Are you buying into the Shanaplan?

[rbanerjee23]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

They just don't call holding like they used to.

It's an offense driven league.

That is just awful -- I understand that the offense is what drives the excitement but I really hate how the league has neutered great defensive play in some respects. That's why my favorite play is when a quarterback (not RG3 of course) gets blown up on a sack.

[KLHJ2]

Perhaps I am in the minority but the defense is just not the same without Orakpo. I just have not seen that much of a pass rush in the absense of Rak and Adam. The defense has tightened lately, but there still seems to be a lack of pressure.

[CultBrennan59]

Originally Posted by KJHJ2

Perhaps I am in the minority but the defense is just not the same without Orakpo. I just have not seen that much of a pass rush in the absense of Rak and Adam. The defense has tightened lately, but there still seems to be a lack of pressure.

If your in the minority, then I'm in it too. But no, I think its the majority opinion; its just that theres some dumb opinions that stick out more than the smart ones.

Losing Carriker was also a huge loss, because he would always be double teamed and would help push the pocket into the QB, causing the QB to stay back and not step up.

[REDSKINS4ever]

Originally Posted by KJHJ2

Perhaps I am in the minority but the defense is just not the same without Orakpo. I just have not seen that much of a pass rush in the absense of Rak and Adam. The defense has tightened lately, but there still seems to be a lack of pressure.

The defense is able to get the job done. Our secondary has played better during the 5 game winning streak. Yes, because of the season ending injuries to Carriker and Orakpo the sack totals are down this year. But what Haslett has been able to do is adjust to the level of personnel that he has and he's called some great games lately and has placed the defensive players into positions to make plays and they have done that. We need to get over not having Orakpo and Carriker. Cofield had sack last week and the defense HAS been getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That may not produce sacks, but the pressure applied has been just as effective as sacks.......

[punch it in]

Originally Posted by Angry

Perhaps I am in the minority but the defense is just not the same without Orakpo. I just have not seen that much of a pass rush in the absense of Rak and Adam. The defense has tightened lately, but there still seems to be a lack of pressure.

I would say you are in the majority.
Edit: you are rite on. The d is playing very well just no qb pressure which is anazing because of our bad secondary. I never thought it could be possible but haz is pushing all the rite buttons.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Weirdly, I think if Haslett gets another year with Orakpo and Carriker back (PLUS some added draft picks or FA), we'll have a pretty damn good defense. I'll never say that losing Orakpo/Carriker was as good thing, but it really forced Haslett to innovate to make up for the lack of pressure from those two. As a result, when they come back, that should make us that much more dangerous.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Weirdly, I think if Haslett gets another year with Orakpo and Carriker back (PLUS some added draft picks or FA), we'll have a pretty damn good defense. I'll never say that losing Orakpo/Carriker was as good thing, but it really forced Haslett to innovate to make up for the lack of pressure from those two. As a result, when they come back, that should make us that much more dangerous.

Agreed. Our front 7 is pretty good. Fix the secondary and we have somethin' going on defensively.

[Gary84Clark]

FA next year = Ed Reed

[Hog1]

You know ER is like......35 right?

[CultBrennan59]

I doubt Reed leaves the Ravens. And age isn't a factor for FS's. Those guys will play till their 38-39 (Dawkins for example)

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

I doubt Reed leaves the Ravens. And age isn't a factor for FS's. Those guys will play till their 38-39 (Dawkins for example)

I gotta disagree. A FS, who sometimes has coverage responsibilities, can lose a step to age just like a corner would.

Denver Dawkins was not as good as young Philly Dawkins for this reason.

[Hog1]

At 35, he may have some time yet, but sure as hell, he'll be on "Dancing with the Stars" and end up back in Miami....right?
No thanks.....Keep going young and building for the future.

[That Guy]

the best buy in FA this offseason is byrd by far... if he makes it to free agency.

[mbedner3420]

Originally Posted by That Guy

the best buy in FA this offseason is byrd by far... if he makes it to free agency.

I agree, but I doubt he makes it to free agency.

[TheSmurfs22]

I am beginningi to, but need to see it play out another year. We finally seem to be in the right direction. I guess I am still alittle cynical after years and years of inepitude.