Super Bowl a 'Tampa 2' showcase

[Lurker]

Super Bowl a 'Tampa 2' showcase

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

 

The Super Bowl will feature two defenses that run the ever-popular "Tampa 2" scheme, so let's look at why so many teams are using this as their base defense and what type of players are needed at each position in order to make it work correctly.

 

Teams are using the Tampa 2 as their base package because it is easy to teach. When run correctly it reduces big plays with two deep safeties and forces quarterbacks to be patient and precise to mount long drives down the field. With the shortage of excellent starting quarterbacks in the league right now this is an excellent strategy, as subpar and inexperienced signal callers will grow impatient, try to do too much and force throws they shouldn't.

 

As for the personnel needed to run the scheme in an ideal situation, here's a brief overview of what Tampa 2 teams are looking for.

 

Nose Tackle: The traditional powerful interior run defender, the nose tackle takes up a lot of space in the middle of the field and demands double-team blocking. He will line up on the weak shoulder of the center and if he can force the center and guard to double him, the linebackers will be able to run more freely and make plays. The Vikings' Pat Williams is a perfect example of someone who excels in this role and was a major reason why Minnesota was so phenomenal against the run this year. The nose tackle in the Tampa 2 doesn't always offer a lot as a pass rusher, but he makes everyone around him better. On occasion, a defense will find two explosive 3-technique tackles and use them both instead of the powerful run stuffer, but true 3-techniques are very tough to find.

 

3-technique under tackle: This is the player who makes the entire defense work and is by far the most difficult defender to acquire. These guys usually line up on the outside shoulder of the strongside guard. They must be extremely explosive difference-makers in the middle who demand double-teams in the run game and can dominate up the middle as a pass rusher. Warren Sapp and Tommie Harris are perfect examples, but upfield guys like that certainly do not grow on trees.

 

Defensive ends: Tampa 2 defenses rely on their front four to generate a pass rush, so their defensive ends absolutely must be top-notch pass rushers. Dwight Freeney and Simeon Rice are fine examples of edge speed rushers who wreak havoc in the passing game. They must be extremely explosive and athletic with the ability to swarm to the ball and make plays in the run game on the opposite side of the field. Pure Cover 2 teams must dedicate high draft picks and/or free agent dollars to ensure that they have difference-makers on the edge.

 

Strongside outside linebacker: This player will usually line up over the tight end and is a bigger, more physical defender who can take on tight end blocks and be stout against strongside runs. Of the linebacker positions, this guy is probably the least athletic and although Tampa 2 schemes usually do not blitz a whole lot, the ability to rush the passer off the edge is certainly an added advantage at this spot.

 

Middle linebacker: What is unique about the Tampa 2 is that the middle linebacker is asked to be able to run deep downfield between the safeties in pass coverage and patrol the deep middle of the field. Therefore, this player must be very fluid with great speed. He also has to be an aggressive downhill run defender and someone with exceptional overall range and instincts. Tampa 2 middle linebackers really don't get any better than Brian Urlacher, as he is the rare bird excels in all facets. The middle linebacker needs to be a supreme playmaker.

 

Weakside outside linebacker: This is a free-flowing, run-and-hit linebacker position and absolutely must be an exceptional athlete and playmaker who excels in space. Derrick Brooks has been the prototype for years now, as he is quick to diagnose and equally effective against the run or pass. This player can be somewhat undersized, as they should be protected by their fellow front seven defenders. Size can be compromised for pure speed and quickness. Without a top playmaker on the weakside like Brooks or Lance Briggs (Yes! Yes! Yes!..I'll have what's she ordered) , this defense just doesn't produce like it is designed. The Lions drafted Ernie Sims very high in last year's draft to be just this type of player in Rod Marinelli's defense.

 

Safeties: Like in most defenses, the strong safety is going to be the more physical of the two safety positions with the ability to move down into the box (think Bob Sanders) and play the run near the line of scrimmage. The free safety will be more of a pass defender who excels in space and covers a lot of ground. In the Cover 2, both players absolutely have to be able to handle their respective deep half of the field and they are usually the last line of defense, so it is imperative that they are very sound tacklers.

 

Cornerbacks: Cover 2 cornerbacks usually align close to the line of scrimmage and are bigger, more physical players who must help against outside running plays. They can compromise a little speed for strength and size. Usually, these corners will cover opposing wide receivers for the first 12 yards or so and then release them to the safeties over the top. Cover 2 cornerbacks usually don't end up deep down field and must be able to break on the ball quickly with the ability to switch off from their wide receiver to a running back out in the flat. Ronde Barber is nearly a perfect example of what these teams are looking for at cornerback. .

[keepthefaith]

Super Bowl a 'Tampa 2' showcase

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

 

The Super Bowl will feature two defenses that run the ever-popular "Tampa 2" scheme, so let's look at why so many teams are using this as their base defense and what type of players are needed at each position in order to make it work correctly.

 

Teams are using the Tampa 2 as their base package because it is easy to teach. When run correctly it reduces big plays with two deep safeties and forces quarterbacks to be patient and precise to mount long drives down the field. With the shortage of excellent starting quarterbacks in the league right now this is an excellent strategy, as subpar and inexperienced signal callers will grow impatient, try to do too much and force throws they shouldn't.

 

As for the personnel needed to run the scheme in an ideal situation, here's a brief overview of what Tampa 2 teams are looking for.

 

Nose Tackle: The traditional powerful interior run defender, the nose tackle takes up a lot of space in the middle of the field and demands double-team blocking. He will line up on the weak shoulder of the center and if he can force the center and guard to double him, the linebackers will be able to run more freely and make plays. The Vikings' Pat Williams is a perfect example of someone who excels in this role and was a major reason why Minnesota was so phenomenal against the run this year. The nose tackle in the Tampa 2 doesn't always offer a lot as a pass rusher, but he makes everyone around him better. On occasion, a defense will find two explosive 3-technique tackles and use them both instead of the powerful run stuffer, but true 3-techniques are very tough to find.

 

3-technique under tackle: This is the player who makes the entire defense work and is by far the most difficult defender to acquire. These guys usually line up on the outside shoulder of the strongside guard. They must be extremely explosive difference-makers in the middle who demand double-teams in the run game and can dominate up the middle as a pass rusher. Warren Sapp and Tommie Harris are perfect examples, but upfield guys like that certainly do not grow on trees.

 

Defensive ends: Tampa 2 defenses rely on their front four to generate a pass rush, so their defensive ends absolutely must be top-notch pass rushers. Dwight Freeney and Simeon Rice are fine examples of edge speed rushers who wreak havoc in the passing game. They must be extremely explosive and athletic with the ability to swarm to the ball and make plays in the run game on the opposite side of the field. Pure Cover 2 teams must dedicate high draft picks and/or free agent dollars to ensure that they have difference-makers on the edge.

 

Strongside outside linebacker: This player will usually line up over the tight end and is a bigger, more physical defender who can take on tight end blocks and be stout against strongside runs. Of the linebacker positions, this guy is probably the least athletic and although Tampa 2 schemes usually do not blitz a whole lot, the ability to rush the passer off the edge is certainly an added advantage at this spot.

 

Middle linebacker: What is unique about the Tampa 2 is that the middle linebacker is asked to be able to run deep downfield between the safeties in pass coverage and patrol the deep middle of the field. Therefore, this player must be very fluid with great speed. He also has to be an aggressive downhill run defender and someone with exceptional overall range and instincts. Tampa 2 middle linebackers really don't get any better than Brian Urlacher, as he is the rare bird excels in all facets. The middle linebacker needs to be a supreme playmaker.

 

Weakside outside linebacker: This is a free-flowing, run-and-hit linebacker position and absolutely must be an exceptional athlete and playmaker who excels in space. Derrick Brooks has been the prototype for years now, as he is quick to diagnose and equally effective against the run or pass. This player can be somewhat undersized, as they should be protected by their fellow front seven defenders. Size can be compromised for pure speed and quickness. Without a top playmaker on the weakside like Brooks or Lance Briggs (Yes! Yes! Yes!..I'll have what's she ordered) , this defense just doesn't produce like it is designed. The Lions drafted Ernie Sims very high in last year's draft to be just this type of player in Rod Marinelli's defense.

 

Safeties: Like in most defenses, the strong safety is going to be the more physical of the two safety positions with the ability to move down into the box (think Bob Sanders) and play the run near the line of scrimmage. The free safety will be more of a pass defender who excels in space and covers a lot of ground. In the Cover 2, both players absolutely have to be able to handle their respective deep half of the field and they are usually the last line of defense, so it is imperative that they are very sound tacklers.

 

Cornerbacks: Cover 2 cornerbacks usually align close to the line of scrimmage and are bigger, more physical players who must help against outside running plays. They can compromise a little speed for strength and size. Usually, these corners will cover opposing wide receivers for the first 12 yards or so and then release them to the safeties over the top. Cover 2 cornerbacks usually don't end up deep down field and must be able to break on the ball quickly with the ability to switch off from their wide receiver to a running back out in the flat. Ronde Barber is nearly a perfect example of what these teams are looking for at cornerback. .

 

Thanks for posting this. A good description of the defense. Based on what the writer says, sounds like all the personnel have to be top notch to play this scheme well. That goes for all the schemes I'm sure.

[In space no one can hear]

Super Bowl a 'Tampa 2' showcase

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

 

The Super Bowl will feature two defenses that run the ever-popular "Tampa 2" scheme, so let's look at why so many teams are using this as their base defense and what type of players are needed at each position in order to make it work correctly.

 

Teams are using the Tampa 2 as their base package because it is easy to teach. When run correctly it reduces big plays with two deep safeties and forces quarterbacks to be patient and precise to mount long drives down the field. With the shortage of excellent starting quarterbacks in the league right now this is an excellent strategy, as subpar and inexperienced signal callers will grow impatient, try to do too much and force throws they shouldn't.

 

As for the personnel needed to run the scheme in an ideal situation, here's a brief overview of what Tampa 2 teams are looking for.

 

Nose Tackle: The traditional powerful interior run defender, the nose tackle takes up a lot of space in the middle of the field and demands double-team blocking. He will line up on the weak shoulder of the center and if he can force the center and guard to double him, the linebackers will be able to run more freely and make plays. The Vikings' Pat Williams is a perfect example of someone who excels in this role and was a major reason why Minnesota was so phenomenal against the run this year. The nose tackle in the Tampa 2 doesn't always offer a lot as a pass rusher, but he makes everyone around him better. On occasion, a defense will find two explosive 3-technique tackles and use them both instead of the powerful run stuffer, but true 3-techniques are very tough to find.

 

3-technique under tackle: This is the player who makes the entire defense work and is by far the most difficult defender to acquire. These guys usually line up on the outside shoulder of the strongside guard. They must be extremely explosive difference-makers in the middle who demand double-teams in the run game and can dominate up the middle as a pass rusher. Warren Sapp and Tommie Harris are perfect examples, but upfield guys like that certainly do not grow on trees.

 

Defensive ends: Tampa 2 defenses rely on their front four to generate a pass rush, so their defensive ends absolutely must be top-notch pass rushers. Dwight Freeney and Simeon Rice are fine examples of edge speed rushers who wreak havoc in the passing game. They must be extremely explosive and athletic with the ability to swarm to the ball and make plays in the run game on the opposite side of the field. Pure Cover 2 teams must dedicate high draft picks and/or free agent dollars to ensure that they have difference-makers on the edge.

 

Strongside outside linebacker: This player will usually line up over the tight end and is a bigger, more physical defender who can take on tight end blocks and be stout against strongside runs. Of the linebacker positions, this guy is probably the least athletic and although Tampa 2 schemes usually do not blitz a whole lot, the ability to rush the passer off the edge is certainly an added advantage at this spot.

 

Middle linebacker: What is unique about the Tampa 2 is that the middle linebacker is asked to be able to run deep downfield between the safeties in pass coverage and patrol the deep middle of the field. Therefore, this player must be very fluid with great speed. He also has to be an aggressive downhill run defender and someone with exceptional overall range and instincts. Tampa 2 middle linebackers really don't get any better than Brian Urlacher, as he is the rare bird excels in all facets. The middle linebacker needs to be a supreme playmaker.

 

Weakside outside linebacker: This is a free-flowing, run-and-hit linebacker position and absolutely must be an exceptional athlete and playmaker who excels in space. Derrick Brooks has been the prototype for years now, as he is quick to diagnose and equally effective against the run or pass. This player can be somewhat undersized, as they should be protected by their fellow front seven defenders. Size can be compromised for pure speed and quickness. Without a top playmaker on the weakside like Brooks or Lance Briggs (Yes! Yes! Yes!..I'll have what's she ordered) , this defense just doesn't produce like it is designed. The Lions drafted Ernie Sims very high in last year's draft to be just this type of player in Rod Marinelli's defense.

 

Safeties: Like in most defenses, the strong safety is going to be the more physical of the two safety positions with the ability to move down into the box (think Bob Sanders) and play the run near the line of scrimmage. The free safety will be more of a pass defender who excels in space and covers a lot of ground. In the Cover 2, both players absolutely have to be able to handle their respective deep half of the field and they are usually the last line of defense, so it is imperative that they are very sound tacklers.

 

Cornerbacks: Cover 2 cornerbacks usually align close to the line of scrimmage and are bigger, more physical players who must help against outside running plays. They can compromise a little speed for strength and size. Usually, these corners will cover opposing wide receivers for the first 12 yards or so and then release them to the safeties over the top. Cover 2 cornerbacks usually don't end up deep down field and must be able to break on the ball quickly with the ability to switch off from their wide receiver to a running back out in the flat. Ronde Barber is nearly a perfect example of what these teams are looking for at cornerback. .

 

I do appreciate the post as their is often confusion on this board as to what a cover 2 defense requires.

Unfortunately the writer really put too much emphasis on having all- pros at each position.

 

If the players he mentioned were on any defense they would be dominate,

[MartyBall4Buffalo]

A guy like pat williams in a tampa 2 is a rarity, and very hard to find which is why the majority of cover 2 teams go with 2 dts that can both rush the passer, maybe one is a little better at stoping the run, but it's still based on quickness off the snap. If we draft Okoye and McCargo can return healthy we can potentialy have a nice pair of dt's and solid depth at the position. Defensive line in a cover 2 is imperative more so then any other defensive scheme.

 

As far as de's go. It's exactaly why I dont see chris kelsay being re-signed. You need pure pass rushers in this system. Aaron Schobel is a good start. Now we need to compliment him with someone else. There's some good potential de's in this draft. Much better year for de's then dt's. It's also part of the reason I really like the idea of the cover 2. You're almost forced to dedicate high draft picks along your defensive line.

 

The old version of Takeo Spikes would be perfect in playing the weakside role in this defense. However if he can't regain his explosion he's forced to be a good strong side backer by default. It's fine for another year, but with spikes crossing that 30 barrier, Fletcher probably leaving leaving only crowell and maybe keith ellison it's almost plain as day lb's are needed. Lance Briggs is a pipe dream although I wouldnt be shocked considering jauron is familiar with him, but that would pretty much make my offseason.

 

We played a bit more man last year then traditional tampa 2 defenses, which helped out to mcgee's strengths later in the year, as he struggled with zone coverage early. Clements is not a guy we can afford to lose. Yeah theres some decent corners in the draft none worth the #12 overall. We also certinaly don't need to be drafting corners early and often. with serious other needs. My hope is someone reaches for hall early so levy isn't even tempted in the event we lost Nate.

 

Hopefully we're in a position were we can take A Pat Willis or Amobi Okoye or a Jamaal Anderson slips having to draft another corner would be disheartening

[Pyrite Gal]

Thanks also for the post, the interesting thing will be to apply it to the Bills D which will be somewhat challenging to do as the description does describe fairly perfect players at each position and no team (the Bears seemed to be close prior to injury knocking some great players out and slowing down others) has players who meet the criteria of perfection described.

 

The analytical questions are for the players we have which do not meet this standard, should we use the draft resources and the FA resources we have to get players.

 

My specific observations are:

 

1. A great description of what the CBs are expected to do which if you buy this as what we are doing debunks the IMHO false statement seen a couple of time recently that we use a "soft" coverage scheme with our CBs which has them playing too far off the line. This is certainly what we used to do as the CBs needed to play back in the zone-blitz scheme since if the OC or opposing QB avoided our blitz, the CB had to make sure the WR did not get past him or there was no stopping them.

 

This description of what we want makes me even more excited about Youbouty as with his large size for a CB, rep for feisty competitiveness and good skills for hand-battles pm the 5 yard riding zone. he really is set up to play CB in a Cover 2. One major area of work described for him is that he actually has had problems running with his back to the QB downfield and if his responsibility is simply in the short to early in the midzone area, our scheme plays to his skills.

 

I'm pretty sure he can play nickel for us right now and perhaps if forced to be our #2 CB maybe he could step up and do that as well.

 

2. Willis is definitely a great player overall, but i do wonder how any rookie will do as the starting MLB in the Tampa 2, The description correctly identifies that the MLB in our scheme will be called upon to play diverse rolls as both a run plugger and a serious deep cover guy. Willis is certainly an excellent tackler (he should be a harder hitter than F-B even right now. Also as the Butkus Award winner as college football's best LB he seems to have great one on one pass coverage skills. However, no one has answered the specific questions:

 

A. He definitely can cover one on one but how is he at zone coverage and did he play this alot in college or did he essentially just line up and because he was better than most opponents he just beat them?

 

B. The article does not actually I think give enough attention to how smart a player and great play reader our MLB will have to be. This player will be expected to correctly diagnose NFL playa right off the bat as being a pass play where his job is deep cover and he must drop back almost immediately if some speedy receiver is coming into the deep middle zone running a post pattern. On the other hand if it is a draw play (particularly a delayed draw) he needs to pinch up an plug the run. Him making a mistake of even just leaning the wrong way on a play and then having to reverse field easily can cost us a first down or a quick 6. Pretty much no rookie will read like a vet and it will be simply a little painful watching him as he learns the game.

 

C. Also if we draft the rookie Willis just forget about him calling plays for the team as D capt. F-B did for us. Traditionally, not all MLBs call plays but if not the first calls almost by default is that one of two safeties makes the calls as they are back so they see the whole field and in the center of the field where they not only can see all fairly well, but also both sides can hear them easily (no small thing in a noisy stadium). Yet, both safeties are rookies and again I have not heard anyone make the claim they have mastered the Jauron/Fewell D.

 

Assuming F-B goes (not a done deal yet actually but that is the assumption of likely outcomes) then either TKO or Cowell would seem to have the experience to take on the play calling. Thus my sense is that one best replaces Fletch not with a draft of Willis who will likely spend his first year doing the defensive equivalent of the young JP (a talented and athletic player who simply has to learn (and often learning by making mistakes) to be a vet and make reads and play like one. I think we are a better team drafting a lesser LB like Timmons or Polusany and having these rookies play the important but less mentally challenging OLB spots and shift Crowell back to MLB where he initially was trained.

 

3. The DL situation looks even more critical judging from this description and as noted, since the Bills do not have that rare run plugger to play nose tackle in this scheme. we likely need to go with two DTs with good penetration ability who command a double team because they can blow up plays. I still think it is far too early to give up on McCargo.

 

Remember that Ryan Denney even though he was an older player with the theoretical advantage of being older and thus not only having gained additional knowledge but a very teachable person was so bad he could not even be active most of his rookie season. Yet, with training his game improved such that he was judged good enough for the Bills to extend his contract. They are different people and the analogy is just an analogy, but they are similar in that the Bills traded up to get both of them and though the McCargo exercise still may not work out it is simply too early to assume he will not eventually get it together.

 

Still, with Anderson probably saying bye bye, if the braintrust thinks Okoye can work out I would not fill bad about going with him.

 

This still shortchanges the O again with a D focus in the draft, but I think that if the OL continues the progression i showed after being retooled during the break, there are possibilities.

[DrDawkinstein]

thanks for posting this Lurk! probably the most in-depth explanation of the tampa-2!

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

This is exactly why I don't like this defense. If every player has to be exceptional, then it's not a good defense. You can run any defense with 11 exceptional athletes and it will work.

 

I miss Wade's old 3-4 bend-don't-break scheme. For that scheme, all you needed was maybe one good LB and a great NT. We had 3 below-average LB's, an average secondary, and average (aging) DE's--and were a top 10 defense. That, in my mind, is a great defensive scheme.

[RuntheDamnBall]

I read realfootball365 with caution and prejudice, but I like this quote a lot:

Ironically enough, the four-year veteran was drafted by the Bears in 2003 during current Bills coach Dick Jauron's era. Jauron -- who was Chicago's sideline general from 1999-'03 -- left an indelible mark on Briggs, a former third-rounder from the University of Arizona.

 

"I played for Dick Jauron. I always thought Dick Jauron was a great coach. I liked playing for him," Briggs told the Chicago Courier News on Tuesday.

[Beerball]

This is exactly why I don't like this defense. If every player has to be exceptional, then it's not a good defense. You can run any defense with 11 exceptional athletes and it will work.

 

I miss Wade's old 3-4 bend-don't-break scheme. For that scheme, all you needed was maybe one good LB and a great NT. We had 3 below-average LB's, an average secondary, and average (aging) DE's--and were a top 10 defense. That, in my mind, is a great defensive scheme.

Would you agree that Indy has played decent to strong defense in their playoff run? Would you consider every player exceptional? Probably not.

 

There are (to me) two keys. One is the strong safety and the other the D-tackles. The key point brought out in the article (to me) was the talk about the tackles. We attempted, I think, to use 2 lighter quicker (think 3 technique) tackles and they were not up to the job. Whether this changes in the off season remains to be seen, but IMO we need an upgrade at the nose to be successful. If you buy the writers premise you can have a nose + a 3, or two exceptional 3 types. I don't see that we have one exceptional 3 type which leads me to believe that the philosophy will shift and we will have a road grader playing the nose next season. We can get one strong nose tackle much easier than 2 very good lighter tackles.

 

Any of that make sense?

[tennesseeboy]

Two points. One the Tampa 2 is indeed popular and as it became more and more popular people become more and more aware of what it takes to beat it. Point 2...the obvious and accepted way to beat it is running up the middle. It draws the safeties in and opens up the long bomb (Evans year being a case in point.) By next year if you can't stop the run, the Tampa 2 is not for you.

[stuckincincy]

Have a back-up DT or DE willing to flatten the QB after he launches a pass. Accept the 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty as part of doing business. Repeat as necessary.

[bills_fan]

So...lessee....(hopeful acquisition in CAPS, resigns in italics)

 

DE - Schobel, Hargrove

3 Tech DT - Tripplett, McCargo

NT - TERDELL SANDS, Kyle Williams

DE - Kelsey, Denney

SLB - Takeo Spikes

MLB - PATRICK WILLIS

WLB - Angelo Crowell

CB - McGee, Thomas

SS - Whitner

FS - Simpson

CB - Clements, Youboty

 

I can live with this!

[Pyrite Gal]

Two points. One the Tampa 2 is indeed popular and as it became more and more popular people become more and more aware of what it takes to beat it. Point 2...the obvious and accepted way to beat it is running up the middle. It draws the safeties in and opens up the long bomb (Evans year being a case in point.) By next year if you can't stop the run, the Tampa 2 is not for you.

 

Sounds like us, and this may be a problem quite soon.

[Ramius]

This is exactly why I don't like this defense. If every player has to be exceptional, then it's not a good defense. You can run any defense with 11 exceptional athletes and it will work.

 

I miss Wade's old 3-4 bend-don't-break scheme. For that scheme, all you needed was maybe one good LB and a great NT. We had 3 below-average LB's, an average secondary, and average (aging) DE's--and were a top 10 defense. That, in my mind, is a great defensive scheme.

 

But every player doesnt have to be exceptional. Of course, you need good players, but so does every defense. No defense works with piss-poor players, and the Cover/Tampa-2 is no different. You need players to be good at different skill sets than other defenses, most importantly, speed. The MLB needs to be ale to cover the deep middle, but also play a role in run support. The ends and the D-line in general needs to provide the pass rush. Stop the run with numbers. And very importantly, you need fast, athletic safeties that can cover WR's deep.

[Pyrite Gal]

So...lessee....(hopeful acquisition in CAPS, resigns in italics)

 

DE - Schobel, Hargrove

3 Tech DT - Tripplett, McCargo

NT - TERDELL SANDS, Kyle Williams

DE - Kelsey, Denney

SLB - Takeo Spikes

MLB - PATRICK WILLIS

WLB - Angelo Crowell

CB - McGee, Thomas

SS - Whitner

FS - Simpson

CB - Clements, Youboty

 

I can live with this!

 

I think this would be quite painful to live with next year.

 

I can see why Hargrove is a popular player because he shows good attitude and commitment, but his play has struck me as adequate DE at best but a great cheerleader. His production would be great if he was a Buffalo Jill but his sack and a half and single digit # of tackles in 14 games for us gives me little confidence in him as a starter if it came to that.

 

Also, I can see why folks are high on Willis because of his great LB skills which won him the Butkus award as college's best LB, but particularly in the Tampa 2 version of the Cover 2 we use, the MLB is benefitted alot by having a veteran ability to make reads so that he can make good choices on whether he needs to play like a productive tackler of a deep zone safety on a particular play.

 

Anyway you cut it a rookies is not going to be a vet for a year or so. I am not saying you do not draft rookies, but I am saying that if you choose to give your physically gifted rookie or young player PT by being a starter, simply be prepared for some painful learning while the younger learns from making mistakes as he becomes a vet (something we just saw with JP learning to become a quality QB).

 

Like JP and his experience, if Willis is made the starting MLB particularly in a Tampa 2 scheme which calls on the MLB to read a Tom Brady to determine whether he best plays like a DT or like an SS, the D will take a step backward in productivity with Willis starting at MLB than we even saw with Fletcher at MLB. Willis is a better tackler right now. He may even be a better one-on-one cover guy than Fletcher right now (though with F-B leading all NFL LBs in INT and leading the Bills in this regard there are no indications that this is true even though the indications are Willis is more physically gifted than Fletch in terms of speed.

 

If the Bills call Willis's name with the #12 pick (or a trade down may quite possible as some pundits have him ranked in the 20s among all draftees and some even have Timmons or Polusazny ranked higher than Willis among LBs) I will be happy in that he may give us a starting MLB for years, but 2007 is likely to be quite painful with him starting at MLB. Maybe he has the chops to move to OLB and Crowell steps up to MLB which is likely to produce far better results assuming Willis could be productive at OLB.

[obie_wan]

This is exactly why I don't like this defense. If every player has to be exceptional, then it's not a good defense. You can run any defense with 11 exceptional athletes and it will work.

 

I miss Wade's old 3-4 bend-don't-break scheme. For that scheme, all you needed was maybe one good LB and a great NT. We had 3 below-average LB's, an average secondary, and average (aging) DE's--and were a top 10 defense. That, in my mind, is a great defensive scheme.

 

 

If you skimp anywhere on the cover-2 , it's at the CBs.

 

The emphasis is on a strong front 4 who can generate pressure from all postions on all downs- this reduces the reliance on top flight CBs.

 

You also need a stud MLB - which you will have to draft and live with the learning curve. Just like Whitner was a deemed a necessity last year, Willis may be deemed a critical component to builidng a dominate D. He may not be dominant early in 2007- but you need to stock the cupboards when the talent is available.

[bills_fan]

If the Bills call Willis's name with the #12 pick (or a trade down may quite possible as some pundits have him ranked in the 20s among all draftees and some even have Timmons or Polusazny ranked higher than Willis among LBs) I will be happy in that he may give us a starting MLB for years, but 2007 is likely to be quite painful with him starting at MLB. Maybe he has the chops to move to OLB and Crowell steps up to MLB which is likely to produce far better results assuming Willis could be productive at OLB.

 

 

But MLB is one position where rooks have stepped in, started immediately and made a big impact. Urlacher, Lewis, Vilma, Z. Thomas, Lofa Tatupu are all examples of MLBs that made huge impacts on their teams as rooks. The success rate may be close to RB in terms of immediate impact.

 

If Willis is the pick, I suspect he will be a huge upgrade in run D from Fltecher, but a downgrade in pass D, at least at first. With Simpson and Whitner have a year of experience in the system, I think Willis will be used closer to the line of scrimmage than Fletcher last year.

[DrDawkinstein]

So...lessee....(hopeful acquisition in CAPS, resigns in italics)

 

DE - Schobel, Hargrove

3 Tech DT - Tripplett, McCargo

NT - TERDELL SANDS, Kyle Williams

DE - Kelsey, Denney

SLB - Takeo Spikes

MLB - PATRICK WILLIS

WLB - Angelo Crowell

CB - McGee, Thomas

SS - Whitner

FS - Simpson

CB - Clements, Youboty

 

I can live with this!

 

 

i would be extremely happy with this starting lineup next year

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

But every player doesnt have to be exceptional. Of course, you need good players, but so does every defense. No defense works with piss-poor players, and the Cover/Tampa-2 is no different. You need players to be good at different skill sets than other defenses, most importantly, speed. The MLB needs to be ale to cover the deep middle, but also play a role in run support. The ends and the D-line in general needs to provide the pass rush. Stop the run with numbers. And very importantly, you need fast, athletic safeties that can cover WR's deep.

 

For the cover-two, you need to spend big money or high draft picks on: (1) Both DT's; (2) at least one DE (if not both); (3) MLB; (4) WLB; (5) both safeties; and (6) probably at least one CB.

 

Recall our high-ranking defense in the late 1990s-- we had a great NT with Ted Washington, a good but aging DE with Bruce Smith, and a decent cover corner in stone-hands, Thomas Smith. I'd consider guys like Phil Hansen, Holocek, Rogers, Northern, Schultz, Henry Jones all average to below average--and yet we had a great defense.

 

I'm not saying the Tampa-2 is a bad defense, only an expensive one. If I were GM, I'd spend my money on both lines, skill players on offense, and try to get by on the cheap with a defense like Wade's old 3-4.

[DrDawkinstein]

For the cover-two, you need to spend big money or high draft picks on: (1) Both DT's; (2) at least one DE (if not both); (3) MLB; (4) WLB; (5) both safeties; and (6) probably at least one CB.

 

Recall our high-ranking defense in the late 1990s-- we had a great NT with Ted Washington, a good but aging DE with Bruce Smith, and a decent cover corner in stone-hands, Thomas Smith. I'd consider guys like Phil Hansen, Holocek, Rogers, Northern, Schultz, Henry Jones all average to below average--and yet we had a great defense.

 

I'm not saying the Tampa-2 is a bad defense, only an expensive one. If I were GM, I'd spend my money on both lines, skill players on offense, and try to get by on the cheap with a defense like Wade's old 3-4.

 

did you just say Phil Hansen is average to below average?