Originally posted by Memphis9er:Originally posted by NCommand:Originally posted by Memphis9er:Originally posted by Kolohe:
I'd just start Aldon Smith and let him loose on the QB. Travis LaBoy and Parys could be our NRDE's. Really would love to Lawson, I think him and Smith would make a solid duo at OLB.
Agreed, that would be a solid combo. Lawson might not be a premier pass rusher, but he is a really good linebacker.
Disagree...with Lawson starting and his proven inability to pass rush, teams will easily be able to focus on blocking and effectively neutralizing Aldon Smith no matter where he lines up esp. as a rookie. Like teams game-planned last year to block out Willis, it works. That's not to say scheme can't effectively help one dominant pass rusher ala Clay Matthews but Green Bay also has very very good play from the other eleven guys. That is why we need TWO effective pass rushers on the outside on every single down which will effectively open up things on the inside for Willis/Spikes and even the two DE's (may be McDonald/Smith now) AND equally important, allow the secondary to play tighter, more physical and focus on play-making and creating TO's. We do NOT want to be the most vanilla 3-4 defense ever again, do we?
Why do you assume the defense will be vanilla? Regardless of pass rush, which Lawson is mediocre at, he is a very good run stopper and above average in coverage. You do not want only pass rushes or you will see your defense getting gashed by draws and screen passes. It takes well rounded players to make a good d, not just pass rushers. Hopefully we see Willis blitzing more now that we have a supposedly more aggressive dc.
The defense for the last 3 years has be killed by draws and screen passes.