Hailskins Article- Where's the D Line Help?

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Daseal

I think that when Gibbs saw some guys he liked on film, he was talking about the D line. I think Wynn/Zellner were playing way under their potential, and I think with Griffin and Noble (maybe not this year, but next) will be a solid combo. I also think Daniels will be solid.

Do we have a great line? No. Are we even in the top half in the league? No. Is it enough to generate the pressure needed to free up our LBs and other blitzing players? Yes. Williams has made no bones about it, we're going to be coming this year. When you have the talent at LB we have, we should be able to do just fine rushing the passer. I think the D Line will be the one thing that needs a fix next offseason, but let's see how everything pans out!

"Is it enough to generate the pressure needed to free up our LBs and other blitzing players? Yes."

Daseal, we don't know that yet! I'll agree that the LB position has been upgraded with Lavar's move to the weak side, but I also feel that there may be too much faith in the pass rushing skills of Marcus Washington. Don't get me wrong, he's a HUGE improvement over Jessie Armstead. But the guy has 18 sacks in 4 years. That's...what... a whopping 4.5 sacks per season?!?

And all due respect to Joe Gibbs, defense is not his forte. He's even admitted as much. But knowing that, it would be scary to think that he looked at game film of the defensive line last season and actually 'liked what he saw'. I'm certain he was speaking of certain offensive players.

Let me be clear: The defensive line is STILL in dreadful shape -- with or without Griffin and Daniels. We need significant help there. If we don't get it, I don't care what kind of schemes Gregg Williams comes up with. You still need talented players to execute. And that is something this team still doesn't have.