Run defense improved?

[jppaul]

I think the best addition for the run defense is Cushing. The biggest weakness in the run defense was Diles who got washed out on alot of plays on the strong side. He wasn't strong enough for the point of attack and is a much better fit on the weakside. Cushing is a much stronger run defender, take on blocks and blow up offensive linemen, tight ends and fullbacks.

An excerpt from his draft card:

Can be overaggressive at times, which leads to some false steps and poor pursuit angles. However, he flies around the field and is a sideline-to-sideline run supporter. His motor is always revving. He is strong and shows the ability to hold ground when teams run at him. Uses strong hands and powerful upper body (30 reps on the bench) to stack the edge and rip off of blocks. He is a punishing striker with explosive short-area power.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/...4453&year=2009

[NBT]

Cushing obviously upgrades the SAM. We should be two games better just by the fact that we now have a defensive strategy to blow-up the run, and get after the QB on passing plays. But don't expect too much too soon. There has been so many new faces added to the defense that it will be awhile to get them all on the same page.

[Joe Joe]

Originally Posted by NBT

There has been so many new faces added to the defense that it will be awhile to get them all on the same page.

I can see this. It just seemed certain teams could just run at will to the strongside. I'm happy with Dunta and whoever comes out of Reeves, Molden, and Bennett as the other CB. I'm hoping the defense as a whole gets to average this season, but see the front seven as the key to improvement.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by NBT

Cushing obviously upgrades the SAM. We should be two games better just by the fact that we now have a defensive strategy to blow-up the run, and get after the QB on passing plays. But don't expect too much too soon. There has been so many new faces added to the defense that it will be awhile to get them all on the same page.

I am very excited about the potential and the reported new philosophy of the defense. The execution of catching the RB after he was 3 - 5 yards past the line of scrimmage was brutal to watch. What I'm looking forward to is penetrating DTs making TFLs and a punishing tackler like Cushing dropping RBs when he meets them in the hole.

What worries me is DeMeco Ryans' ability to get off of blocks from the OL and whoever plays the WILL to make stops in the running game. The FS will need to be more of a factor in the run defense, in my opinion. Now if Okoye and Mario can attack, that may be less of a concern as they tally more stops. As for the CBs, including Glover Quinn, they will be called upon to support the run. That's what I like about having Corners who are 200+lbs who can tackle. I'm also optimistic about what Troy Nolan brings to the table.

In terms of the passing game defense, we have upgraded the pass rush with Barwin. Hopefully, if we can stop the run and create more 3rd and longs, then an improved pass rush will become even more beneficial. The idea of an attacking defense is a little more risky, however, if executed properly, it can create huge dividends.

[Nconroe]

when Texans defense coach says attack style, does that imply do what Philadelphia is doing? they always seem to have a fairly high rated defense. they blitz a lot on any down with any set of players and play man-man with CBs a lot.

or is this more of a tampa 2 style attack which is less blitzing, but lots of team speed and all players flowing to the ball. one gap by DL without blitz. I think these are 4-3 styles.

either way, it will be exciting to watch and way different from what we've been watching. by attacking they force offense to do the reacting is the goal. I'm real optimistic the new coaches and style of play should motivte the defensive players to get in on the action with an aggressive attitude.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Nconroe

when Texans defense coach says attack style, does that imply do what Philadelphia is doing?

That's what I'm hoping for.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Roy P

That's what I'm hoping for.

I remain unconvinced we have the pieces to make this work. A blitzing Brian Dawkins at safety is one of the keys to that blitz heavy defense. This is the case with most great blitzing teams. They can bring it from their DBs. We have nobody like that. This means all of our blitzing will come from the LBs which means it is far easier to recognize.

This is the main reason why I have been calling for help at FS for years. It is the key position in today's NFL when it comes to disguising your defense and causing confusion for the offense. It is also why teams are using two similar safeties. The problem is the good teams are using similarly talented safeties while we use similarly untalented ones.

Until we up the athleticism of the safety position we will struggle with a blitz heavy defense (as much as I'd love to see it). I will have to wait and see what our young DBs look like.

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by barrett

I remain unconvinced we have the pieces to make this work. A blitzing Brian Dawkins at safety is one of the keys to that blitz heavy defense. This is the case with most great blitzing teams. They can bring it from their DBs. We have nobody like that. This means all of our blitzing will come from the LBs which means it is far easier to recognize.

Not to dispute your point in its entirety, but Dunta's greatest asset is his blitzing ability. Also, though it's a tiny sample size, the chances Barber has gotten to blitz he has been extremely effective. And, Eugene Wilson is an average blitzer. I really couldn't comment on the rest of the guys, though we seem to place a premium on size and speed, so you'd think there'd be another guy there who would be at least average at getting to the QB.

I think it's moot though. I don't think we'll see anymore blitzing than we saw toward the end of the season last year, and I certainly don't think we'll see a Jim Johnson-esque defense. I think we'll generally try and get pressure with the front four and send a fifth man on passing down. Ho-hum.