Whats up with the D-Line?

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Bucket

A lot of people blame Haslett, and maybe he is to blame. I don't hold account though.. Check this blog for all you Haslett haters.

HTTR24-7-Skins Podcasts & Blog – Film Sessions: Haslett vs LeBeau Battle Of The 3-4

Super detailed analysis of the defensive scheme. More than anything it show how predictable Haslett has made the defense, which almost guarantees its poor performance since the Lebeau 3-4 is based on unpredictability i.e. forcing the offense to adjust to the defense.

The blogger's contrast between Haslett's (over)use of DB/safety blitzes compared to LB and A gap blitzes is probably overemphasized, because we've all seen Troy P blitz from every angle. The Steelers do a far better job of disguising the blitz and mixing up the point of extra pressure.

And the other big story is we're still better suited, personnel wise, for a tradition 4-3 defense anyway, while the Steelers have the personnel to run Lebeau's 3-4.

Haslett is a mediocre at best coach, but he's really not the problem. He didn't force the change to a 3-4 and then fail to acquire the defensive players necessary to make it work...Mike and Bruce did.