Rushing Defense

[Super_Kazuya]

It was stunning to see the Bucs waste first down after first down rushing against the Cowboys. It was as futile as could possibly be.

 

[Tabascocat]

The whole defense is playing great outside a few broken-down plays here and there. I have no complaints thus far except Mo needs to heal faster

 

[windjc]

Our defense has also caused MORE fumbles than any team in the league - 26.

Yeah, they suck.

 

[crashintonickdm]

That said though the 3rdquarter was one to forget

 

[unionjack8]

It constantly feels like the D is screwing it up but they constantly don't....

 

[TheHerd]

It constantly feels like the D is screwing it up but they constantly don't....

This. I always feel like the D is in full melt down mode, then you look up and we have the #1 scoring defense over the past 9 weeks. I don't care what the "yeah buts" are, that's impressive.

 

[Plankton]

It's unclear to me why this isn't more touted. Of course, it's #2 in the league, but how often do you hear mention of it? When an opponent lines up in an obvious rushing package, I start thinking about the next play because it's likely going to be a 2 yard gain at best. I don't have anything to add, really, just seems odd this isn't spoken of regularly.

It's partly due to them facing the fewest attempts. They have generally done well, but they have faced the fourth most passing attempts in the league as well as the fewest rushing attempts. With the sixth worst passer rating against, and the second highest completion percentage allowed, the rush defense is easily overlooked.

 

[WeaponX]

166 tackles with 2 games to go. That's a career high for him.

That's a career high for most; it really is great seeing him stay healthy so far this year and constantly sniff out and stuff these runs and screens

 

[Daillest88]

cowboys allowing 3.9 per rush. In week 8 they were allowing 4.6 . Definitely improving

 

[Sarge]

We are first in overall yards given up and tenth at 3.9 YPC. (29th in passing yards given up)

 

[plasticman]

Rushing defense now ranked #1.

 

[haleyrules]

It constantly feels like the D is screwing it up but they constantly don't....

Agreed. The defense scares me but it really doesn't give up a lot of points. Marinelli is doing a great job. I had doubts about about him before but he has proven to be a good or better DC.

 

[windjc]

Our defense is SOLID. We are #1 against the run. We are 29th against the pass, but a ton of that was given up late game in prevent defenses, like when we gave the Steelers 50 yards on the last play of the game. There have been several hundred yards given up that way that was just us running out the clock allowing underneath stuff.

Likewise, we are forcing offenses to dink and dunk and make mistakes. Its VERY effective.

Since teams can't run against us, we are forcing them to pass in the red zone and that is leading to FGs instead of touchdowns.

Add to this we have 30 sacks - middle of the league - while forcing 17 fumbles, tied for 4th in the league.

We are also top four in points allowed.

Our defense is ABOVE AVERAGE. Scoreboard. End of story.

Any other commentary about this is wrong. Just like people who were criticizing a QB that was 11-2. Wrong.

 

[Bluefin]

Marinelli is doing a great job. I had doubts about about him before but he has proven to be a good or better DC.

Hopefully, he's going to get some shiny, new toys to play with in the off-season.

Add 3-4 DL with free agency and the draft. Jaylon Smith at MLB. Re-sign Morris Claiborne or Brandon Carr. Re-sign Barry Church or J.J. Wilcox. Look for a couple more defensive rookies at LB and DB in the draft and get to work.

 

[jday]

It's unclear to me why this isn't more touted. Of course, it's #2 in the league, but how often do you hear mention of it? When an opponent lines up in an obvious rushing package, I start thinking about the next play because it's likely going to be a 2 yard gain at best. I don't have anything to add, really, just seems odd this isn't spoken of regularly.

They are charged with stopping Zeke and the Ol all week. I'd imagine Sundays are a walk in the park.

 

[Bluefin]

They are charged with stopping Zeke and the Ol all week. I'd imagine Sundays are a walk in the park.

I like the sentiment but it simply isn't true.

The starting offense and defense practice against one another during training camp, but not the regular season.

One the real games start, the starting units prepare to play the next opponent by practicing against the scout team.

The scout team consists of a mixture of second team, third team and practice squad players who simulate the look and plays of that weeks opponent.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

Not just run defense but the entire unit is becoming elite....I tried telling you guys

 

[Manster74]

This. I always feel like the D is in full melt down mode, then you look up and we have the #1 scoring defense over the past 9 weeks. I don't care what the "yeah buts" are, that's impressive.

Yeah but they have a great offensive line.

 

[waving monkey]

Sean Lee is the WLB.

Jaylon Smith will be the Mike next year and they will also be the Nickel 'backers.

Get a couple of DEs, another young DT wouldn't hurt, try to re-sign Morris Claiborne, re-up Barry Church or J.J. Wilcox and work on depth wherever possible.

Is that set in stone ,JSmith the mike?
I keep seeing him at Sam,I guess its just me.

 

[Outlaw Heroes]

Is that set in stone ,JSmith the mike?
I keep seeing him at Sam,I guess its just me.

I think he'll be Will and Lee goes back to Mike. Marinelli sees a new age Derrick Brooks when he sees this kid. Outside of 3-tech, Will is probably the most influential position in his scheme. I think he has Smith earmarked for the position.