I know it was just one game

[blindzebra]

But Crawford is gonna be a DT from now on. He got pressure and was solid in the running game...ge was out on their long run.

 

[Derinyar]

It's possible that he has enough speed to beat guards but just not tackles. We'll see how he does in the weeks to come, but he's getting pressure and that's good.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Been wait for this all summer. I completely agree.

 

[Idgit]

But Crawford is gonna be a DT from now on. He got pressure and was solid in the running game...ge was out on their long run.

That's what I was thinking. With Spencer back and Lawrence coming eventually, we're getting some pieces where they belong now on defense.

 

[Kaiser]

Funny, this was my big takeaway from this game in another thread. I would start Crawford and Melton (health permitting) at DT from now on, and McCain should be able to contribute more soon. Bishop and Coleman will contribute in the rotation, though rookies often hit the "rookie wall" of fatigue at some point.

The other factor that will help the DTs is Lawrence coming back in the second half and hopefully Spencer getting some pressure from the outside. We actually could have four guys starting at DL in the second half capable of getting some pressure, when we had zero for the first couple of games.

 

[Derinyar]

Funny, this was my big takeaway from this game in another thread. I would start Crawford and Melton (health permitting) at DT from now on, and McCain should be able to contribute more soon. Bishop and Coleman will contribute in the rotation, though rookies often hit the "rookie wall" of fatigue at some point.

The other factor that will help the DTs is Lawrence coming back in the second half and hopefully Spencer getting some pressure from the outside. We actually could have four guys starting at DL in the second half capable of getting some pressure, when we had zero for the first couple of games.

I'm not sure you want Crawford and Melton next to each other honestly. That's a serious lack of size in the middle if you do that. I think you need a 1 tech, not really run 2 3 tech.

 

[Kaiser]

I'm not sure you want Crawford and Melton next to each other honestly. That's a serious lack of size in the middle if you do that. I think you need a 1 tech, not really run 2 3 tech.

I think Crawford would fine at the 1 Tech. He was drafted as a 5 Tech and 1 Tech might be his best position. Not to get too far ahead after just one game, but the keys to this game IMO were Crawford and then the O Line dominating.

 

[itsaboat]

Crawford was getting a lot of pressure at LDE. He got pressure inside tonight. He's a good player that people aren't giving enough credit too. Sacks aren't the only stat.

 

[rd26]

IMHO Crawford and Melton need to rotate at the 3.

Both can play in nickel as well.

PS. Hayden deserves an ata boy. He will never be a star, but he's been playing well.

 

[revospeed]

IMHO Crawford and Melton need to rotate at the 3.

Both can play in nickel as well.

PS. Hayden deserves an ata boy. He will never be a star, but he's been playing well.

I was actually impressed with Hayden whenever he dropped in coverage. I mean, he didn't have lock down coverage on the Graham fumble, but he was about as close to the receivers as Claiborne usually is.

 

[JoeyBoy718]

IMHO Crawford and Melton need to rotate at the 3.

Both can play in nickel as well.

PS. Hayden deserves an ata boy. He will never be a star, but he's been playing well.

I agree. I think Melton starts, and Melton and Crawford play DT in the nickel (which we run more than the base).

 

[AsthmaField]

I agree. I think Melton starts, and Melton and Crawford play DT in the nickel (which we run more than the base).

There ya' go...

 

[Gaede]

Crawford was getting a lot of pressure at LDE. He got pressure inside tonight. He's a good player that people aren't giving enough credit too. Sacks aren't the only stat.

A lot like Spencer. People ragged on him and ragged on him, but he was generating pressure consistently--just not getting the sacks. Tyrone will be productive, it's just a matter of getting there finally. Thought he had his moment last night--Brees just made an incredible play

 

[gdogg24]

I'm not sure you want Crawford and Melton next to each other honestly. That's a serious lack of size in the middle if you do that. I think you need a 1 tech, not really run 2 3 tech.

Do we have anybody with the size to play the 1 tech? I liked the pressure these guys were getting up front they may be our best options there until we get some more bodies to throw in the rotation.

 

[Rack]

I still believe Crawford is best suited playing SDE. Move him inside in passing situations. Speed isn't the only way to get pressure on the qb from the edge.

 

[Noryb]

Crawford was getting a lot of pressure at LDE. He got pressure inside tonight. He's a good player that people aren't giving enough credit too. Sacks aren't the only stat.

What Crawford did last night is what he's done all year at LDE. His name gets mentioned a few times during the broadcast and presto he's suddenly playing well.

 

[xwalker]

But Crawford is gonna be a DT from now on. He got pressure and was solid in the running game...ge was out on their long run.

Yes, he looked good at the 3-tech DT position, but he's also been better at LDE than people realize.

 

[xwalker]

I think Crawford would fine at the 1 Tech. He was drafted as a 5 Tech and 1 Tech might be his best position. Not to get too far ahead after just one game, but the keys to this game IMO were Crawford and then the O Line dominating.

His weight was up to 285 or 290 as a rookie playing the 5-tech, but he said this week that he's down to 273 now.

I like him in a rotation with Melton at the 3-tech; although, he's been better at LDE than most people realize.

 

[Future]

IMHO Crawford and Melton need to rotate at the 3.

Both can play in nickel as well.

PS. Hayden deserves an ata boy. He will never be a star, but he's been playing well.

Agree about the rotation. The only time you can have them on the field together is in nickel passrush situations. Otherwise you'd be too light in the loafers. I think people are losing sight of the fact that Crawford only really got moved to DE because of injuries and overall depth concerns anyways. While he's flexible, I still think the coaches have always viewed him primarily as a DT.

The thing I like about Hayden is just how hard he plays. Hustling to chase guys down after they get by the line of scrimmage, always seeming to be the first guy to celebrate with or help up a teammate...those are little things and he certainly has some flaws as a player, but he's a guy that's pretty easy to root for anyways.

 

[Noryb]

The thing I like about Hayden is just how hard he plays. Hustling to chase guys down after they get by the line of scrimmage, always seeming to be the first guy to celebrate with or help up a teammate...those are little things and he certainly has some flaws as a player, but he's a guy that's pretty easy to root for anyways.

Many thought Hayden could be in jeopardy once Brent returns but based on performances so far, I'd cut T. McClain if I'm forced to let a DT go.