1. Which type of DT would better suit this defense? The really big, run stuffing, clogging type guys, or the smaller, quicker, penetrating type DT's. The roles of those 2 categories of player are a bit different, so which lends itself to being the most productive in our defense?

2. Same question, but for DE. We have many smaller faster DE's on the squad already, and have a couple of the bigger ends as well. Which better suits the style of defense we with to employ?

I'm sure these questions weigh heavily into player rankings such as whether to go with a guy like Trevor Laws vs a guy like Red Bryant. Or with the DE like Quentin Groves vs. Calias Cambell.

Just curious on what everyone's thoughts are.

Don't Take Life Too Seriously

I guess it depends on how much influence Gregg Williams is going to have. Jack Del Rio has said that we are going to stay with his style of defense, and Gregg is going to have to adjust to our style. With that being said,  JDR's philosophy is clog the middle and force the play to the outside. From there, our fast pursuing LB's run down the play.

As far as the DE situation. Same story. I guess it depends on how much influence Gregg Williams is going to have, but JDR's philosophy is to disrupt the pocket, but also be  able to play the run. Although we have a few DPR's on the roster JDR still seems to prefer the bigger, every down DE. (Hayward 6'5 280, and Spicer 6'5 290)

But if Gregg Williams has any influence, if you look at his DE's over the last few years like, Andre Carter (252 lbs)  they are all small and fast, DE's so I guess we'll see!

-------------------------------------------------- "He’s on the ground and I’m still running. You can see his chinstrap and my hand is all inside his helmet and chin, and his face is snapped back. I’m still in stride and he is holding on for dear life. Posterized." -Fred Taylor

The guy I'd like to have is Gary Walker in his prime. He stuffed the run and got to the QB. At DE, give me Tony Brackens in his prime.

'02 Check out my CAP_INFO, and join my new WEBSITE. Coach Del Rio: "Respect every opponnent, and fear nobody."

Uhhh, alrighty then...

Anyway, A mix of both types of D-Line players is the best way to go in my opinion. For example, along the Defensive Line, you could have:

LDE - R. Heyward, who has shown the ability to set the edge and split the occasional Double-Team and can flash pass rush moves to pressure the pocket. Not a speed rusher necessarily, but has the ability to turn the corner.

LDT - G. Walker/R, Meier, quick-twitch type of DT that is on the blocker and into the gap with a quickness. Is a constant threat due to the fact that he is always moving forward trying to push the pocket. To quote Maize n blue, "Put him in a 3 technique and let him eat."

RDT - J. Henderson, a big, powerful, classic two gap DT that takes up space and absorbs blockers. A presence in the middle that must be accounted for by two men on every play, and sometimes a RB. You can set this guy in a 2 technique to occupy the OG and the Center, leaving the RDE singled up on the LT.

RDE - T. Brackens, a smaller yet very fast DE that is constantly pressing the edge of the Offense. He is on the LT's hip immediately after the snap and also has the flexibility to drop back for the Zone Blitz when needed. Hopefully, this is what B. Smith grows up to be.

With this type of an alignment, you can pretty much dictate to the Offense where the single up matchups are going to be. Also, it doesn't put as much of a strain on the personnel dept. to go and find you several huge guys just to stock the DT rotation. It allows for more flexibility and creativity along the Front.

Go heavy early. You do not maintain perfection, you work for it everyday.

Amen, amen, and amen brother. The only problem is that those 3-Down guys are really hard to find. That's why I like minimizing the need for them.

They can't all be Reggie White.

Go heavy early. You do not maintain perfection, you work for it everyday.