Originally posted by tjd808185:
Pittsburgh is an elite NFL defense. They have 2 dominant edge rushers we have 0, and they have the best safety in the game too. You're bashing Manusky but I really think our average defense reflects on McNolanSing. They never understood the importance of an edge rusher in the 3-4.
This is my problem with McNolanSing. In order for us to win we have to be Pittsburgh or Baltimore. Not just really good defense, but historically great defense.
Yes and no. I agree that the Steelers and Ravens are elite defenses and 1) Had a philosophy 2) Got the personnel to run it and 3) Are very successful in it with great coaching and leadership year after year after year
But no in that despite our constant changes in philosophy from a 4-3, 3-4, hybrid, bend-and-break, sacks by committee defense, etc. that doesn't dismiss the fact that Manusky continues to make the same mistakes as he did from day one and hasn't appeared to grow with the same personnel. In fact, at this stage, he should be peaking with this group as he's had the same starting lineup for many years now.
Granted, like I said previously, I don't know which came first, the chicken or the egg and I agree that management, while adding many expensive parts to this defense and having a strong focus in the draft, still is missing the boat when it comes to building, coaching and running a proper 3-4. We have many one-dimensional players on this team and few are equipped for a true 3-4 such as the aforementioned teams.
In short, it's Manusky's job to identify the same three things as mentioned for management and then take it on himself to ensure we ARE a Steelers or a Ravens team...or if we don't have the talent, a Jets defense high on scheme. After all, it's HIS job we're talking about today.
So far, he's regressed and that shouldn't go unnoticed.
[ Edited by NCommand on Oct 12, 2010 at 16:18:37 ]