his career from wide gaps on the strong side. Particularly the 9. At this point him at certain gaps is somewhat of a projection, but he has the requisite traits to be able to rush from all DE gaps

One thought is that you have DLaw and Mayowa and Charles Tapper taking all the reps at RDE you may end up with a combined total that is improssive. That's the Marinelli system and all three guys do have talent.

Thanks for the info guys. Good stuff

 

[Corso]

Cowboys faced a QB who was getting the ball out quickly. When the coverage in the middle of the field was adequate Gabbert had trouble else he used the middle of the field to convert first down after first down. The Cowboys started a LB corps that sported a 40 average of 4.75. As such they were incapable of buzzing any routes farther than 10 yards downfield.

The DL for the most part were able to at least anchor. As the game went on the midle push got better with the same 4 DTs rotating the whole way. Unfortunately run fits were an issue early and often. LBer filling the same gaps could be seen throughout the game. The edge was surrendered repeatedly until Gilchrist came in.

The DL all appeared to be auditioning pass rush moves and we're not trying to set up their opponents at all. They looked neophyte in polish and compounding matters was their thinking instead of playing fast. On a final note as a group the DL and LB tackled poorly, whiffing in throughout the game.

The DBs for the most part performed well in tackling and run fits but were thinking way too much which resulted in far too many blown assignments in coverage.

Was diappointed in the back end. One thing that stood out to me last season is that the squad looked out for each other handing off wr in zone and helping out man coverage with underneath drops. Every man was an island in OH and it showed. Only one play on the ball in the game despite routine throws into the middle of the field.

Further I know Garrett drills them in situational football and routinely guys had no idea where the first down marker was. Coaching needs to step up.

Richard Ash can hold the POA and anchor against double teams even when he doesn't keep his pads down. No moves outside of a bull rush but his strength is remarkable. Poor tackling sees him throw and miss. Worth trying to develop but strictly PS material unless miraculous improvement seen.

Jordan Carrell has decent first step but has no idea what to do with his hands often doing nothing. Got pushed around early and could not get off blocks throughout. Reminds of Coleman when he first got here in 2014.

Ivey has not practiced much and it shows. Looked lost while being dominated at the POA on the second TD. Arm length was pleasantly surprising but hand work was sloppy and late. This led to him being pushed around and penalized. Needs to strengthen lower body and core. No pass rush moves. Performed better against lesser competition in the second half. Quality first step, upper body strength and pad level.

Neal spelled Carrell at the 3 and played LDE. Needs to do a better job getting off blocks but quickness and a club got him past pass pro several times. Nice disruption but needs to have more discipline in his tackling. Face mask was unnecessary.

Taco Charlton is green as grass trying on moves and handwork. No plan or polish. Knows how to use length to keep blockers off of his frame. When manned up can anchor well and disengage but got caught trying moves to rip through or work back inside and got washed a few times. You have to try first to get better so is farther along than most. Working on rip, club, swim, and dip. Good balance through contact. Had couple nice rushes but ball was out instantly on 5 step drops. Needs to practice. Missed a couple of tackles throwing instead of running through.

Moore is by far the most polished. Slippery keeping blockers off him . Good tackling. Nice burst off the line. Drew a holding call at the 3T. Good hustle working down the line in pursuit. When caught off the snap poor anchor and will get washed.

Tapper has a starters burst off the line. Able to get to the outside shoulder consistently. Able to counter back inside with a swim move. Would have had a sack if coverage could've covered off the snap. Ball was out instantly. Working off the outside shoulder and ripping through is a work in progress. Building a solid rush repertoire. Good balance through contact and gets off blocks to pursue ball carriers down the line.

Lenny Jones has good size, frame, and strength. No quickness or moves. Got stuck on blocks a lot.

Kyle Wilber remains consistent for better or worse. Consistent in run fills and pursuit angles. Can stack and shed. Solid tackler who shows up on ST. Poor quickness and extremely poor straight line speed. Cannot even manage an intermediate zone. Struggles to get outside in pursuit so gives up ground.

Lotulelei played the whole way and had little to nothing to show for it. Runs as bad as Wilber so no depth in drops. No size or length leads to his being dominated by blocks. Missed run fills. Putrid performance.

Wilson was disappointing after how he closed out 2016. He routinely was dominated surrendering the edge in the first quarter. Could not anchor or disengage. Missed tackles. Poor depth in drops. He did manage a sack running over a RB after rushing the A gap in the second quarter. Was not playing his customary SAM. Doesn't really have the range to play back.

Joseph Jones 43 is one to keep an eye on moving forward. He was the straw stirring the defenses drink after he came in late in the second quarter at the MIKE. Extremely athletic. with a 4.50 40m. Hesitant early on run fits came on in the second half. What stood out to me was his range in space and route awareness. His drops were buzzing routes and flummoxed Knight repeatedly. Has a great nose for the ball and navigating traffic. Solid form tackling racking up 9. Only concern is taking on blocks but he was outstanding in his game changing ability. Was around the ball on ST. He keeps showing and he makes the squad.

Wacha runs well but is mistake prone. Inconsistent run fits and will stare plays down. Range is a plus but lacks coverage instincts. Very physical taking on blocks attacking downhill. Showed up on teams. PS candidate.

Gilchrist is relentless taking on TE and OT setting the edge. Can keep them off his frame and shed to make plays. Pass rush ability. Limited range downfield but better than average short area quickness. Likely only a SAM in this defense but shows traits to start if developed. Likely caught up in numbers crunch. Hope clears waivers.

Leslie played SAM although he is listed as a DE. Didn't play much but showed up sifting through traffic to stone the RB at the LOS.

Brown had a sack blitzing from the slot on a QB scramble but his coverage left a lot to be desired. I don't know if he was expecting help inside but he giving separation routinely on in cuts. Still physical.

Awuzie's footwork was a mess. He got spun around twice at the stem. Missed run fits playing inside. They are not doing him favors by playing him all over the place. His ball skills and awareness did manifest with him driving on a throw on time right before the half.

McFadden started on the nickel outside and had sticky coverage. Lacks instinct to look for the ball and drew a PI splitting the receivers hands.

Seamster was giving up consistent separation. Needs to step up or will be a churn candidate one CBs get healthy.

Thomas is physical on the press and deflected a pass on a quick slant. Sticky coverage outside of a deep throw he gave up several steps but was bailed out by an overthrow.

Marquez White has consistent coverage but shies from contact which is a pet peeve and a half of mine. If you're afraid to hit ball carriers and tackle then you need to find a different sport. I HATE soft players.

The S for the most part played the traditional up and back role outside of a couple cover 2 snaps. Outside of a few swaps the teams were:

1 Jones up Heath back
2 Frazier up Blanton back
3 Woods up Showers back

The SS is easy to track but the FS was often out of the frame unless thrown at or coming up in run support.

Jones was all over the place lining people up, trying to help cover up the LB'S ****ty drops and attacking downhill. He failed to check out of a blitz on 3rd down with trips bunched right in front of him putting him in a pickle defending 3 with 2. Good job finding run fits and tackling.

Heath twice had to come across the field to save an edge run that was not contained and a throw into that wide open middle of the field. Excellent tackling as the last line of defense saving 2 scores. Got over zealous filling the back end on a line slant and let a receiver behind him. Was outstanding in pursuit. He doesn't run behind piles.

Frazier is extremely physical and consistent in his run fits. Nice awareness on a play fake resulted in a TFL. Was exemplary getting off blocks and tackling on ST. Needs to show up in coverage if he wants to start but he definitely deserves a roster spot.

Blanton was around the ball in pursuit but made no plays I noted. OTOH, AZ did not complete a deep throw with him back.

Woods was physical and aggressive in a manner that belies his size. Almost got a sack attacking a rollout and was the first hit on a gang tackle. Did not play much but showed up.

Showers came up twice to make stops. One he shouldered a big hit to stop a completion that got loose saving a score. The other he came up to tackle a middle run. Is physical enough to tackle as a S but needs to get the coaches attention in coverage if he ever wants to make an NFL roster. Was around the ball covering kicks.

Beautiful work. I look forward to more of your detailed analysis. That was like reading a pro scout's candid take. Killer post.
Kudos Fuzzy! Love you on that Spurs site also...

 

[BlindFaith]

If I had made predictions about how the team will end up performing you'd have a point. I only talked about the players who played.

Yes, many players who won't be on the team.

 

[darthseinfeld]

One thought is that you have DLaw and Mayowa and Charles Tapper taking all the reps at RDE you may end up with a combined total that is improssive. That's the Marinelli system and all three guys do have talent.

I honestly like the thought of Tapper rushing from wide gaps on the strong side ala DLaw 2015. I think his burst and power could be overwhelming

 

[Shuff]

Show me the last two pre-season games, first game everyone just trying to not get hurt. I was not impressed nor upset, it was the very first NFL game ever for a bunch of people.

 

[xwalker]

Yes, many players who won't be on the team.

It was a review to consider which players will make the team. Not a hard concept.

We don't need reviews of Zack Martin. We already know what he can do.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

It was a review to consider which players will make the team. Not a hard concept.

We don't need reviews of Zack Martin. We already know what he can do.

It is kind of weird how people go out of their way to tear down or criticize others.

 

[Alexander]

It was a review to consider which players will make the team. Not a hard concept.

We don't need reviews of Zack Martin. We already know what he can do.

Well, Martin didn't even play, so I don't know what a review of his play would accomplish.

 

[Alexander]

You seemed to be more impressed with Joseph Jones more then any one else playing defense in this game?

A simple glance at the stat sheet can tell you he was "effective".

He even put it in bold blue print for you to pick it out easier.

I have to give ol' Fuzzy Wuzzy Lumpkins credit.

No way I was watching the likes of Lenny Jones in this game to give you people a recap.

That explains why he is more of a swell guy than me.

 

[Corso]

Well, Martin didn't even play, so I don't know what a review of his play would accomplish.

0 sacks, 0 pressures- just another day in the park for Zach.
I'm sending my pro-scout resume to Broaddus right now. I hear he has connections...

 

[Corso]

A simple glance at the stat sheet can tell you he was "effective".

He even put it in bold blue print for you to pick it out easier.

I have to give ol' Fuzzy Wuzzy Lumpkins credit.

No way I was watching the likes of Lenny Jones in this game to give you people a recap.

That explains why he is more of a swell guy than me.

Chief Guard: Are you able to see the white line painted on the floor directly behind you, Six-Double-Five-Three-Two-One?
Alex: Yes, sir.
Chief Guard: Then your toes belong on the OTHER side of it!

 

[xwalker]

It is kind of weird how people go out of their way to tear down or criticize others.

Long ago I determined that negative people are that way because it's what they're good at. They often have no actual skill or knowledge so they decide to become the best negative Nancies (some might call it trolls).

It became clear to me when a friend's daughter once said that she can't be nice because she made her reputation as a "B" and now she's the best "B" in school. She basically said that she's not good at anything else.

 

[xwalker]

One thought is that you have DLaw and Mayowa and Charles Tapper taking all the reps at RDE you may end up with a combined total that is improssive. That's the Marinelli system and all three guys do have talent.

It's going to be interesting to see which DL make the team and which DL are active on game day. They normally carry 8 DL on game day with more or less 4 DE and 4 DT; although, guys like Crawford and Irving can play either.

With Irving suspended and Moore if he make the team, it will be easier to figure out for game 1, but if Moore and Irving return it will be interesting.

Fans will have a meltdown is Taco is inactive.

It now seems that some will meltdown if Tapper is inactive.

If those 2 and DLaw are active and not racking up tons of sacks, then fans will be screaming for Moore, Irving, etc..

 

[Alexander]

Chief Guard: Are you able to see the white line painted on the floor directly behind you, Six-Double-Five-Three-Two-One?
Alex: Yes, sir.
Chief Guard: Then your toes belong on the OTHER side of it!

Might me time to stay in your lane, brother.

 

[Corso]

Might me time to stay in your lane, brother.

Glad I wasn't there...

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Yes, many players who won't be on the team.

And many that will and many more competing for spots. Then there is a ten man PS.

Guys like Theaker, Skipper, Smith, Smith, Rush, Jarwin, Ash, Jones, and Wacha could make the team or PS if they continue to play well. They and a slew of draft picks all played.

And if you have that attitude then you better not watch NCAA football where the talent level is worse.