DeMeco Ryans - Out for Season

[barrett]

I don't think this hurts us that much. Demeco is a good tackler and team leader, but he is not very good in pass coverage (where we have truly been killed this year). He doesn't cover well, doesn't blitz well, and doesn't drop to the deep middle well.

If Bentley is healthy (not sure what his injury is), or Sharpton can get on the field (?), we will see a small drop off in our run d, but not a big difference overall.

Demeco's replacement yesterday, David Nixon, had 9 tackles (7 solo) in the 2nd half. This is basically what Demeco does. Make lots of low impact tackles. In his career he has 8.5 sacks, 2 INTs, and 5 forced fumbles in 70 games. And in the last 3 seasons he has 3 sacks, 0 INTs, and 3 FF. He just doesn't make impact plays. He tackles guys a few yards downfield.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by barrett

I don't think this hurts us that much. Demeco is a good tackler and team leader, but he is not very good in pass coverage (where we have truly been killed this year). He doesn't cover well, doesn't blitz well, and doesn't drop to the deep middle well.

If Bentley is healthy (not sure what his injury is), or Sharpton can get on the field (?), we will see a small drop off in our run d, but not a big difference overall.

Demeco's replacement yesterday, David Nixon, had 9 tackles (7 solo) in the 2nd half. This is basically what Demeco does. Make lots of low impact tackles. In his career he has 8.5 sacks, 2 INTs, and 5 forced fumbles in 70 games. And in the last 3 seasons he has 3 sacks, 0 INTs, and 3 FF. He just doesn't make impact plays. He tackles guys a few yards downfield.

Ya, I agree with this. Steady, workhorse LB - I wouldn't put him (DeMeco) in the playmaker category..... And if I'm not mistaken, he has been nicked up lately with something going on with an ankle or knee (I can't remember). I think a 90% DeMeco is probably better than a lot of linebackers but what if we we're only getting a 75% DeMeco? DeMeco's "gameness" is well known but at what point does his production not really help the team? I think it's all moot, now - he'll have plenty of time to recover from all his ailments. I think what will be missed most is his leadership for the defense - making sure guys are lined up in the right spot, etc. stuff like that..

[barrett]

I agree. We will miss him most as an on the field mental leader. That's why I mentioned it will be important whether or not Bentley can play.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by barrett

Demeco's replacement yesterday, David Nixon, had 9 tackles (7 solo) in the 2nd half. This is basically what Demeco does.

So the Texans get some Mormon off the street who contributes as much on
D as our 2-time Pro-Bowler ? If McNair hears this he's gonna be unhappy about all of the coin he shelled out to DeMeco this past Summer for his new contract.