Opinions on Hatcher and Bowen? What is the weakest

[Woods]

part of our Defense?

Since there is some down time now that the Draft is completed and before TC starts, I've been thinking about the steps we need to take to make our Defense truly dominant once again.

Assuming no injuries for the moment, I am generally o.k. with our LBs and Secondary players. I think that either Carpenter or Williams will be fine in the nickel LB role, and that as the season progresses, Williams will play an increasingly greater role at that spot as well.

Our Secondary is generally young and talented. I really like our top 3 CBs and I think our starting Safeties will be able to get the job done. I feel confident that either M Hamlin, Mickens, and/or D Smith will also be able to contribute quickly in certain defensive packages.

That brings me to our DL. I like our starting 3 DL. IMO, I thought that Bowen also showed something in limited playing time. That said, I was really hoping for Hatcher to break out in a bigger way. Maybe this year? Also, it's apparent to me that Wade must really like Junior Siavii or Tim Anderson given that we didn't draft one DL or really emphasize picking up an UDFA other than the guy who the Pats cut last year (who seems like a longer term project to me).

There have been some positive rumblings concerning Dixon as well. Could he supplant either Hatcher or Bowen this year?

What are your opinions on Hatcher, Bowen, and Dixon?

 

[CATCH17]

Weakest part of our defense would be speed up the middle which is something I think we addressed during the Draft and Free Agency.

Hodge, J. Will, Sensabaugh, D LO, and M. Hamlin should all help us improve.




As far as Dline goes I think backup NT is the only concern.

 

[Yeagermeister]

LB'ers in coverage and tackling

 

[Typhus]

Woods, I agree with your post in that the rooks will fill in nicely in the sub packages, and hopefully maybe one or two will even push this season for an expanded role.
I would include Hodge for a strong look at ILB, almost as an insurance policy on Williams, or even a package to have them both inside together, but not sure how that sets with the staff having two rooks inside in the nickle.
The only glaring question mark on this defense right now is backup Nose Guard.
Who will give Rat a breather during the game, so that he can be fresh in the 4th where we really need his presence felt.
Can Saivi? Apparently the staff felt so strongly about him last year that some coaches wanted to cut Tank mid season and bring back Junior, so there is some love for the guy. He was a 2nd round pick, but at 30yrs of age, its obvious that his biggest shortcoming is motivation. At this stage in his carreer lets hope he is feeling a sence of urgency, and has had a good off season getting stronger in the wieght room. We shall see.
To be honest with you I dont know much about Tim Anderson, hope some others chime into this thread with a little more background on this player. I believe he is the same age as Junior Siavi, but I might be mistaken.
Hatch and Bowen have provided some nice depth at DT/DE and with another offseason and impending TC, hopefully take the next step.
Ive always liked Bowens motor, seems he has the quicker more explosive burst off the snap than Hatcher, but I believe Hatch has the higher ceiling.
Would be a great thing if Hatch breaks out this year and can be an anchor on the edge against the run.
Overall I cant help but say this defense will be even better with a draft infusion of ball hawking tweeners that should transistion nicely in the 4-6, which hopefully means more turnovers.
Wade unleashed the 4-6 coming off our bye week last season, but this D will be attacking out of the gate this year. Turnovers turnovers should be the D's mantra this year!

 

[AbeBeta]

Can Saivi? Apparently the staff felt so strongly about him last year that some coaches wanted to cut Tank mid season and bring back Junior, so there is some love for the guy.

This is sadly one area where we could have used a firmer HC. I think if a guy like BP wanted to cut Tank it would have been a done deal. Jerry though was in love with his measurables. Interesting Jr and Igor used to play together and there is some idea that Igor is going to drive Jr. If he can turn him into a 10-15 snap NT then great.

 

[Woods]

Woods, I agree with your post in that the rooks will fill in nicely in the sub packages, and hopefully maybe one or two will even push this season for an expanded role.
I would include Hodge for a strong look at ILB, almost as an insurance policy on Williams, or even a package to have them both inside together, but not sure how that sets with the staff having two rooks inside in the nickle.
The only glaring question mark on this defense right now is backup Nose Guard.
Who will give Rat a breather during the game, so that he can be fresh in the 4th where we really need his presence felt.
Can Saivi? Apparently the staff felt so strongly about him last year that some coaches wanted to cut Tank mid season and bring back Junior, so there is some love for the guy. He was a 2nd round pick, but at 30yrs of age, its obvious that his biggest shortcoming is motivation. At this stage in his carreer lets hope he is feeling a sence of urgency, and has had a good off season getting stronger in the wieght room. We shall see.
To be honest with you I dont know much about Tim Anderson, hope some others chime into this thread with a little more background on this player. I believe he is the same age as Junior Siavi, but I might be mistaken.
Hatch and Bowen have provided some nice depth at DT/DE and with another offseason and impending TC, hopefully take the next step.
Ive always liked Bowens motor, seems he has the quicker more explosive burst off the snap than Hatcher, but I believe Hatch has the higher ceiling.
Would be a great thing if Hatch breaks out this year and can be an anchor on the edge against the run.

I think Wade really wanted to keep Saivii last season, but I think that they (maybe mostly JJ?) thought that Tank would really shine with a full TC under his belt and that Tank was the player with more upside.

I guess the problem with Tank was that he couldn't properly execute his assignments on the Defense on a regular basis.

I'm not sure what to think regarding Saivii, other than trusting Wade on this guy.

We didn't look to get a back-up to Ratliff in FA or the Draft, so Wade must really like Saivii.

 

[Woods]

This is sadly one area where we could have used a firmer HC. I think if a guy like BP wanted to cut Tank it would have been a done deal. Jerry though was in love with his measurables. Interesting Jr and Igor used to play together and there is some idea that Igor is going to drive Jr. If he can turn him into a 10-15 snap NT then great.

I think you're right in that there was probably a lot of pressure on Wade to keep Tank and cut Saivii last season.

Hopefully, with Igor on the team, Saivii will be even more comfortable in the scheme.

 

[Typhus]

I think Wade really wanted to keep Saivii last season, but I think that they (maybe mostly JJ?) thought that Tank would really shine with a full TC under his belt and that Tank was the player with more upside.

I guess the problem with Tank was that he couldn't properly execute his assignments on the Defense on a regular basis.

I'm not sure what to think regarding Saivii, other than trusting Wade on this guy.

We didn't look to get a back-up to Ratliff in FA or the Draft, so Wade must really like Saivii.

Atleast he was still available to bring back, if anything JR has familiarity in Wades system.
Really all this D needs in regards to a BU NG is a "trash can full of dirt" type nose.
Rat is a freak in the middle, just an uncanny player that really doesnt look the part in a traditional sence. Looks more like a DE playing inside, but nobodys complaining, the guy is a force at the point of attack, collapases inside, and pushes the QB out so that Ware and Spencer can tee off.
Cant ask for anything better than Rat, and he is probably the key ingredient that enables the 4-6 to be so effective in this scheme.
All thats needed is that big body type that can just hold the point of attack and not allow the OL to get that initial push. Thats what enables teams to run off tackle against 3-4 defenses is the lanes created inside when the nose looses that battle.
Ball was exactly that type of nose back in his carreer, low center of gravity took up a lot of space and anchored inside.
All were talking about here is someone like Siavi or Anderson that can be relied on to rest Rat a few series a game.
If neither could muster up enough enthusiasm this offseason to accomplish that, than that would explain alot about both players.

 

[Clove]

I think this could possibly be Carpenter's break out year, and I say this because I know the talent is there, and the brains are there. He has the ability to be really good, it's just up to him.

I think our LB core has a chance to be the strongest part of the defense.

 

[jobberone]

Agree with the big NT. It seems they have faith in what we have there.

Bowen and Hatcher have done well in rushing situations IMO. I'd like to think they can do more. We haven't lost a DE in the 3-4 I don't think so we haven't had to call on backups to do a dirty job. One of these guys may prove they can play more. Wouldn't surprise me.

There is more speed up the middle which was a big fault for us. Esp at LB.

 

[Chuck 54]

My personal, unprofessional opinions?

Dixon will never be anything for us.

Hatcher has peaked and will be gone when a younger backup comes along.

Bowen is going to have a breakout year this year...I think he's going to be an excellent DE and only needs more playing time, which he should get this year.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

waste of roster space that will do nothing more than show flashes and never give you much of anything of than that.

 

[Monster Heel]

I like Bowen a bit more. He doesn't have the look of a pass rusher, but he sure puts a good licking on a QB every now and again. I speak of those only in terms of rushing the passer because it seems that we suffer run D wise when the second teamers come in.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I guess I'm one of the very few Hatcher fans left.

 

[jobberone]

I guess I'm one of the very few Hatcher fans left.

Nope. There's plenty out here.

 

[RS12]

If they are going to stay base 3-4 like to see them get a true 325 pound NT. I know Ratliff made the Pro Bowl at the position but I think he is a better end and one of the few 3-4 ends who can get pressure on a QB anytime.

 

[Rampage]

until proven otherwise the weakest part of our defense is the secondary.

 

[RS12]

I guess I'm one of the very few Hatcher fans left.

I think he is more of a one gap player. Has talent but it is wasted in a 3-4 tying up blockers.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I think he is more of a one gap player. Has talent but it is wasted in a 3-4 tying up blockers.

Have you read much about the Wade 34?

 

[jday]

part of our Defense?

Since there is some down time now that the Draft is completed and before TC starts, I've been thinking about the steps we need to take to make our Defense truly dominant once again.

Assuming no injuries for the moment, I am generally o.k. with our LBs and Secondary players. I think that either Carpenter or Williams will be fine in the nickel LB role, and that as the season progresses, Williams will play an increasingly greater role at that spot as well.

Our Secondary is generally young and talented. I really like our top 3 CBs and I think our starting Safeties will be able to get the job done. I feel confident that either M Hamlin, Mickens, and/or D Smith will also be able to contribute quickly in certain defensive packages.

That brings me to our DL. I like our starting 3 DL. IMO, I thought that Bowen also showed something in limited playing time. That said, I was really hoping for Hatcher to break out in a bigger way. Maybe this year? Also, it's apparent to me that Wade must really like Junior Siavii or Tim Anderson given that we didn't draft one DL or really emphasize picking up an UDFA other than the guy who the Pats cut last year (who seems like a longer term project to me).

There have been some positive rumblings concerning Dixon as well. Could he supplant either Hatcher or Bowen this year?

What are your opinions on Hatcher, Bowen, and Dixon?

While I'd like to say that the reason we didn't draft a DT was due to confidence in what we already have, considering the Best Player Available strategy they had in place, I think not drafting a DT had more to do with the lack of 3-4 ready DT's.