Merged: The Pass Rush... & turnovers...

[GMScud]

So we've played 3 (well, 2 3/4) preseason games so far. Sure the backup D has scored two TD's off turnovers, and that's great for them. But the starters by my count haven't forced a single turnover, and haven't gotten much pressure on the QB at all.

They've been outstanding as far as scoring D goes. But turnovers and sacks create an emotional high, dramatically impact field position, and can turn the momentum of a game in an instant. And once again the starters aren't coming through in that department. Anyone else concerned?

[RMSkins]

I agree we haven't seen any turnovers from our starters, and we haven't had a lot of pressure either, which is a concern, but if our starters on D continue to play the way they have been playing we won't need many sacks, or turnovers to be a top 10 defense.

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

I would be if we have been giving up TD's but our starting D has only surrendered 1 touchdown this pre-season. I think we will end up being a top 10 defense.

[MTK]

I don't think we've even scratched the surface yet as to what blitz packages GW is going to run this year, plus we haven't had the entire starting defensive personnel in the lineup yet.

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

I don't think we've even scratched the surface yet as to what blitz packages GW is going to run this year, plus we haven't had the entire starting defensive personnel in the lineup yet.

I understand we haven't been full tilt on either side of the ball as of yet, but we haven't exactly played against 3 stellar offenses either, and 1 or 2 turnovers by the starters would make me feel a lot better. I want to see a few sacks and a pair of forced turnovers in the week 1 match up in FedEx against that below average Miami offense.

[JWsleep]

It's a concern, but they've been hitting people and flying around. Plus, the LB play overall looks MUCH improved, and LL is a huge upgrade. TOs come in bunches--I think we'll see that this year.

As for QB pressure, it is a concern. Carter got some pressure, but no one else seems able to do so. Then they just double team Carter. Maybe with Marcus back rushing the passer on the other side it will help, but it's a worry. Have any of our young backups shown any spark there? We'll see. We'll get pressure from the LBs/DBs, but that exposes things, as we saw last year.

[Longtimefan]

At this point in time I'm more concerned with the lack of consistency from the offense. This unit has not scored a point with Jason under center so far, and it's a strange resemblence to last year, the inability to sustain an offense. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt right now because it's early yet, and we know injuries play a part. We're going to need more production on a sustained basis from the offense, or the defense will grow tired as the season progresses.

[MTK]

Well, they've had 2 defensive TDs this preseason, that's a nice start.

[saden1]

Fear not folks, Landry will be our savior. Man is he good. No wonder GW inserted him into the starting lineup.

[Chief X_Phackter]

Defense will be solid, no worries. We haven't seen anything yet, except that we look to have pretty good depth. I expect opposing QBs to be forced to hold on to the ball longer than normal which will help our D-Line get there more, plus you can count on the occasional "jail break" blitz, and other hidden blitz packages that will catch opposing offenses by surprise. There will be turnovers, you can bet on that.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

I'm not going to sit here and be worried about the D again this year.

If we are all to worry, worry about the Oline and offense. But I think we are going to be a Playoff team for sure again. The guys look good. They remind me alot of the 05 team.

Turnovers and sack will come week one against the Fins and Trent Green.

[Meks]

will it be improved to the level we need it too?

our defense should shine this year but alot of professional opinions is that we have a non-threatening pass rush and will still finish last in the division..
IMO that's completely falase, I see Andre Carter doing big things, as well as our LB's and other blitz pacakges..

thoughts? expectations..

we finished with a pathetic 19 sacks last year...

turnover turnover turnovers .... killed us .... horrid +/- ratio...
again... expectations... thoughts?

[TheMalcolmConnection]

I feel like we'll get plenty of turnovers, but only coming from the fumbles from sacks department. Our DBs should be in place to grab INTs, but someone mentioned that GW's system is to prevent the long gain and allow underneath passing (high percentage stuff). I'll be happy if we can improve upon the sack totals, hopefully leading to the QB dropping the ball.

[kingerock]

I personally think you'll see more pressure off the edge with a stronger secondary. Springs and Smoot on the blitz, picking up blockers and letting guys like Carter and McIntosh through to make plays. I think GW will feel more comfortable applying heavy pressure with Landry and Taylor playing center field.

[70Chip]

I don't anticipate a big rush from our front four but you would like to see some improvement. Not that many teams in the league get great pressure with four , so I don't get into a twist about it. The key is you have to be able to lock down the receivers with the other seven. This is the area where we failed last year and where we need to improve the most. We must get better secondary play. Springs being healthy is the biggest help there

Also, I anticipate a better yield from our blitzes because of better, healthier personell. Landry blitzes well. Ditto Godfrey. And Washington and Pray-Low will both be healthy(soon) and they are fantastic blitzers.

Turnovers are something that happen because you are doing other things well. I think once we break the seal in that regard, it will be Katey bar the door as the great Ken Beatrice used to say.