Here's a closer look at how the current Phins LBs graded out lat year in all three phases of their games, according to PFF. ILB- Dansby graded out at 2.4 rushing the QB, 6.1 in coverage, and 5.0 vs the run. Burnett was 6.1 rush, -1.3 coverage, and 6.5 run Dobbins was 2.6 rush, -5.7 coverage, and 8.9 run Crowder was -0.8 rush, -0.7 coverage, and 14.0 run The highest graded ILBs were Willis at 11.4 rush, D Johnson at 10.1 coverage, and B Scott at 27.5 run. OLB- Wake graded out at 33.1 rushin the QB, 0.4 in coverage, and 4.5 vs the run Misi was 4.8 rush, 0.2 coverage, and 9.8 run. The highest graded OLBs were Hali at 51.4 rush, Matthews at 6.2 coverage, and Harrison at 21.o run. Considering the above, I'm wondering if Nolan may move Misi inside on certain situations and match ups, as a number of posters here have mentioned, and Dansby or Burnett outside. I know Dansby can go outside but I don't know about Burnett, although I would think he could. Thoughts?
to me it means we might actually be able successfully blitz now ... something that was almost comical with Zach and Crowder ....
Well, Coach Sparano went into the reasons why he cut Channing C during today's presser and it basically boiled down to "we want to get better at doing certain things" ie, more dynamism out of the ILB slot, something they have looked for since Reggie Torbor was "Burnett" back in 09. Crowder was let go because while a great run defender, he was out of place, with us, in a league that is more pass heavy then ever, Sparano basically conceded superior run defense for superior blitzing and pass defense in Burnett.
I think it's an overall upgrade Padre but, not a big one. The run D from ILBs concerns me. Think Misi will get snaps inside?
I don't think our run defense will be any worse than last year (barring injury). Especially now that Soliai has solidified the NT position, and the addition of Odrick, a year's experience of Misi under his belt, plus the rest of the unit in Nolan's defense for another season. I really like our front 7 better than I have in years. The continued development of Smith, Jones, Clemons & Carroll would really be a big boost.
They must be planning on Soliai just being dominant as neither Burnett nor Dansby are downhill ilb types of players. Though, if one thinks about it, we could easily play more 4-3 this yr with Dansby manning the MLB role and Burnett playing the Will.
Running backs will be engulfed at the line so I'm not worried about the overkill involved with needing a run stuffing LB behind them. I love the Burnett addition. Considering we finished near last in turnovers created and big plays allowed, this is a solid improvement IMO (especially considering the Hernandez-Gronk duo in NE). I'm really loving our front 7 right now. Might prove to be one of the best in the NFL. If Vontae & Sean can become consistent, this group has a good chance to become lights out. No homerism involved. The one thing we still need IMO is an improvement at nickel corner (or at least a better backup plan to question mark Allen than Sapp).
Well, not to concerned with the nickel Db as we have Will Allen, Sapp and Carroll, and I'm one of the few who think Sapp is just a solid player.
Little, if any doubt our front seven is in the top 5 in the league. But we still need to shore up some potential safety issues. And we have to have more consistent CB play. My biggest concern is certainly not the defense. But have we done enough on the offensive side (and special teams) to have improved enough to take some of the pressure off of our defense? For whatever reason, it seems the front office is affixed on the defense (and I'm not saying it's without merit) but we still could use some upgrades on the offensive side of the ball.
On St we have, Trusnik is a fine ST Lb and can start at Lb, a healthy Dobbins also improves the unit. ST collapsed last yr when the Lb's who were good at it were let go.
we have several STs added to fold this year ... both LBs (Freeny and Spears) .... add to that Trusnik and Restelli then toss in Gates and Livas (as a long shot) ... all youngsters who have excelled at STs.
