- Joined
- Jun 20, 2010
- Messages
- 35,576
- Name
- The Dude
I say this because of the inordinate amount of ... let's say ... concerns that have been popping up on this fine ass board the past few days. To me, that signifies that losing is something that really shouldn't happen very much -- if at all. Apparently the majority thinks we have the talent to overcome all obstacles, and that's a far cry from the earlier part of the decade where losses were met with acceptance almost. Partly because the team was so injured that expectations were low to begin with. That made the wins that much more savory.
But now the pulse of this board is different.
Losses are inexcusable. Rookies and first contract players are expected to be near flawless in their execution. Coaches and assistant coaches who were once heralded for their part in the turnaround here are now under scrutiny for their apparent lack of knowledge. The ability to come roaring back (something that rarely ever happened) isn't good enough anymore. Now we're supposed to be leading in every game so that coming from behind is no longer a necessity. This guy is a liability, that guy is no longer good, and don't even get me started on that other dude... what is HIS problem?
Does anyone know why a defense plays soft zone cover 2 against teams that have potent offenses? Not in theory. Does anyone REALLY know? It's strong versus the run, and the Rams have been knocking the shit out of teams in the run game. It provides leverage on both wide receivers (SE, FL) without having to double-team. The defensive backs can cover five of the six underneath zones without giving up the home run play. The success of zone coverage is predicated on a four man rush, and the Rams have built one of the more fierce (rotating) starting four in the league. It also takes away the out patterns and can hold up the TE. And most importantly, it can provide weakside force and contain against scrambling QBs. Not to mention blitzing out of zone will disrupt the QB's coverage reads and force a quick throw.
Why doesn't it work as well as you want it to?
Consider the average starting time and experience in this scheme that our secondary has right now. This isn't a team full of Champ Baileys and Ed Reeds. 2nd rounders, rookies, new veteran additions, and late round draft picks (or UDFAs) fill out the back 7. The front four, believe it or not, are doing their job in this scheme. It's going to take a little while (more than two games) for the back 7 to be intimately aware of trends, tendencies, and to be aware of what their teammates' responsibilities are in this defense (because they have to know that too). It truly is a bend, don't break defense. And it will be effective when everyone is playing instinctively. It's two fucking games, guys. Two. I know it's aggravating to watch teams move the ball the way they are, but it will tighten up.
And for those of you who want press man coverage at all times, then consider what Julio Jones did to Jenkins, or what Fitzgerald did to Finnegan. Both of those plays came in man coverage. You can have that, or you can make an offense work really hard for their yardage by making the QB become a model of perfection on long sustained drives. The odds are better in zone. For the personnel we have, the odds are better in zone. And I'm telling you, once the back 7 becomes more seasoned, press man will be that much more effective. And we will use press man in a game frequently as well. It's all about situational playcalling and situational defensive alignments. We're just not that experienced as a team right now. But we will be soon if you have any faith in Fisher and his staff to make the necessary corrections and adjustments.
Anyway. Before I turn this into a book while my chicken is smoking away on the grill, I just figured I'd do a little venting of my own and let the thoughts that were plaguing my brain flow free. You're free to interject, but I'm hoping that the discussion is productive and encouraging. I've seen enough of the alternative for a few days.
But now the pulse of this board is different.
Losses are inexcusable. Rookies and first contract players are expected to be near flawless in their execution. Coaches and assistant coaches who were once heralded for their part in the turnaround here are now under scrutiny for their apparent lack of knowledge. The ability to come roaring back (something that rarely ever happened) isn't good enough anymore. Now we're supposed to be leading in every game so that coming from behind is no longer a necessity. This guy is a liability, that guy is no longer good, and don't even get me started on that other dude... what is HIS problem?
Does anyone know why a defense plays soft zone cover 2 against teams that have potent offenses? Not in theory. Does anyone REALLY know? It's strong versus the run, and the Rams have been knocking the shit out of teams in the run game. It provides leverage on both wide receivers (SE, FL) without having to double-team. The defensive backs can cover five of the six underneath zones without giving up the home run play. The success of zone coverage is predicated on a four man rush, and the Rams have built one of the more fierce (rotating) starting four in the league. It also takes away the out patterns and can hold up the TE. And most importantly, it can provide weakside force and contain against scrambling QBs. Not to mention blitzing out of zone will disrupt the QB's coverage reads and force a quick throw.
Why doesn't it work as well as you want it to?
Consider the average starting time and experience in this scheme that our secondary has right now. This isn't a team full of Champ Baileys and Ed Reeds. 2nd rounders, rookies, new veteran additions, and late round draft picks (or UDFAs) fill out the back 7. The front four, believe it or not, are doing their job in this scheme. It's going to take a little while (more than two games) for the back 7 to be intimately aware of trends, tendencies, and to be aware of what their teammates' responsibilities are in this defense (because they have to know that too). It truly is a bend, don't break defense. And it will be effective when everyone is playing instinctively. It's two fucking games, guys. Two. I know it's aggravating to watch teams move the ball the way they are, but it will tighten up.
And for those of you who want press man coverage at all times, then consider what Julio Jones did to Jenkins, or what Fitzgerald did to Finnegan. Both of those plays came in man coverage. You can have that, or you can make an offense work really hard for their yardage by making the QB become a model of perfection on long sustained drives. The odds are better in zone. For the personnel we have, the odds are better in zone. And I'm telling you, once the back 7 becomes more seasoned, press man will be that much more effective. And we will use press man in a game frequently as well. It's all about situational playcalling and situational defensive alignments. We're just not that experienced as a team right now. But we will be soon if you have any faith in Fisher and his staff to make the necessary corrections and adjustments.
Anyway. Before I turn this into a book while my chicken is smoking away on the grill, I just figured I'd do a little venting of my own and let the thoughts that were plaguing my brain flow free. You're free to interject, but I'm hoping that the discussion is productive and encouraging. I've seen enough of the alternative for a few days.