Huge Cushion

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I don't think this staff has put this group of players in the best situations to succeed. That's what good coaches do; They make do with the talent they have. Our defense has been on a gradual slide since 2004.

I agree, but I also think our defense is not nearly as talented as we think it is. On the defensive line, Griffin is our only star and he's either getting doubled or is injured, or both. We plugged in guys at DT (e.g., Salave'a, Golston, and Daniels) who would be backups on other teams. At linebacker, Washington is the only star and teams simply ran away from him. How many teams would have started Warrick Holdman? In the secondary, Springs was out all season, Rogers is still learning the ropes and could be a bust, and who the hell is Vernon Fox?

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I agree, but I also think our defense is not nearly as talented as we think it is. On the defensive line, Griffin is our only star and he's either getting doubled or is injured, or both. We plugged in guys at DT (e.g., Salave'a, Golston, and Daniels) who would be backups on other teams. At linebacker, Washington is the only star and teams simply ran away from him. How many teams would have started Warrick Holdman? In the secondary, Springs was out all season, Rogers is still learning the ropes and could be a bust, and who the hell is Vernon Fox?

I no longer consider Griffin a star. In fact, if I had to absolutely pin our woes on one player, it would be Griffin. This is unfair, but he didn't even play well when he was healthy. For Sean Taylor to lead the team in tacklesk, by a wide margin, is unacceptable. I think Griff had some rediculous number, like 50 something tackles this year. Oh well.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I no longer consider Griffin a star. In fact, if I had to absolutely pin our woes on one player, it would be Griffin. This is unfair, but he didn't even play well when he was healthy. For Sean Taylor to lead the team in tacklesk, by a wide margin, is unacceptable. I think Griff had some rediculous number, like 50 something tackles this year. Oh well.

Wait, are you saying that 50 tackles for Griff is bad or good? Because 50 tackles for a DT is outstanding when you consider that he was injured all season long and was the only guy on the line drawing double teams. That stat seems to indicate he can still play. I don't think we've heard the last of Griffin, particularly if we get someone to play alongside him like Alan Branch.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

Wait, are you saying that 50 tackles for Griff is bad or good? Because 50 tackles for a DT is outstanding, which seems to indicate he can still play. I don't think we've heard the last of Griffin, particularly if we get someone to play alongside him like Alan Branch.

I hope Griff rebounds....no 50 tackles are good for most. But I think this past year was his least productive as a Skin.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I hope Griff rebounds....no 50 tackles are good for most. But I think this past year was his least productive as a Skin.

I certainly agree that last season was his least productive as a Skin, but I think he'll rebound if he isn't hurt throughout next season. I've seen enough of him to have faith he'll be fine next season - he's the least of our worries along the defensive line.