SOW Barry Cofield Interview Transcript

[The Goat]

Well, the elite 3-4 d linemen do create pressure. Think about Pitt, Baltimore, Dallas with a healthy Ratliff and of course Houston. To be an average 3-4 defense those guys have to at least occupy extra blockers.

Our d line creates just minimal pressure and struggles to consistently occupy extra blockers. That's what I'm getting at...can we improve?

[Chico23231]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Well, the elite 3-4 d linemen do create pressure. Think about Pitt, Baltimore, Dallas with a healthy Ratliff and of course Houston. To be an average 3-4 defense those guys have to at least occupy extra blockers.

Our d line creates just minimal pressure and struggles to consistently occupy extra blockers. That's what I'm getting at...can we improve?

Carriker is not a bad pass rusher at DE, and he is back. Jenkins is young and improving...so yes. Sometime the scheme may say not to rush the passer in passing downs. As stated above the OLB are the primary pass rushers. Orrakpo and AC will make our pass rush better this year.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

Carriker is not a bad pass rusher at DE, and he is back. Jenkins is young and improving...so yes. Sometime the scheme may say not to rush the passer in passing downs. As stated above the OLB are the primary pass rushers. Orrakpo and AC will make our pass rush better this year.

Wonder how quickly AC will be his old self? Orakpo will help the pass rush, but I think scheme is still gonna be the key to our defense. Our pass rush didn't improve until Haz/Fletcher mixed it up with ILB and DB blitzes. Similar to what the Steelers are so damn good at. I'm saying I hope Haz/Fletch keep the scheme we saw 2nd half of the season AND get the benefit of Orakpo, as opposed to relying mostly on OLB pressure again.

It may be wishful thinking but part of why I like getting Hall back is he's really pretty good at corner blitzes, so I hope that's still part of the plan.