Versatile Defense

[KJ3]

i certainly think we're building towards one. i sit here wondering though, in our base 4-3 scheme, if bringing in guys like colvin and thompson will add to the trend mario kind of set last year. he would line up standing occasionally like a 6' 7'' 290 lbs linebacker giving a weird 3-4 look, a hybrid if you will. i would like to see if this trend continues and who would fill the spots. or, since colvin/thompson are primarily LBs anyway if they just had a few straight up 3-4 sets. obviously it would come around in definite passing situations...fun to think about anyway since we really aren't in full-on football mode yet.


mario amobi cochran

thompson demeco diles colvin

[NBT]

You'er right KJ, makes you wonder exactly what Richard Smith has in mind this year? I too, think we surprise a lot of people with our defense. The safeties will definitely be better with FS Will Demps here for the whole year (Barber & Ferguson in the wings). Earl and Brown will duke it out for S.S. with Brandon Harrison being interesting to watch how he performs.

The CB situation is a little unsettled still, but with the potential to come on strong with Fred Bennet and Jacque Reeves to start, and Antuan Molden learning on the go.

The pass rush on the Dline will be improved, and Okoye and Okam (The Double O's), we will have a run defense finally.

LB's I'm not sure of yet, but after all is said and done Greenwood, Ryans, and Diles should make for considerable improvement there too.

[nero THE zero]

I think they were letting Mario stand up to see if he could get off the ball faster that way. I don't know if you would consider that a "hybrid 4-3" or not. But, if he liked it I'm sure we'll see it again this year. I also think it adds an interesting crinkle to our defense. With the emphasis put on athleticism and speed in our defense; the increasing use of zone dogs; and the ability of Thompson, Colvin, and Mario to play with a hand down or standing, I think we're starting to see Smith's "vanilla look" defense take form.

[KJ3]

yea, i know hybrid is the wrong word but it seems like since thompson/colvin are true LB's who can play down or up and they came for pass rushing i just kind of followed my nose to the idea that having both of them out there in a 3-4 curveball would cause some problems.

[NBT]

Yikes, "Vanilla Defense"? I don't like the sound of that. Let's open it up and see what we are made of. Control the LOS. Stop the run, and blitz like heck on 3rd and long.

[edo783]

Originally Posted by NBT

blitz like heck on 3rd and long.

The one time I saw them do that it didn't go well. Not saying we shouldn't , just didn't go well when we did.

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by NBT

Yikes, "Vanilla Defense"? I don't like the sound of that. Let's open it up and see what we are made of. Control the LOS. Stop the run, and blitz like heck on 3rd and long.

Well, I said "vanilla look"

Smith has said that he wants to roll out there with a very plain looking defense, making it difficult for the QB to decipher what is going to happen when he snaps the ball. I think with some DE who can drop back and cover, or put their hand down and put pressure on the QB it fits well into the "vanilla look" scheme.

Though, I have been thoroughly disappointed with the pressure where have gotten in the first two preseason games. Hopefully that starts to change when the games start to count.

[NBT]

Yes, I know you did, and I didn't mean to jump on your interpretation. My point was that Richard Smith has run a "vanilla defense" too much while he has been here. I want to see some kick-ass, go get 'em D, for a change.