The Big Cat Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 This as been an interesting thread to follow, especially regarding the back-and-forth between Bill From NYC, and The Big Cat-- two posters with whom I have a lot of respect. But, I have asked the question, and finally just now looked it up to confirm: Corey Graham was our leading tackler last season. Before anyone starts shouting at me about how "meaningless statistics are," I consider them a useful tool in assessing performance, and production, but not an assessment in, and of themselves. To whit: Dolphins' leading tackler- Rashad Jones (SS): 106 tackles, 29 assists Jets' leading tackler: David Harris (ILB): 67 tackles, 4 assists Patriots'* leading tackler: Logan Ryan (CB): 58 tackles, 16 assists Bills' leading tackler: Corey Graham: 96 tackles, 31 assists. Now, I do understand that stats never paint the entire picture. But, how is it that a player who "sucked last year" was so productive? See below: Graham did a nice job in run support, but the fact remains that the interior of the back-7 was atrocious against the pass. For all the heat the DL took last year, they largely did what was asked of them: control the LOS. The boundary corner play was excellent while Gilmore was healthy, and good thereafter. The safeties and LBs simply couldn't cover their zones and make the underneath tackles, which are foundational tenets of Rex's scheme
boyst Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 Graham did a nice job in run support, but the fact remains that the interior of the back-7 was atrocious against the pass. For all the heat the DL took last year, they largely did what was asked of them: control the LOS. The boundary corner play was excellent while Gilmore was healthy, and good thereafter. The safeties and LBs simply couldn't cover their zones and make the underneath tackles, which are foundational tenets of Rex's scheme that is why I am terrified for next year. We really didn't upgrade that last paragraph at all
thebandit27 Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 that is why I am terrified for next year. We really didn't upgrade that last paragraph at all I'd disagree when it comes to the LBs, as I think Ragland will be an upgrade to Bradham solely based upon his familiarity with a similar scheme, and I think that Zach Brown is easily a better coverage 'backer than anyone they had last year. Safety-wise, you have to hope that Aaron returning I health and both he and Graham having another offseason in the system will breed better communication and assignment recognition
The Big Cat Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 that is why I am terrified for next year. We really didn't upgrade that last paragraph at all i was hoping safety would be a draft or FA priority. we got blanton?
CommonCents Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 I was thinking that Zach Brown was going to push Preston to depth, he is a better compliment to Ragland IMO. It seems that they are still grooming Preston to run the D though, so maybe I don't know what the hell I am talking about.
Rocky Landing Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 Graham did a nice job in run support, but the fact remains that the interior of the back-7 was atrocious against the pass. For all the heat the DL took last year, they largely did what was asked of them: control the LOS. The boundary corner play was excellent while Gilmore was healthy, and good thereafter. The safeties and LBs simply couldn't cover their zones and make the underneath tackles, which are foundational tenets of Rex's scheme So, how many more tackles should Graham have made? Or, is the point (as Firechan has suggested) that he should have made them closer to the LOS? Or, he let the ball get into opponents hands, and shouldn't have had to tackle in the first place? Or maybe graham wasn't the problem?
FireChan Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 (edited) So, how many more tackles should Graham have made? Or, is the point (as Firechan has suggested) that he should have made them closer to the LOS? Or, he let the ball get into opponents hands, and shouldn't have had to tackle in the first place? Or maybe graham wasn't the problem?Graham wasn't the ONLY problem, but he had his share of gaffes in coverage as well. Think of Graham's high tackle number as a symptom. Edited June 3, 2016 by FireChan
thebandit27 Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 So, how many more tackles should Graham have made? Or, is the point (as Firechan has suggested) that he should have made them closer to the LOS? Or, he let the ball get into opponents hands, and shouldn't have had to tackle in the first place? Or maybe graham wasn't the problem? The point is that he played well against the run, but not agains the pass. He had issues in coverage (specifically against Jax/Phi/Was/NYJ) and didn't make enough tackles when the ball got into the hands of opposing players on short targets (which is actually what Rex wants--to force the ball out quickly and make tackles short of the 1st down marker).
The Big Cat Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 Graham wasn't the ONLY problem, but he had his share of gaffes in coverage as well. Think of Graham's high tackle number as a symptom. Yes, and also, as a safety your coverage gaffes tend to have dire consequences, as was several times the case with Graham (Jax and Philly come to mind immediately).
boyst Posted June 3, 2016 Posted June 3, 2016 I'd disagree when it comes to the LBs, as I think Ragland will be an upgrade to Bradham solely based upon his familiarity with a similar scheme, and I think that Zach Brown is easily a better coverage 'backer than anyone they had last year. Safety-wise, you have to hope that Aaron returning I health and both he and Graham having another offseason in the system will breed better communication and assignment recognition its a push in reality. Because on paper they're upgrades but we know on the field what bradham offered. It will be an interesting development as they grow to become better. I think the increase will be minor; just not sure if its a net gain or more of a push
3rdand12 Posted June 4, 2016 Posted June 4, 2016 Basically, the idea is that Graham had so many tackles because the rest of the defense did not. Every open receiver that burned out LB's was eventually tackled by Graham after gaining 15 yards. Ditto for RB's who got to the second level. Every tackle that Dareus, Hughes, Mario, Bradham and Brown didn't make, Corey Graham did, after a decent gain. The others story is , Graham got beat alot. So how could he have made so many darn tackles ? stats confuse me sometimes. there is also a line of thinking " if the safety is making the tackle, then the LBS suck " all context my friends
Agent 91 Posted June 4, 2016 Posted June 4, 2016 you were humming along when you wrote this weren't you ? : ) 3rd you know me too well!!!!
8-8 Forever? Posted June 4, 2016 Posted June 4, 2016 Are you saying that Rex has not taken blame when things are not going well Come on man.....he is usually the FIRST one to say that in his press conferences Yep. I like Rex, after years of the Jaurons weak asses, give me some big personality. wear it on the sleeve, like the fans do. he is just like the typical fan , very up, very enthusiastic, says more than he should, but his heart is in the right place
3rdand12 Posted June 4, 2016 Posted June 4, 2016 Yep. I like Rex, after years of the Jaurons weak asses, give me some big personality. wear it on the sleeve, like the fans do. he is just like the typical fan , very up, very enthusiastic, says more than he should, but his heart is in the right place I like this post. I understand all the viewpoints folks have , but this reflects mine. For now 3rd you know me too well!!!!
26CornerBlitz Posted August 10, 2016 Author Posted August 10, 2016 @SalSports Corey Graham was clearly frustrated last season. Now, with a smile, says diff in D communication is "night and day:" http://www.wgr550.com/Graham-Difference-in-communication-night-and-day-f/22838734
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