Originally posted by NCommand:
Originally posted by fister30:
I like the additions of Evans and Harris/brooks. Harris/Brooks is the same animal in regards to the pass rush. Somebody will come out of that. The addition of Evans gives the niners another presence at the DE spot. Evans/Balmer/soap and Harris/Brooks/Lawson. I noticed that Gregg M likes to blitz the safety in some situations and I have a feeling DG will out perform Roman in those situations.
My money is on Harris to step up. Harris is an over achiever while brooks has been an under achiever for most of his career.
True, Harris/Brooks/Evans all add some depth but both Harris & Evans (esp. Harris) are undersized for their positions and will only be used in spot duty though both add veteran leadership and are solid players. But let's not act like we've "added" anything b/c we've subtracted Green/TBC and are these two going to add more sacks for the team? I highly doubt it.
Brooks, to me, is the wild card b/c if we continue our injury streak or Lawson/Haralson wear down playing every down or are relatively ineffective, I can see Manusky going with a more prototypical Brooks at the WILL and I have a feeling he will fair well there esp. now that he's found a home and mentor under Singletary.
So, do I think we've improved the pass rush? I think we'll get a few more this year but probably not a whole lot more. But even that said, I see that we DO have some potential but everything will have to be just right in order for that to happen b/c we have not added any starters at key positions and are cashing all are chips in the hopes of Lawson/Haralson and a solid rotation along the d-line.
Very good points, and well thought out.
Here's my take:
I could see Manusky trying to use Lawson the way he used Merriman in San Diego. Manny isn't quite as powerful, but he's faster and taller. Moving him around and turning him loose ala Lightsout might be an interesting and productive move.
Harris is too small to be an every down OLB in a 3-4. I see him as a pass rush specialist in obvious passing situations only.
Evans may have put on some weight and may be an effective DE. He's listed at 275, but said something about being nearly 300 lbs recently. He seems to be holding his own against some of the OL in the nutcracker drills.
I agree with you, Brooks truly is the wild card. He's got the size that Harris lacks, and could be an every down OLB. I think he gets significantly more playing time this year, whether its behind Lawson and Haralson as a frequent sub, or in the place of one of them if they're out w/ injury. He just needs to keep his head screwed on straight.
Altho I am concerned with the lack of depth (really across the entire front five, without MacDonald, with RJF out, with Balmer gimpy, with Haralson hurt), I see a jump in sacks this year. Primarily because of a change in attitude from Nolan's "no pressure, hold your ground, no pass rush" philosophy.
Manusky's much more aggressive approach, plus a simplified 3-4 scheme that turns the players loose to use their athletic abilities, adds up to greater sack production. At least, that's what I'm hoping for.