Fundemental NFL defensive philosophy change?

[Montsta]

With the Jets going after Nnamdi hard, and the Eagles landing him, and with both teams already having premier cornerbacks on the roster, I was wondering if there is a shift in defensive NFL philosophies going on right now?

For the longest time in the NFL teams with solid running games would win championships, but now it seems the winners are lining up with 4 and even 5 wideouts to win championships ala GB, NO, and INDY. Is building your defense from the front four going by the wayside in favor of building an elite secondary that can shut down all of these vertical receiving threats that teams got going now?

[theyhateme45]

I think you need both.... The winning teams have good pass rush and secondary. D-Line makes the QB get rid of the ball quicker, Good secondary makes the QB hold the ball a little longer.

[Boltergeist]

I think you need both.... The winning teams have good pass rush and secondary. D-Line makes the QB get rid of the ball quicker, Good secondary makes the QB hold the ball a little longer.

I agree with this, but I think pressure still matters more. We've had Peyton's number cause we bring the heat. A good secondary can still be carved up by an elite passer in a dynamic pass offense. Pressure can mask a questionable secondary better than an elite secondary can mask the lack of a pass rush (see NY Giants 17, New England 14)

[theyhateme45]

I agree with this, but I think pressure still matters more. We've had Peyton's number cause we bring the heat. A good secondary can still be carved up by an elite passer in a dynamic pass offense. Pressure can mask a questionable secondary better than an elite secondary can mask the lack of a pass rush (see NY Giants 17, New England 14)

I agree 100%

[thefuzz]

It's all about the pressure.

O linemen are getting better, and the guys that can bring the heat time after time are very far and few between.

There aren't many Peppers/Ware/Merriman in his prime/LT's out there.

The smart offenses are just spreading the D's out so thin they don't have enough people to get to the QB. If you send 3 or 4 out wide, and still have a TE, that's a lot of coverage guys and not a lot of pressure guys.

SD, Indy, NE, GB, and NO Can all do this.