Originally posted by thl408:Common reaction to downplay the importance of player(s) that leave in order to feel better about the loss. But, I do agree with you, pd24. If I had to rank the order of importance in terms of player positions for a 3-4 defense, I'd go: DEs, OLBs, Safeties, NT, CBs, ILBs. Still, having great ILBs does more for a defense than having a great fullback (least important offensive position) does for an offense.
Fangio's defense really took advantage of Bow/Willis in 11-13. He used those two to do a lot of things with regards to pass coverage. Having Bow and Willis allowed the 49ers to play the CBs with a cushion and not suffer big consequences. The CBs would play with a cushion to prevent the vertical route while the doublemint twins were good at dropping back, providing coverage of the passing lanes to any underneath and inside breaking routes. Notice how even with the cushions that the CBs played with, very few quick slants were completed against the 49ers' defense. It was always quick outs that got them, not quick inside breaking routes. When the ILBs play like this, it usually allows passes to the RBs to be effective since the ILBs drop back to gain depth and give up short throws to the RBs who now have space to run. However, what Bow and Willis did so well was tackle in the open field and prevent any RAC yardage from passes to the RB. 1v1 versus a RB in open space is always a win for Bow/Willis.
I hope Baalke doesn't think he needs to address ILB with a 1st or 2nd rounder due to the recent retirings. I would rather help Wilhoite succeed rather than directly upgrading Wilhoite, and I'm not even high on him. Nab a good DE/DT prospect and coach that guy up. That will help the ILBs perform their assignments.
You and Johnny are the kind of breakdowns and I appreciate it.
Question for you/anyone with knowledge.
Do we have one or is there one in the draft, a hybrid ILB/safety/CB that is big, tall, and strong enough to rotate in who could handle runs but can do coverage?
Does dontae Johnson have the skills for run support? Or someone else?
[ Edited by jeepzilla on Mar 25, 2015 at 7:21 AM ]