Let's talk defense

[724Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I think while your statement is somewhat true, it's becoming more and more common in the NFL that if you get drafted at all, you're expected to become an immediate contributor. First round picks are almost expected to start immediately.

Right, but at what level of proficiency are the rookies playing at? How effective is their contribution? It still takes a rookie a longer time to fully contribute than it does a veteran. The rookie may start but he's going to get "picked on" by the offense or the defense. You don't see too many cases where a FA gets the brunt of attention because its generally assumed that they have a shorter learning curve. Do we want Mario Williams or Andre Carter this year?
All of the players we acquire were someones draft picks at one time or another. Some are castoffs others couldn't be financially retained. Whether we draft them or someone else drafts them doen't make much of a difference to me.

[BDBohnzie]

To the Carter haters...I'm not going to come out and say he's the best DE in the league, however his first 2 assignments: Bryant McKinnie and Flozell Adams, both who run about 6'7", 6'8" and a double cheeseburger away from 345, 350. He's a speed guy, but those 2 are a lot of man to go around. Carter also leads all DLinemen in tackles right now. Plus, he played in a 3-4 as a hybrid LB/DE, and is learning the GW system. He should produce and will, given time.

The injuries in the secondary are the main piece to this puzzle. GW doesn't want to hang them out to dry, so he blitzes less and sit back 6, 7, 8 guys. Our DLine is capable, but has probably seen 2 of the better OLines in the league these past 2 weeks.

The defense needs to be more disciplined in tackling and their assignments, and GW needs to get off the basics and let guys like Archuletta, Taylor and Washington loose on blitzes.

[JWsleep]

I am with those who say give GW a chance to fix things, and remember that he's made good Ds out of unknowns and castoffs before. I am not for jumping ship 2 games into the season. Here's my guess--against a suspect o-line and a QB who holds the ball too long, GW will blitz like crazy on Sunday. The D will "magically" look better, and one of our nickle guys will have an INT.

Players have to make plays--so much of the game is mental at this level. We have "lost our swagger"--it's time to get it back against the Texans, and then use that momentum to propel us forward.

But the offense has to make plays too--just like in 2004, if the D has no faith in the offense, it gets them down, and that's death to a D. We have to pick up some firggin thrid downs on offense. My guess is that will help us stop thrid downs on defense.

It's about confidence, toughness, and execution. It's not about the front office, IMO.

[DaveyFoSho]

It ALL comes back to Springs. When he is in there it eases alot of the pressure of the LB's and Safeties in mid to longrange cover situations. Im sure ST and AA were thinking , "F*** Wright is going to blow this again." With Springs in he will allow everyone to focus more on their assignments rather than thinking they have to help as much as possible over the top!

[DaveyFoSho]

GW is the MAN......I am behind him 100%!!! Im sure the lack of blitzing is attributed the lack of coverguys. Just said this but with Springs in i think GW will be more confident in sending an extra corner or a safety on a blitz!!!

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by 724Skinsfan

Right, but at what level of proficiency are the rookies playing at? How effective is their contribution? It still takes a rookie a longer time to fully contribute than it does a veteran. The rookie may start but he's going to get "picked on" by the offense or the defense. You don't see too many cases where a FA gets the brunt of attention because its generally assumed that they have a shorter learning curve. Do we want Mario Williams or Andre Carter this year?
All of the players we acquire were someones draft picks at one time or another. Some are castoffs others couldn't be financially retained. Whether we draft them or someone else drafts them doen't make much of a difference to me.

I think you could make arguments for both the rookie and an FA. Take for instance, Shawn Merriman. Pro bowler. Yes, he's the exception of course but he had a tremendous, tremendous impact on his team.

A. Carter....this isn't directed at you 724, but since you brought his name up, I'm going there for minute. I don't give a damn how good the guys were he was going against. He signed a big deal, and he needs to step the f** up. The excuses about how he's faced two good tackles, yet he's been shut down both times doesn't fly.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by RobH4413

Offense is worse than '04. Which is sad. That scares me.

Not even close...yet.

[DaveyFoSho]

Such negativity!!! We are fine. More than fine!! 1 Game out, and our key players should be returning this week. Now if it was the Texans who stomped us on sunday then id agree, but we are fine!! A Carter will find his place in our D. Give him a couple more weeks to really break free!

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Carter better have his first sack this week. Hell, his first, second and third sacks.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Carter better have his first sack this week. Hell, his first, second and third sacks.

If he doesn't get at least one I'll really start to get pissed. Did I hear that some of the texan's starting o-linemen are hurt?

[TheMalcolmConnection]

At least two of them. Starting tackle broke his leg.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

At least two of them. Starting tackle broke his leg.

So since it's Houston's line we're talking about he'll probably be listed as questionable.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by DaveyFoSho

Such negativity!!! We are fine. More than fine!! 1 Game out, and our key players should be returning this week. Now if it was the Texans who stomped us on sunday then id agree, but we are fine!! A Carter will find his place in our D. Give him a couple more weeks to really break free!

Davey, we're not being negative...just frustrated. A. Carter...well I've already expressed my sentiments about that.

If he doesn't get any sacks or tackles this week, I wonder what will be the excuse. Oh, he's still learning Gregg Williams' complex defense? Or how about this one, at least he's an upgrade over what we had last year?
Oh I like this one, 'The guy he was playing against was an Outland trophy winner back in '98, so give him a break? Take your pick.

[MTK]

There's no excuses for Carter, or for anybody. They're just not playing well. That being said it's a long season. We can't properly evaluate these guys after just a couple of games.

[DaveyFoSho]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

'The guy he was playing against was an Outland trophy winner back in '98, so give him a break? Take your pick.

Thank you i will now be fired for laughing hysterically at my "spreadsheets." Haha, that was pretty good. Yea i understand the frustration. I myself wanted to throw my TV out the window. I was more so quoting a Wedding Crashers line, not really pointing a finger. And i agree its time for Carter to produce. No more excuses.