Wade really expects Mario to be the Texans' DeMarcus Ware

[Keith]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

DeMarcus Ware: 6-4, 247.
Mario Williams: 6-6, 290.

I don't know how their 40-times compare but I don't see the resemblance.

Sounds like Wade is blowing happy smoke up Mario's butt if you ask me.

Ware's combine:
4.56 forty with a 1.62 in the first 10 yards... 4.07 20-yd shuttle...6.85 3-cone

Mario's combine:
4.70 forty with a 1.60 in the first 10 yards... 4.37 20-yd shuttle...7.21 3-cone

So obviously Ware is a little smaller with more quickness, but Mario's a pass rusher all the same. The key is to make Mario a *smarter* pass rusher (no, really the bigger key is to find a freaking NT, but that's a topic for another thread). I don't see this move as much of a reach though I think as Mario slows down as he gets older, he will need to move back to DE at some point.

Mario though is nearing the end of his big rookie contract next year iirc. It will be interesting to see how this begins to play out.

[HPF Bob]

I'm not sure that what they did in the combine is a fair comparison because Mario has had several seasons to be beat down by OTs and cut blocks. I'd guess some of his speed has already left him.

My point is that, the 3-4 edge rushing OLB has one job and that is to reach the QB and lay a hit as quickly as possible. Tenths of a second count. There ought to be faster guys than Mario who can do that job. What Mario brings to the table is extraordinary quickness for a big guy which means he is capable of beating big oafish tackles at the snap but that doesn't mean he has the pure speed to do what Ware and Merriman do/did.

Now, I can envision a scheme where Mario lines up outside the SLB and then either do a straight rush or a stunt which will force linemen to decide between stopping two speedy rushers and creating openings for either Mario or the LB to get a free shot at the QB.

But when you make Mario the LB, you defeat that strategy. IMO, he's best suited as a pure 4-3 DE and making him an OLB is as short-sighted as making him a NT.

There were several anecdotal reports that Mario wasn't happy about switching to a 3-4 and this is his last year under contract, meaning he'll be an FA next winter unless he is re-signed or franchised. I think Wade is doing a sales job to try to get Mario enthused about this but it's like selling some hottie on the idea of fitting into a size 3 dress when she's really a size 5. It may sound good in theory to talk her into it but once she tries on the dress, she'll realize it's not going to work out - not unless she takes off a lot of weight.

[cland]

I have to disagree Bob, I think he's fast enough to rush from WOLB. Speed is only one part of the equation, heck James Harrison ran a 4.85 at the combine. It's a combination of power, quickness, and closing speed all of which Mario has in bundles.

Demarcus Ware's 2010 stats earned 1 Pass Defensed, and 15.5 Sacks. That should speak to how often he rushed the passer vs. played in coverage. The difference between Mario as 4-3 DE and 3-4 WOLB is a bout 1 step to the outer corner and picking his hands up on run plays.

Here's an article that talks about his success standing up...and note this is without any instruction from a 3-4 OLB coach: Link

I think Keith is talking about getting some internal push from the NT which I agree with. Any internal pressure makes your outside rushers more successful, due to the QB having to reset his feet, or take an extra step back into the outer curl of the outside rushers. This works in the 3-4 or the 4-3.

I'm hoping we get to see some more A-gap blitzing from Brian Cushing in 1st/2nd down 3-4, and some interior rush from Watt and Smith in the nickel.

[popanot]

If offenses have to account for Mario and it opens up the path for one of the other guys to slam Manning into the ground, then Mario at OLB should be considered effective. Who cares if it's Mario that gets to the QB just as long as SOMEONE gets to the QB? Especially as putrid as this pass rush and defense has been over the years. Mario may care, but I'm sure the Texans will compensate him nicely regardless of sack total as long as he's disruptive and the D improves.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

I'm not sure that what they did in the combine is a fair comparison because Mario has had several seasons to be beat down by OTs and cut blocks. I'd guess some of his speed has already left him.

My point is that, the 3-4 edge rushing OLB has one job and that is to reach the QB and lay a hit as quickly as possible. Tenths of a second count. There ought to be faster guys than Mario who can do that job. What Mario brings to the table is extraordinary quickness for a big guy which means he is capable of beating big oafish tackles at the snap but that doesn't mean he has the pure speed to do what Ware and Merriman do/did.

Now, I can envision a scheme where Mario lines up outside the SLB and then either do a straight rush or a stunt which will force linemen to decide between stopping two speedy rushers and creating openings for either Mario or the LB to get a free shot at the QB.

But when you make Mario the LB, you defeat that strategy. IMO, he's best suited as a pure 4-3 DE and making him an OLB is as short-sighted as making him a NT.

There were several anecdotal reports that Mario wasn't happy about switching to a 3-4 and this is his last year under contract, meaning he'll be an FA next winter unless he is re-signed or franchised. I think Wade is doing a sales job to try to get Mario enthused about this but it's like selling some hottie on the idea of fitting into a size 3 dress when she's really a size 5. It may sound good in theory to talk her into it but once she tries on the dress, she'll realize it's not going to work out - not unless she takes off a lot of weight.

Bob, if Mario is good at beating oafish tackles, then just who do you think he will be blocked by when he lines up outside in a 3-4?

[NBT]

Last time Phillips took over a defense as bad as the Texans was 2004. San Diego was 31st in defense in 2003 when the Chargers finished 4-12. In Phillips first season they ranked 11th in defense and finished 12-4. I think we all will gladly take that. And a playoffs appearance would be virtually assured.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by NBT

Last time Phillips took over a defense as bad as the Texans was 2004. San Diego was 31st in defense in 2003 when the Chargers finished 4-12. In Phillips first season they ranked 11th in defense and finished 12-4. I think we all will gladly take that. And a playoffs appearance would be virtually assured.

Marty Schottenheimer = Not an Idiot

Gary Kubiak = Idiot

[WMH]

Originally Posted by chuck

Marty Schottenheimer = Not an Idiot

Gary Kubiak = Idiot

Where's Marty coaching these days??????

Not saying Kubes is not an idiot, just don't think ole Marty should be put on a pedastal.

Tweets from Nick Scurfield on this very over blown subject:
@NickScurfield: Much has been made of Mario Williams moving to OLB, but Wade Phillips just said he'll essentially still be a DE- just on his feet more

@NickScurfield: Phillips: "We really play a 5-2. We play 5 defensive linemen that can rush the passer and 2 inside 'backers who can tackle people."

@NickScurfield: Phillips also said they'll use Williams with his hand down at times- and that Brian Cushing, an ILB, will occasionally rush from the outside

[chuck]

He's coaching in some semi-pro league in Virginia, same place as Kubiak is going to end up after this year.

Lance Z has it figured out:

http://blog.chron.com/fantasyfootbal...outside-do-ya/