Pressure or Coverage....

[Udogg]

In the Saints game, Drew Brees was consistently able to step up in the pocket to avoid the DE pressure like it was a warm snugly blanket. The lack of interior defensive pressure was killing us. Not just the lack of pressure but the clear throwing lanes. Our DT's weren't even getting their hands up. And drew brees is like 5'11 tall.

[Kevin Greene]

Having looked at Zod's avatar I've forgotten the question. :confused:

[goodoleboy]

In the Saints game it was just Brees doing what he has done all year. We actually sacked him more than most teams in that last game. Like most things its a combination of both. We had to zone blitz to get pressure and if they picked it up Brees was good enough to take advantage of it.

[panthers55]

As long as we use zone blitzing schemes and primarily zone coverage then pressure is crucial. Zone only works when you hurry a quarterback into throwing early before the receivers have found a hole in the zone. Given enough time every zone coverage is suspect.

Our coverage has been poor as well at times particularly handing off the receivers from the underneath corner to the safety on top. We are handing off a receiver who is uncovered or the coverage comes so late he is wide open.

[Peppers90 NC]

I think when the pressure is there, we are more effective. The last two games, we have been hurting in the middle, while the outside seems pretty effective, but the pockets aren't collapsing to prevent the QB from stepping up. I wish we could go back to the physical juggernaut of the 03 team.

[goodoleboy]

As long as we use zone blitzing schemes and primarily zone coverage then pressure is crucial. Zone only works when you hurry a quarterback into throwing early before the receivers have found a hole in the zone. Given enough time every zone coverage is suspect.

Our coverage has been poor as well at times particularly handing off the receivers from the underneath corner to the safety on top. We are handing off a receiver who is uncovered or the coverage comes so late he is wide open.

Good post. Pretty much sums it up.

[Brooklyn Bully]

We're not the Ravens, Eagles or Giants. We aren't able to rush with scary force. We are what we are. But we can do more man-to-man coverage with our DBs. If they get burned, so be it, but "bend but don't break" is going to be the thing that beats us in the Playoffs if we actually do lose.

[Darth Biscuit]

We are what we are... is that kind of like, it is what it is?

[tarheelpride]

coverage. good coverage leads to sacks. but pressure can force bad throws. it's easier to overcome pressure as opposed to good coverage (quick release)

[Mr. Scot]

Pressure, and specifically interior pressure.

DBs look worlds better when there's plenty of that.

[Snake]

The Poor play of Godfrey and Lucas at the 2nd part of the season really hurt us. Then again Pass rush really leaves alot to be desired also.

[tim]

No pressure. Give any NFL QB a stable pocket and he'll find the open man. Especially when we're playing against guys like Colston, Fitzgerald, or even our own #89 who will make the catch despite great coverage.

[doubletrouble3428]

yea can u imagine how easy peyton manning would pick us apart...hopefully getting that dline a week off to get healthy might help a little...an if we would stop playin such a soft zone we would be in much better shape

[goodoleboy]

If they get burned, so be it, but "bend but don't break" is going to be the thing that beats us in the Playoffs if we actually do lose.

Scoring plays will be what beats us if we lose. That could take 6 plays("bend") or one play("burned"). I would prefer bend but don't break over burned. It gives the D more chances to make a play.