Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Texas
I know Mario's numbers have not been what we are used to. However, I think this year he added a tremendous piece to his skill set-run defense. Despite the lack of production in terms of sacks, he was consistently putting pressure on the opposing qbs. The problem was that the lack of an interior push made it easy for the opposition to just step up in the pocket. I think with increased productivity from the interior Mario will be picking be sitting at about 12-15 sacks next year. Or at least being doubled and giving opportunities for others to get sacks. Either way is fine with me.
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He has also relied too heavily on his speed rush. I don't know if it was due to his injury, or if he's just more confident in his speed, but in a lot of plays that appeared to be almost-sacks or QB pressures, he was simply being run out of the play.
LZ has said that he feels that Mario hasn't really added any pass rush moves in his four years here, which might be indicative of his ability/willingness to learn given that he's had two DL coaches in the league.
Also, Anotonio Smith (I believe it was) specifically called out a/some underperforming first round linemen on the team who he says were not giving full effort.
Mario's been a good player thus far in the league. I was first to defend him and his plantar faciitis his rookie season. I was first to defend him against any criticism in subsequent seasons. And, I was first to stump for him for pro-bowl, all-pro, all-world, all-universe honors. But, we're starting to see a disturbing trend emerge here with him. Hopefully he bucks it and realizes his potential.