Commanders Post at The Warpath - View Single Post - Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10

calia · 05-08-2007, 01:58 PM

I think the key for the defense will be establishing an offensive identity and having sustained drives and keeping the D off the field and rested. Last year, that rarely happened. And until we decide whether we're a flashy Al Saunders offense or a smash-mouth Joe Gibbs offense, we will not establish that identity.

I suspect that last year's gravitation toward the Gibbs offense will ultimately be permanent, although there's still the matter of that 700 page playbook that we have all heard WAY too much about and the prospect of Saunders calling plays. Until this is ironed out, I think it will mean too many 3-and-outs and having our D on the field too much.

Having said all that, I do think we've upgraded on D (hell, getting rid of ArchDeluxe was itself an upgrade), although I do think we still need improvement on the D-line. But there's no doubt we should be better. The question is how much, and I think that whether we can hold the ball on offense will be a big factor.

05-08-2007, 01:58 PM	#24
calia Playmaker Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Woodside, CA Age: 58 Posts: 4,024	Re: Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10 I think the key for the defense will be establishing an offensive identity and having sustained drives and keeping the D off the field and rested. Last year, that rarely happened. And until we decide whether we're a flashy Al Saunders offense or a smash-mouth Joe Gibbs offense, we will not establish that identity. I suspect that last year's gravitation toward the Gibbs offense will ultimately be permanent, although there's still the matter of that 700 page playbook that we have all heard WAY too much about and the prospect of Saunders calling plays. Until this is ironed out, I think it will mean too many 3-and-outs and having our D on the field too much. Having said all that, I do think we've upgraded on D (hell, getting rid of ArchDeluxe was itself an upgrade), although I do think we still need improvement on the D-line. But there's no doubt we should be better. The question is how much, and I think that whether we can hold the ball on offense will be a big factor.