We shore up the middle of our defense. Gimme a big, fat NT and gimme a high-motor, badass ILB. I'd like both, but if we don't get one of those guys today, I'll be pissed off. Your Safety should never lead your team in tackles. Yeremiah Bell (S) had 120 tackles. Crowder (LB) had 113. Renaldo Hill (S) had 77. The Ravens' top tackler was Ray Lewis (LB) with 117, followed by Bart Scott (LB) with 82, and Jim Leonhard (S) with 69 tackles. The Steelers' top tackler was Farrior (LB) with 133 tackles, followed by James Harrison (LB), with 101, and Polamolu (S), with 73. If we want to dominate on Defense, our Safety can't be making 120 tackles. That means the ball-carrier made it past our D-Line and our LBs almost 50 times more than the elite defenses like Baltimore and Pittsburgh. That sucks. We need to shore up the middle of our defense and today is the day we do it!!!
It could also mean that your safety plays within the box a lot more, to be fair. Also I'd say that teams who run a 3-4 defense have safeties with higher tackle totals, as the 3-4isnt made to stop the run. I'd be upset if we drafted a NT early, seeing as later round picks panning out at the NT position aren't unheard of.
Not every team is the same. The 3-4 defense isnt a run stopping defense in general, that is my point.
Both Miami and Pittsburgh run 3-4 Defenses. I contend that their defense is top-knotch because of their stellar line and linebacking play. Our defense needs help up the middle. Here are some stats. The Top 10 tacklers for the Steelers in 2008 racked up 748 tackles. They broke down as follows: DB: 35% LB: 48% Line: 16% The Top 10 tacklers for Miami in 2008 made 656 tackles. Those broke down as follows: DB: 49% LB: 35% Line: 15% CONCLUSION: We need our linebackers making more tackles than our safeties. I don't care if the safety is usually in the box. The linebackers are closer to the line of scrimmage and should be making more tackles, making our run-defense better. ENJOY THE DRAFT! LETS GET A ILB OR A BIG, FAT DT!!!
I don't think I'm saying what I mean correctly. I don't disagree that we need a linebacker badly, or that we could use a NT. Or even that our safety shouldn't lead the team in tackles. My point was just a general one. The 3-4 is a defense based upon confusing the QB and creating pressure. You can still stop the run, just like a 4-3 team can still rush the passer. My point, is that in general I'd bet the SS on a 3-4 team will end up with more tackles than a 4-3 team.
Well, Parcells and I disagree about bolstering our interior D. Shows u what I know!!! Posted via Mobile Device
Also just to add more A safety doesn't just make tackles on runs, but passes as well. His high numbers also mean our corners were beat a lot in intermediate routes. Thats something we hopefully took care of with our picks.
You are correct. My statistical analysis was flawed. If I had more time, I'd break it down on running plays. Whatever, Crowder and Aydele are average at best. ILB still needs an upgrade.
gardenhead you said you'd be pissed if we didn't get a NT or a LB, well. We got a LB. so are you happy?
I was at Jazzfest in New Orleans all day today, checking my iPhone for updates. I'm happy cause I heard a lot of good music today. Sharon Jones and Mavis Staples were amazing. The LB we drafted plays inside? If he can challenge the bums we got now, then I'll be happy.
Gotcha. I like the double CB move. I like the double WR move. I think Pat White could be a difference-maker. Not sure about the other picks, when it comes to the position. I just thought our ILBs needed a major overhaul.
I'll go as far as saying with those two LBs this team will never go far into the playoffs...they are marginal at best and Joey is almost done but( Wake may be something...God let this be true)
Linebackers don't make or break teams, IMO. They compliment teams, but just because we don't have a Ray Lewis caliber inside linebacker does not mean we won't go far in the playoffs.
