Predict the front 7 starters

[davy]

"I am sorry, but a line of AH, Kemo, Daniels, with Orakpo and Carter as qb sacking ends ought to scare a LOT of teams, especially Doug Free and company. But if AH continues his baby act, and Kemo can't go, then the line does become more mundane.

I expect our defense will statistically worse, but effectively better."


In obvious passing situations I agree with you.

What worries me is that the 4 stars of our front 7 last year were Haynesworth, Orakpo, Carter and Fletcher who I believe are all much better suited to 4-3 than 3-4.

Looking at our front 7 now, it is made up of crocks, greybeards and guys playing out of their natural positions. I don't know how we are going to stop teams running on us.

[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by davy

"I am sorry, but a line of AH, Kemo, Daniels, with Orakpo and Carter as qb sacking ends ought to scare a LOT of teams, especially Doug Free and company. But if AH continues his baby act, and Kemo can't go, then the line does become more mundane.

I expect our defense will statistically worse, but effectively better."


In obvious passing situations I agree with you.

What worries me is that the 4 stars of our front 7 last year were Haynesworth, Orakpo, Carter and Fletcher who I believe are all much better suited to 4-3 than 3-4.

Looking at our front 7 now, it is made up of crocks, greybeards and guys playing out of their natural positions. I don't know how we are going to stop teams running on us.

Kemo, AH, and Daniels would clog the middle effectively. Most teams would have to go to swing passes, screens, and end round runs to beat us. This has to be Haslett's focus, getting outside containment from the LB's. Can we do it? I am fairly confident Orakpo will learn and be a stud at any calling, the other side is the biggest concern, especially when we know our back end has some glaring tackling weaknesses.

[davy]

Originally Posted by CRedskinsRule

Kemo, AH, and Daniels would clog the middle effectively. Most teams would have to go to swing passes, screens, and end round runs to beat us. This has to be Haslett's focus, getting outside containment from the LB's. Can we do it? I am fairly confident Orakpo will learn and be a stud at any calling, the other side is the biggest concern, especially when we know our back end has some glaring tackling weaknesses.

You raise a point that has me even more worried.

Our OLBs...

Orakpo
Carter
Jarmon
Wilson

Four converted DEs. That scares me.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by davy

You raise a point that has me even more worried.

Our OLBs...

Orakpo
Carter
Jarmon
Wilson

Four converted DEs. That scares me.

Orakpo and Carter both have played OLB before. Orakpo was playing OLB last year. I am betting Orakpo is a better 3-4 OLB than he was a 4-3 OLB. Clearly from everything Haslett has said, Orakpo is going to be rushing the passer more and playing coverage less. Perhaps this staff is trying to play to individuals players strengths rather than simply playing people straight up. Carter's one year as a 3-4 OLB in SF was not horrific. At the time he said he was not a fan of the position, but still played it solid. Here, he has indicated a willingness to playing the position and (I think) has indicated it's not going to be as cut and dried as it was in SF.

Jarmon is a concern but I choose to wear the burgundy and gold glasses on this one. The guy was solid when he played, has a great ethic and got major props from his college coaches, I am betting he will transition well. From everything I am seeing, it seems that the OLB's in this scheme will be driving the line first, covering second which plays to their strenght as DE's.

Again, before we conclude this defense will "stink", let's see'em play.