Run Defense?

[jramsey4]

Is anyone else really concerned about our run D? I'm not nearly as worried about the pass D but you have to look at all these cuts and how they affect our run D.

First cutting Kemo. While I agree with this move (due to him being over-payed) when you combine his release with Thomas non-resigning our NT position is looking bare as hell. We have Leonard and Tyler but both are coming off major injuries (and to be honest I like Tyler at UT). Not to mention we have no idea how they will work in our scheme as full-time starters. Johnson is an unknown variable. One that shouldn't have been a crutch to stand on.

I really can't believe they went into this draft and didn't get a single f@#$ing NT. Jeff Owens was in the 7th for crying out loud. Instead we get a bunch of projects or no-names late that most likely would have made it to UDFA anyway. Does any of this sound familiar? Our depth will be exposed this year when one of them goes down. Did they not learn there lesson last year?

Then we have the Diggs release. Solid player, never anything to stand out but rarely made mistakes. He isn't irreplaceable but I think its unwise to go cutting starters when you have a guy that is a better MLB and one that is a better WLB as your backups and potential replacements.

Then of course the biggest blow to our Run D, the trade of Harris. While it has already been discussed in depth I think it is a worse loss then we might think. When you add in all the loses already to our run D which was already shaky you start realizing just how bad we might be there. Then you add in that most predict Godfrey will replace him and with his struggles with tackling you start to get even more concerned.

This off-season has certainty been different. Whether that is a good or bad different remains to be seen but I know that we have just as much to be concerned about this year as excited about.

[eViL jEsTeR]

Is anyone else really concerned about our run D? I'm not nearly as worried about the pass D but you have to look at all these cuts and how they affect our run D.

First cutting Kemo. While I agree with this move (due to him being over-payed) when you combine his release with Thomas non-resigning our NT position is looking bare as hell. We have Leonard and Tyler but both are coming off major injuries (and to be honest I like Tyler at UT). Not to mention we have no idea how they will work in our scheme as full-time starters. Johnson is an unknown variable. One that shouldn't have been a crutch to stand on.

I really can't believe they went into this draft and didn't get a single f@#$ing NT. Jeff Owens was in the 7th for crying out loud. Instead we get a bunch of projects or no-names late that most likely would have made it to UDFA anyway. Does any of this sound familiar? Our depth will be exposed this year when one of them goes down. Did they not learn there lesson last year?

Then we have the Diggs release. Solid player, never anything to stand out but rarely made mistakes. He isn't irreplaceable but I think its unwise to go cutting starters when you have a guy that is a better MLB and one that is a better WLB as your backups and potential replacements.

Then of course the biggest blow to our Run D, the trade of Harris. While it has already been discussed in depth I think it is a worse loss then we might think. When you add in all the loses already to our run D which was already shaky you start realizing just how bad we might be there. Then you add in that most predict Godfrey will replace him and with his struggles with tackling you start to get even more concerned.

This off-season has certainty been different. Whether that is a good or bad different remains to be seen but I know that we have just as much to be concerned about this year as excited about.

yeah dude, we're in trouble. i had hoped for a DT with the #1 pick. glad we grabbed clausen with it, but the fact that we didn't draft a single, young DT but took 3 QB's and stockpiled WR's and DB's has me wondering what the front office could be thinking. we're going to suck against the run.

[PantherFan52]

In Meeks I trust

[Urrymonster]

How many rookie DTs make any difference to their teams in their first years?

Drafting one would have achieved little this season

[DawgzLife]

Is anyone else really concerned about our run D? I'm not nearly as worried about the pass D but you have to look at all these cuts and how they affect our run D.

I am actually thinking the exact opposite. I think our run defense will be adequate/solid, but that lack of pass rush/pressure will make our DBs look a lot worse than years past. I feel the guys we picked up will do more to help the rush D vs. the pass D. If Brown & Hardy can both turn it on we have a chance. I have no idea either (except that Hurney/Fox do this to us every year) why they didn't get a DT. They 'should' know what they have on the DT front & there really are a lot of young vets for DTs on our team...we will have to wait & see.

[DynastyRTR]

Ed Johnson will be comeback player of the year. you heard it here...

[Fright]

Build a great offense. Get a 14 point lead fast. No need for a good run D since they'll be pressing to throw.

C what Foxy did thur?

[monstercat]

All I know is that John Fox and Ron Meeks have both been pretty successful with some no name DT's over the years. In fact, I can't even remember a season when Fox didn't have at least one undrafted DT who got significant playing time in his defense.

I'm in a wait and see mode with this bunch though.

[Dpantherman]

I think I'll wait until I see the team play a game before I worry about anything

[DawgzLife]

All I know is that John Fox and Ron Meeks have both been pretty successful with some no name DT's over the years. In fact, I can't even remember a season when Fox didn't have at least one undrafted DT who got significant playing time in his defense. I'm in a wait and see mode with this bunch though.

As an example, do you remember the youn Gary Gibson? The Titans just signed him to a very lucrative contract b/c of his great DT play. He was cut form the Panthers, even tho I knew he's be a very good player some day...we just had an awesome DL at that time. You are right monster.

[Nu Guns]

Build a great offense. Get a 14 point lead fast. No need for a good run D since they'll be pressing to throw.

C what Foxy did thur?

I like your thinking ....best defense is a better offense

[The Don]

throw all the marbles in the bag... become the next New Orleans Saints... a high powered offense, put up 21 points in the first quarter, and another 28 to 35 in the second half, and there's no need to even have a mediocre defense. no teams will be able to catch up. i'm tellin' you, Fox and Davidson will be calling all kinds of ridiculous calls, bombs to Steve Smith and Lafell, crossing routes left and right by Kenny Moore. it's gonna be great.

[scpanther22]

As an example, do you remember the youn Gary Gibson? The Titans just signed him to a very lucrative contract b/c of his great DT play. He was cut form the Panthers, even tho I knew he's be a very good player some day...we just had an awesome DL at that time. You are right monster.

You mean the one year deal he got from the rams??

not very lucrative..lol

[Nu Guns]

throw all the marbles in the bag... become the next New Orleans Saints... a high powered offense, put up 21 points in the first quarter, and another 28 to 35 in the second half, and there's no need to even have a mediocre defense. no teams will be able to catch up. i'm tellin' you, Fox and Davidson will be calling all kinds of ridiculous calls, bombs to Steve Smith and Lafell, crossing routes left and right by Kenny Moore. it's gonna be great.

Lol....i wish !!!