Originally posted by NCommand:Originally posted by nyfl9erfan:
I too see the points raised above, including yours. I'd still say that if we are keeping our opponents passing to the 10th best based on QB rating, we are getting the job done. Can it be better? Certainly.
I might also suggest that our 3-4 is more of a 1-gap as far as the dline goes compared to the 'better 3-4's. We are also lackingt the dominant NT that is to occupy the oline therefore freeing up the OLB's.
My net at this point is they are getting the job done but it can be better. I like, most of the posters would like to see more sacks in general, and specifically by the OLB's...and it would be nice to see safety, corner, and MLB blitzes. Of course, it must be within the context of the scheme, the opponent, and down and game situation.
I don't think we are radically disagreeing...
You bet, two sides of the same coin here. I subscribe that the 10th best stat is due to a stellar secondary more than as a result of solid and consistent pressure from the front 7, in particular, the OLB's. I said it before and I'll say it again, this defense is built backwards with the front 7 relying on the secondary, not the other way around. In short, the pressure we are getting more often then not is as a result of good coverage which allows our big d-linemen to get there. That said, QB's still have ample time to pass (see Brett Favre's 50 yard game-winning pass with 4 rushers).
I agree that we're missing that dominant NT though Franklin is playing well, he's still moveable and is currently ranked 16th against the run where we're ranked 2nd (Smith) & 9th (Sopoaga) with the help of Manny & Haralson playing pseudo DE's at the LOS against the run. He is doing a better job of splitting the 1 gaps and penetrating and getting in the backfield which is a key for us and allows the OLB's and DE's to collapse the pocket. He's terrible in the 2-gap.
I agree that the scheme is a critical component of the success of this team. I used the TBC-example of that. And I could NOT agree more with you. We need to be playing our fhyical corners up at the LOS, tight, press and run CB/safety blitzes off those assinments. Manusky, is still hesitant to use Willis/Spikes to overload sides for blitzing or blitzes up the middle and I don't know why given Willis' speed. Perhaps he doesn't think he has the pass rush ability? Afraid their will be a big gap in the middle? Will did have a terrible game in coverage last game so perhaps that may be an issue. Maybe the issue relies more with Spikes thinking he can't risk rushing Willis b/c he doesn't have the confidence in Spikes to occupy Willis' void?
Anyhow, I'll continue to monitor and update these stats as the year progresses but I think it's already safe to say, this is still a major weakness for us and while we're disguising it well, eventually, it will bite us in the butt (e.g. get Favre'd again).
The first three paragraphs of your response to me start with "you bet..." and "I agree...(twice)" but yet you state that you will continue to monitor and update the stats. As a mathematician, I might ask why? You don't like the stats or the results? Or you want to say that the OLB's are the problem because they do not have the stats?
My position is that our defense is basically playing very well in terms of points and rankings, especially considering the opponents thus far and we have managed to contain the passing attack more than adequately. So maybe Manusky's scheme with the 1-gap puts more onus (and stats) on the oline and more coverage/cleanup/containment responsibilities on the LB's. I wouldn't second guess him as to what he is really thinking but it seems that he has a good feel of the personnel differences between this team and SD and I believe that excellent progress is being made.
As long as it translates to improvement from last year and game to game, I am all for it. And as much as I like reading about stats, the one that counts the most is wins. We didn't get it done as a team last Sunday, but next week and going forward I am optimistic.
I was fortunate (unfortunate?) to have watched the 9ers in the Tittle years, I got almost high with Brodie and other stuff in those years, and then I become fulfilled with Montana and Young. I think that the "it" that Singletary brings is similar to what Walsh brought, but different. Fundamentally, however, it's an approach that can win. I've seen this in the 9ers before, though Walsh had many other strengths, I've seen it on teams on which I have played, and I have seen it in business, and it can work work and work well. You may question the stats but they may not be quite the whole story.
So let's watch this unfold and hopefully the stats will come...but they may alter our baseline perceptions, as Walsh did about the 'right' way to do things.
