Does Size Matter?

12thMan · 04-11-2007, 02:12 PM

I've been thinking about this lately; Does it really make that much of difference in the grand scheme of things?

Take for instance our defensive line. We currently have one, by NFL standards, small defensive end and could possibly end up with another in the draft - Gaines Adams.

I know we've discussed ad nauseum the merrits of drafting one DL as opposed to another, that's not what I'm getting at here.

Is it proven or possible that you can't have a formidable front four with two average size DEs?

Please discuss.

ArtMonkDrillz · 04-11-2007, 02:14 PM

I would think it all depends on the kind of defense you're running. For us, I think we need a bigger line that can clog running lanes so the linebackers are more free to move around.

FRPLG · 04-11-2007, 02:15 PM

I think it more about the likeliness that a smaller guy can hold up against the run and bigger OLs. A guy like Freeney is good to go but no one knew coming if he could do it. Most smallish DLmen simply need some girth to get the job done. A few do it with technique and speed but they are much rarer and I believe harder to identify.

arrington_QBkiller · 04-11-2007, 02:42 PM

in a 3-4 defense it definitly does matter, but in a 4-3 I don't think it is totally necessary. It is always nice to have at least one DL that commands a double team which we do not have, sorry Cornelius Griffin just isn't cutting it. But to prove a point here are a few DL that are on the slim side. Jason Taylor-255lbs, Simeon Rice-268, Aaron Schobel-262 and Leonard Little-263

Rajmahal33 · 04-11-2007, 02:52 PM

my ex-gf definitely seems to think so...

innuendo aside, she is a ravens fan and knows a thing or two about football. She has been preaching to me about size on the D-line. That's why Ray-ray was so effective on that defense this year. Most ravens players say that Kelly Gregg was the MVP of that defense and its not surprising why they think that. Sometimes even out of ur D-ends u don't want them to make a play u just want them to not get pancaked (maybe take on a double) so that ur WLB's and SLB's can shoot the gap and make something happen. For this size DEFINITELY helps over quickness

Redskin Rich · 04-11-2007, 02:52 PM

My wife SWEARS to me that size does not matter... man, I hope she is right.

GhettoDogAllStars · 04-11-2007, 03:24 PM

Size on the D line helps in run defense. Speed and quickness help more in pass defense. Balance is the key. You don't want all run stuffers, or all pass rushers. That's why I think we'll be much better on the D line, if we can get one legitimate run stuffer. It will make our D line much more balanced.

hesscl34 · 04-11-2007, 04:35 PM

Honest: Size Matters!!!!!

12thMan · 04-11-2007, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hesscl34

Honest: Size Matters!!!!!

Honest to God, Hess. I actually had you in mind when I started this thread.

hesscl34 · 04-11-2007, 04:39 PM

Well, let me tell all you boys the TRUTH. It DOES matter and girth is far more important than length!

TheMalcolmConnection · 04-11-2007, 04:43 PM

HAHAH. HESS liiiikes CHOADS! LOL

Seriously, to not hijack this thread. I agree with the above. I think as long as someone can hold the point of attack, that's all that matters. Just because an offensive lineman is four hundred pounds doesn't make them any more effective at BLOCKING someone.

skinsfan69 · 04-11-2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I've been thinking about this lately; Does it really make that much of difference in the grand scheme of things?

Take for instance our defensive line. We currently have one, by NFL standards, small defensive end and could possibly end up with another in the draft - Gaines Adams.

I know we've discussed ad nauseum the merrits of drafting one DL as opposed to another, that's not what I'm getting at here.

Is it proven or possible that you can't have a formidable front four with two average size DEs?

Please discuss.

Is Earthquake rubbing off on you? What if I don't wanna discuss? Just kidding.

Gaines Adams had a productive college career. He is the best pass rusher in the draft. He is a better player than the guy at Ark. Does anyone remember Charles Haley? I don't think he weighed 260lb. Some guys can play well at that weight. We can have a good line with two small ends. But we had better have some guys holding down the fort in the middle.

12thMan · 04-11-2007, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

HAHAH. HESS liiiikes CHOADS! LOL

Seriously, to not hijack this thread. I agree with the above. I think as long as someone can hold the point of attack, that's all that matters. Just because an offensive lineman is four hundred pounds doesn't make them any more effective at BLOCKING someone.

Dude, I really thought you were going somewhere when you said, "as long as someone can hold"....then I kept reading!

GTripp0012 · 04-11-2007, 04:50 PM

Size is not what ultimately makes the difference. If a 280 lb DT is among the leagues' best run stoppers, it's not like you should not play him because he's small.

However, being small in a big man's game usually puts you at a disadvantage. If you gave me a 260 lb DE and a 285 lb DE and told me nothing else about them, I would be 95% sure that the 285 lb guy would be better against the run.

One of the good things about scouting is that when a relatively small guy does an exceptionally good job holding his ground, it really stands out. These kind of things usually don't tend to go unoticed.

So of course size matters. But its not inconceivable for a good player to overcome his size.

NM Redskin · 04-11-2007, 07:48 PM

Dwight Freeney is only 6'1 268

04-11-2007, 02:12 PM	#1
12thMan MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: washington, D.C. Posts: 11,460	Does Size Matter? I've been thinking about this lately; Does it really make that much of difference in the grand scheme of things? Take for instance our defensive line. We currently have one, by NFL standards, small defensive end and could possibly end up with another in the draft - Gaines Adams. I know we've discussed ad nauseum the merrits of drafting one DL as opposed to another, that's not what I'm getting at here. Is it proven or possible that you can't have a formidable front four with two average size DEs? Please discuss.

04-11-2007, 02:14 PM	#2
ArtMonkDrillz Franchise Player Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ellicott City, MD Age: 42 Posts: 8,029	Re: Does Size Matter? I would think it all depends on the kind of defense you're running. For us, I think we need a bigger line that can clog running lanes so the linebackers are more free to move around. __________________ "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." The Dude

04-11-2007, 02:15 PM	#3
FRPLG MVP Join Date: May 2004 Age: 46 Posts: 10,164	Re: Does Size Matter? I think it more about the likeliness that a smaller guy can hold up against the run and bigger OLs. A guy like Freeney is good to go but no one knew coming if he could do it. Most smallish DLmen simply need some girth to get the job done. A few do it with technique and speed but they are much rarer and I believe harder to identify.

04-11-2007, 02:42 PM	#4
arrington_QBkiller Camp Scrub Join Date: Mar 2004 Age: 43 Posts: 72	Re: Does Size Matter? in a 3-4 defense it definitly does matter, but in a 4-3 I don't think it is totally necessary. It is always nice to have at least one DL that commands a double team which we do not have, sorry Cornelius Griffin just isn't cutting it. But to prove a point here are a few DL that are on the slim side. Jason Taylor-255lbs, Simeon Rice-268, Aaron Schobel-262 and Leonard Little-263 __________________ Sean Taylor puts the "laughter" in "manslaughter". -Grim21reaper

04-11-2007, 02:52 PM	#5
Rajmahal33 Special Teams Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 478	Re: Does Size Matter? my ex-gf definitely seems to think so... innuendo aside, she is a ravens fan and knows a thing or two about football. She has been preaching to me about size on the D-line. That's why Ray-ray was so effective on that defense this year. Most ravens players say that Kelly Gregg was the MVP of that defense and its not surprising why they think that. Sometimes even out of ur D-ends u don't want them to make a play u just want them to not get pancaked (maybe take on a double) so that ur WLB's and SLB's can shoot the gap and make something happen. For this size DEFINITELY helps over quickness __________________ McNasty FTW!

04-11-2007, 02:52 PM	#6
Redskin Rich The Starter Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,420	Re: Does Size Matter? My wife SWEARS to me that size does not matter... man, I hope she is right.

04-11-2007, 03:24 PM	#7
GhettoDogAllStars Playmaker Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Denver Age: 42 Posts: 2,762	Re: Does Size Matter? Size on the D line helps in run defense. Speed and quickness help more in pass defense. Balance is the key. You don't want all run stuffers, or all pass rushers. That's why I think we'll be much better on the D line, if we can get one legitimate run stuffer. It will make our D line much more balanced. __________________ To succeed in the world it is not enough to be stupid, you must also be well-mannered.

04-11-2007, 04:35 PM	#8
hesscl34 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Germantown, MD Posts: 2,782	Re: Does Size Matter? Honest: Size Matters!!!!!

04-11-2007, 04:39 PM	#10
hesscl34 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Germantown, MD Posts: 2,782	Re: Does Size Matter? Well, let me tell all you boys the TRUTH. It DOES matter and girth is far more important than length!

04-11-2007, 04:43 PM	#11
TheMalcolmConnection I like big (_\|_)s. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Charlottesville, Virginia Age: 43 Posts: 19,233	Re: Does Size Matter? HAHAH. HESS liiiikes CHOADS! LOL Seriously, to not hijack this thread. I agree with the above. I think as long as someone can hold the point of attack, that's all that matters. Just because an offensive lineman is four hundred pounds doesn't make them any more effective at BLOCKING someone. __________________ Regret nothing. At one time it was exactly what you wanted.

04-11-2007, 04:50 PM	#14
GTripp0012 Living Legend Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Evanston, IL Age: 36 Posts: 15,994	Re: Does Size Matter? Size is not what ultimately makes the difference. If a 280 lb DT is among the leagues' best run stoppers, it's not like you should not play him because he's small. However, being small in a big man's game usually puts you at a disadvantage. If you gave me a 260 lb DE and a 285 lb DE and told me nothing else about them, I would be 95% sure that the 285 lb guy would be better against the run. One of the good things about scouting is that when a relatively small guy does an exceptionally good job holding his ground, it really stands out. These kind of things usually don't tend to go unoticed. So of course size matters. But its not inconceivable for a good player to overcome his size. __________________ according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

04-11-2007, 07:48 PM	#15
NM Redskin The Starter Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,014	Re: Does Size Matter? Dwight Freeney is only 6'1 268 __________________ Despite my solid 40 time and great intangibles I went undrafted AGAIN!

Does Size Matter?

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