Redskins Defense (1 Viewer)

[redman]

This is a team that always gets a lot of attention due to high profile signings, it's coaching staff, the media market its in etc.

In theory, this team is a good Def. Team/IDP play because it has an aggressive defense that yields big plays. So far this year, however, it's been one of the worst sources of defensive points, which is odd given that there are only two positions on the defense that have new players (RDE; SS) and both would seem to be upgrades (Andre Carter; Adam Archuleta).

As I see it, there are two fundamental problems.

1) Shawn Springs remains out with an injury. While this team does not have a bad defensive line, it's not elite and consistently capable of generating pressure on its own. This means that Gregg Williams tends to have to bring pressure through blitzing, which of course then means that there are fewer guys in coverage. To better enable this to happen, and to better disguise his blitzes, Williams likes to leave his top two CB's, Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers, in single coverage on the two outside WR's, and have some combination of zone or man coverage on the rest while he tries to disguise a blitz by a combination of one or more LB's or DB's (usually SS's). Springs' absense had Kenny Wright playing in his place, but his play was so poor that they replaced him with the newly acquired Mike Rumph, if you can imagine. Rumph actually looked pretty good against Dallas, but neither of those guys remotely resembles Shawn Springs in coverage, which means that Williams' pressure defense is hamstrung until he returns.

2) The team is playing poorly overall, leaving the defense in poor game situations. As John Madden accurately pointed out, Gregg Williams' defense does indeed play more aggressively with a lead than while trailing. This isn't necessarily the revelation of the year, but it certainly bears mentioning. The personality of this defense matches Gregg Williams' personality, which is to say "Attack!" The team, however, has been playing from behind for most of the first two games, and against QB's who are capable of picking them apart. Williams, who under normal circumstances will go to a nickel or dime package (obviously not the best blitz package) usually only as a change of pace or in an obvious passing situation, has had to do this more on first and second downs. Later in the game this has opened up rushing opportunities against offenses that have taken the lead and wish to run down the clock. The result is that there is little pressure into the offensive backfield and fewer big plays.

The bottom line: The only Redskins defensive players to play at this point are guys who you know will end up with a substantial number of tackles. That really comes down to three or four guys, namely Adam Archuleta, Marcus Washington. Sean Taylor's not been bad, but he's a guy who relies upon big plays to push him over the top into fantasy starter status, and he's not getting them as of yet. I'm shocked at the lack of production from Carter to this date - he's been invisible. At this point, no d-lineman on the 'Skins figures to be a good play until the team (and especially the offense) starts playing better and until Springs returns.

 

[cr8f]

I've been playing Archileta and Taylor but am switching to Sean Jones this week. Where is McIntosh? Is he getting any looks in practice?

 

[Jene Bramel]

This is a team that always gets a lot of attention due to high profile signings, it's coaching staff, the media market its in etc. In theory, this team is a good Def. Team/IDP play because it has an aggressive defense that yields big plays. So far this year, however, it's been one of the worst sources of defensive points, which is odd given that there are only two positions on the defense that have new players (RDE; SS) and both would seem to be upgrades (Andre Carter; Adam Archuleta). As I see it, there are two fundamental problems. 1) Shawn Springs remains out with an injury. While this team does not have a bad defensive line, it's not elite and consistently capable of generating pressure on its own. This means that Gregg Williams tends to have to bring pressure through blitzing, which of course then means that there are fewer guys in coverage. To better enable this to happen, and to better disguise his blitzes, Williams likes to leave his top two CB's, Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers, in single coverage on the two outside WR's, and have some combination of zone or man coverage on the rest while he tries to disguise a blitz by a combination of one or more LB's or DB's (usually SS's). Springs' absense had Kenny Wright playing in his place, but his play was so poor that they replaced him with the newly acquired Mike Rumph, if you can imagine. Rumph actually looked pretty good against Dallas, but neither of those guys remotely resembles Shawn Springs in coverage, which means that Williams' pressure defense is hamstrung until he returns. 2) The team is playing poorly overall, leaving the defense in poor game situations. As John Madden accurately pointed out, Gregg Williams' defense does indeed play more aggressively with a lead than while trailing. This isn't necessarily the revelation of the year, but it certainly bears mentioning. The personality of this defense matches Gregg Williams' personality, which is to say "Attack!" The team, however, has been playing from behind for most of the first two games, and against QB's who are capable of picking them apart. Williams, who under normal circumstances will go to a nickel or dime package (obviously not the best blitz package) usually only as a change of pace or in an obvious passing situation, has had to do this more on first and second downs. Later in the game this has opened up rushing opportunities against offenses that have taken the lead and wish to run down the clock. The result is that there is little pressure into the offensive backfield and fewer big plays. The bottom line: The only Redskins defensive players to play at this point are guys who you know will end up with a substantial number of tackles. That really comes down to three or four guys, namely Adam Archuleta, Marcus Washington. Sean Taylor's not been bad, but he's a guy who relies upon big plays to push him over the top into fantasy starter status, and he's not getting them as of yet. I'm shocked at the lack of production from Carter to this date - he's been invisible. At this point, no d-lineman on the 'Skins figures to be a good play until the team (and especially the offense) starts playing better and until Springs returns.

Thanks redman. Love the insider takes.

 

[Marino13]

I've been playing Archileta and Taylor but am switching to Sean Jones this week. Where is McIntosh? Is he getting any looks in practice?

Holdman has been playing pretty good back there... I wouldn't expect to see him unless there was an injury at LB.

 

[redman]

Oops, I meant to include Lemar Marshall as one of those 3-4 reliable guys.

Regarding McIntosh, Gregg Williams never starts rookies during their first 4 weeks or so. To listen to him explain it, the first time a rookie sees real, regular season game action rookies are often demoralized or shocked because it doesn't remotely resemble the speed of the game either at college or even during the NFL preseason. This makes sense given that I've heard players claim that the game is the fastest during the first couple of weeks of the season when the players are the healthiest. As an example, it wasn't until October that Sean Taylor got his first start (I want to say week 6 or 7), and Taylor was about as talented of a rookie safety as I can ever remember.

Holdman also has been surprisingly solid after looking terrible last year. He's moving around a lot better and he's assignment sound, which Williams is also big on. For Williams, it's far more important to be versatile and to know (and of course stick to) your assignment than it is to be a physical freak - again, that tends to hurt a rookie's chances to start.

Holdman's no play maker though and McIntosh clearly has athleticism that Holdman simply doesn't have. Everything I've heard about McIntosh has him impressing the coaches with his work ethic and tackling (he's a very explosive tackler), so I think it's only a matter of time when McIntosh becomes the starter.

 

[redman]

This is a team that always gets a lot of attention due to high profile signings, it's coaching staff, the media market its in etc. In theory, this team is a good Def. Team/IDP play because it has an aggressive defense that yields big plays. So far this year, however, it's been one of the worst sources of defensive points, which is odd given that there are only two positions on the defense that have new players (RDE; SS) and both would seem to be upgrades (Andre Carter; Adam Archuleta). As I see it, there are two fundamental problems. 1) Shawn Springs remains out with an injury. While this team does not have a bad defensive line, it's not elite and consistently capable of generating pressure on its own. This means that Gregg Williams tends to have to bring pressure through blitzing, which of course then means that there are fewer guys in coverage. To better enable this to happen, and to better disguise his blitzes, Williams likes to leave his top two CB's, Shawn Springs and Carlos Rogers, in single coverage on the two outside WR's, and have some combination of zone or man coverage on the rest while he tries to disguise a blitz by a combination of one or more LB's or DB's (usually SS's). Springs' absense had Kenny Wright playing in his place, but his play was so poor that they replaced him with the newly acquired Mike Rumph, if you can imagine. Rumph actually looked pretty good against Dallas, but neither of those guys remotely resembles Shawn Springs in coverage, which means that Williams' pressure defense is hamstrung until he returns. 2) The team is playing poorly overall, leaving the defense in poor game situations. As John Madden accurately pointed out, Gregg Williams' defense does indeed play more aggressively with a lead than while trailing. This isn't necessarily the revelation of the year, but it certainly bears mentioning. The personality of this defense matches Gregg Williams' personality, which is to say "Attack!" The team, however, has been playing from behind for most of the first two games, and against QB's who are capable of picking them apart. Williams, who under normal circumstances will go to a nickel or dime package (obviously not the best blitz package) usually only as a change of pace or in an obvious passing situation, has had to do this more on first and second downs. Later in the game this has opened up rushing opportunities against offenses that have taken the lead and wish to run down the clock. The result is that there is little pressure into the offensive backfield and fewer big plays. The bottom line: The only Redskins defensive players to play at this point are guys who you know will end up with a substantial number of tackles. That really comes down to three or four guys, namely Adam Archuleta, Marcus Washington. Sean Taylor's not been bad, but he's a guy who relies upon big plays to push him over the top into fantasy starter status, and he's not getting them as of yet. I'm shocked at the lack of production from Carter to this date - he's been invisible. At this point, no d-lineman on the 'Skins figures to be a good play until the team (and especially the offense) starts playing better and until Springs returns.

Ok, after two impressive wins over two very different opponents, I'm now optimistic about where this team is heading. Time will tell whether an 0-2 start was too deep of a hole to dig out of and make the playoffs, but this offense seems to (finally!) be hitting its stride. I can tell you that this has the feel right now of last year's late season resurgence that got them into the playoffs. And what happens in IDP? The d-line starts making an appearance in the stat sheets. Carter, Archuleta, Daniels and Evans all had sacks. At this point I'd say that the team looks to be improving in area number 2 that I listed above, but Springs is still out for the time being. Springs' absence I am sure contributed to some of the big plays that Jax burned them on yesterday, though poor tackling contributed greatly as well. I'd start looking at starting 'Skins d-linemen again depending of course on your alternatives. Two names to keep in mind: rookie DT's Kedrick Golston and Anthony Montgomery. Both of those guys, and particularly Golston, have rotated into the lineup in Joe Salave'a's absence due to injury and have impressed greatly. They're very active DT's. If you're in a deep IDP dynasty league that starts DT's, think strongly about picking up Golston and stashing him away. Keep an eye on Montgomery to see how he does too.

 

[stevegamer]

Any further thoughts about McIntosh? He seems like a guy to grab and stash in dynasty.

 

[redman]

Any further thoughts about McIntosh? He seems like a guy to grab and stash in dynasty.

The coaches are raving about his play on special teams. He's one of those guys who seems to have that extra "pop" on his tackles, so I see a lot of forced fumbles in his future. However he's not getting many snaps on defense for the moment. I think that's because without Springs, and with Holdman looking (at least for the moment) rejuvenated, the coaches likely want a more experienced player who knows all of his assignments at that spot than a rookie who might get burned for a big play because he misreads a coverage assignment or something. As I've said before, Gregg Williams values someone who is assignment sound but average athletically over a freak of nature who isn't assignment sound. Williams never starts rookies right away for that reason. Hold onto him if you can. I think he'll be starting before too long and he figures to do well in that defense. Take a look at Lemar Marshall's numbers from 2004 for what that position (WLB) can yield in terms of stats.

 

[lord_helmet]

Finally Moss and Carter showed up, can we expect more good things to come ? And whats the timetable for Springs ? Carter needs good coverage downfield to have time to get to the QB

 

[redman]

Finally Moss and Carter showed up, can we expect more good things to come ? And whats the timetable for Springs ? Carter needs good coverage downfield to have time to get to the QB

Carter had one sack and two pressures. I wouldn't call that game changing, but he at least showed up. The defense is facing better down & distance, and field position situations because the offense and special teams are playing well. I would therefore expect the defense to perform more similarly to the way they have the last two weeks than the first two. As for Springs, I don't know. He's essentially week to week at this point, and I would personally doubt that he plays this week based upon what I'm hearing. That may mean that he's not in the lineup until week 7 because their week 6 opponent is Tennessee, who they should be able to handle without him. Certainly this is a more protracted problem than the team hoped/expected when he had the surgery.

 

[dgreen]

As I've said before, Gregg Williams values someone who is assignment sound but average athletically over a freak of nature who isn't assignment sound. Williams never starts rookies right away for that reason.

Right. Not even Sean Taylor started right away. He came off the bench his first two games.

 

[dgreen]

Finally Moss and Carter showed up, can we expect more good things to come ? And whats the timetable for Springs ? Carter needs good coverage downfield to have time to get to the QB

As for Springs, I don't know. He's essentially week to week at this point, and I would personally doubt that he plays this week based upon what I'm hearing. That may mean that he's not in the lineup until week 7 because their week 6 opponent is Tennessee, who they should be able to handle without him. Certainly this is a more protracted problem than the team hoped/expected when he had the surgery.

Gibbs said last night that he's hoping Springs can practice some this week, but they aren't sure right now. But, even if he practices and is active, it will probably be in a limited role (15-20 plays).If he's not fully ready to go, they may look to make sure he's 100% for Indy (game after TEN).

 

[stevegamer]

Any further thoughts about McIntosh? He seems like a guy to grab and stash in dynasty.

The coaches are raving about his play on special teams. He's one of those guys who seems to have that extra "pop" on his tackles, so I see a lot of forced fumbles in his future. However he's not getting many snaps on defense for the moment. I think that's because without Springs, and with Holdman looking (at least for the moment) rejuvenated, the coaches likely want a more experienced player who knows all of his assignments at that spot than a rookie who might get burned for a big play because he misreads a coverage assignment or something. As I've said before, Gregg Williams values someone who is assignment sound but average athletically over a freak of nature who isn't assignment sound. Williams never starts rookies right away for that reason. Hold onto him if you can. I think he'll be starting before too long and he figures to do well in that defense. Take a look at Lemar Marshall's numbers from 2004 for what that position (WLB) can yield in terms of stats.

Thanks for the info. I wanted him in my dynasty draft, but got neither him nor Ryans. He got dropped this week, so I snagged him, due to the numbers I think he will put up. I'm hoping he starts to get some D snaps later this year - I really need him for next year.

 

[redman]

From the Washinton Times today:

"Springs went through several agility drills during the opening 30 minutes of practice. Upon finishing, he turned to a group of reporters and said, "Coming soon to a field near you, fellas."

LinkI heard that they upgraded him on the injury report from Doubtful, but I haven't seen an official indication of that yet.

 

[redman]

Springs is not listed on the team's injury report this week.

Again, look to see that he plays, and then look to see what a difference it makes in the defense. You're going to see a lot more aggressive defensive play calls with him in there . . . although I wonder whether they'll blitz a lot this week vs. Vince Young, who I'm sure they'd rather have passing than scrambling.

 

[lord_helmet]

Springs coming back should be good for the team and for Carlos Rogers owners, now opponents are really gonna pick on the 2nd year player

 

[redman]

Springs coming back should be good for the team and for Carlos Rogers owners, now opponents are really gonna pick on the 2nd year player

Agreed. Rogers has looked poor in coverage, like he's regressed from last year. I don't know if that's been because that's what's in fact happened, or because he's had more responsibility for WR1's with Springs gone, but we'll find out soon enough.

 

[redman]

Springs is not listed on the team's injury report this week.

Again, look to see that he plays, and then look to see what a difference it makes in the defense. You're going to see a lot more aggressive defensive play calls with him in there . . . although I wonder whether they'll blitz a lot this week vs. Vince Young, who I'm sure they'd rather have passing than scrambling.

Ok, now he's listed as questionable, however he's back at practice and the statements from coaches indicate that he's a "likely" play this week.

 

[dgreen]

Springs is not listed on the team's injury report this week.

Again, look to see that he plays, and then look to see what a difference it makes in the defense. You're going to see a lot more aggressive defensive play calls with him in there . . . although I wonder whether they'll blitz a lot this week vs. Vince Young, who I'm sure they'd rather have passing than scrambling.

Ok, now he's listed as questionable, however he's back at practice and the statements from coaches indicate that he's a "likely" play this week.

Gametime decision is what I've heard.

 

[Rovers]

Dern it... Champ or Rogers.... Rogers or Champ..... or S Spencer.....

 

[redman]

Springs is not listed on the team's injury report this week.

Again, look to see that he plays, and then look to see what a difference it makes in the defense. You're going to see a lot more aggressive defensive play calls with him in there . . . although I wonder whether they'll blitz a lot this week vs. Vince Young, who I'm sure they'd rather have passing than scrambling.

Ok, now he's listed as questionable, however he's back at practice and the statements from coaches indicate that he's a "likely" play this week.

Gametime decision is what I've heard.

Correct. That was the update. They're against Vince Young, so I can only assume a simplified game plan here, with relatively few pass attempts.

I like the LB's and Archuleta more than the CB's as plays in this game, but if I had to start a CB (assuming Springs plays) it would be Rogers.

 

[redman]

Springs is not listed on the team's injury report this week.

Again, look to see that he plays, and then look to see what a difference it makes in the defense. You're going to see a lot more aggressive defensive play calls with him in there . . . although I wonder whether they'll blitz a lot this week vs. Vince Young, who I'm sure they'd rather have passing than scrambling.

Ok, now he's listed as questionable, however he's back at practice and the statements from coaches indicate that he's a "likely" play this week.

Gametime decision is what I've heard.

Update: Rumph is inactive, so the assumption is that Springs is playing.

 

[lord_helmet]

What kind of a role/position do you predict for their new signing Troy Vincent ?

 

[redman]

What kind of a role/position do you predict for their new signing Troy Vincent ?

I think he'll fit in with the rest of the CB's chasing down receivers who were wide open when they caught the football. Honestly, the way this defense plays mystifies me. I'd expect Vincent to be a nickel back until he learns the defense, but monitor Springs' recovery and Rogers' thumb injury as he may actually have to start.

 

[Jene Bramel]

What kind of a role/position do you predict for their new signing Troy Vincent ?

I think he'll fit in with the rest of the CB's chasing down receivers who were wide open when they caught the football. Honestly, the way this defense plays mystifies me. I'd expect Vincent to be a nickel back until he learns the defense, but monitor Springs' recovery and Rogers' thumb injury as he may actually have to start.

I can't see any way Vincent plays corner (nickel, against slot WR, whatever) and succeeds. Is that really how they're planning on using him?

 

[redman]

What kind of a role/position do you predict for their new signing Troy Vincent ?

I think he'll fit in with the rest of the CB's chasing down receivers who were wide open when they caught the football. Honestly, the way this defense plays mystifies me. I'd expect Vincent to be a nickel back until he learns the defense, but monitor Springs' recovery and Rogers' thumb injury as he may actually have to start.

I can't see any way Vincent plays corner (nickel, against slot WR, whatever) and succeeds. Is that really how they're planning on using him?

You're probably right. They'll use him as an extra safety the way that they used Prioleau and Stoutmire last year in nickel and dime packages. I'm just looking at Shawn Springs who needs to get back into game shape, and the fact that Carlos Rogers just underwent surgery on a broken thumb and may miss this next game; Kenny Wright and Mike Rumph have been absolutely helpless in pass coverage. They've got major problems.

 

[Bizkiteer]

What kind of a role/position do you predict for their new signing Troy Vincent ?

I think he'll fit in with the rest of the CB's chasing down receivers who were wide open when they caught the football. Honestly, the way this defense plays mystifies me. I'd expect Vincent to be a nickel back until he learns the defense, but monitor Springs' recovery and Rogers' thumb injury as he may actually have to start.

I can't see any way Vincent plays corner (nickel, against slot WR, whatever) and succeeds. Is that really how they're planning on using him?

You're probably right. They'll use him as an extra safety the way that they used Prioleau and Stoutmire last year in nickel and dime packages. I'm just looking at Shawn Springs who needs to get back into game shape, and the fact that Carlos Rogers just underwent surgery on a broken thumb and may miss this next game; Kenny Wright and Mike Rumph have been absolutely helpless in pass coverage. They've got major problems.

Any CB looks helpless when there is absolutely no pass rush, you can only stay with a WR so long. Blitzes are predicable, when Greg calls them (you can count them on your hand per game), all coming from the edge. We could have two of the best CB's in the NFL and they would look ordinary at this point. Sad situation IMO

 

[redman]

Looks like more helplessness to come from the 'Skins CB's, with Rogers out, Springs still not in game shape, Vincent new to the offense, and Wright, Rumph and Jimoh being . . . well, Wright, Rumph and Jimoh.

News & Notes: Rogers To Miss Colts Game

By Gary Fitzgerald

Redskins.com

October 18, 2006

Cornerback Carlos Rogers, sidelined with a fractured thumb, will not play in Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

With Rogers out, the Redskins have a number of options for their secondary as they prepare for the high-powered Colts offense, which features Pro Bowlers in quarterback Peyton Manning, wide receivers Marvin Harrison and left tackle Tarik Glenn.

Shawn Springs could resume his starting role, but he has just returned from a groin injury and is working his way back into playing condition. Troy Vincent, signed earlier this week to play safety, has the versatility to play cornerback, but he may not have a complete grasp of the Redskins' defensive scheme yet.

Kenny Wright, who has started the first six games replacing Springs, could draw another starting assignment. Mike Rumph and Ade Jimoh are in line to see increased playing time.

Rogers' right arm was in a cast and sling on Wednesday. He suffered the injury during last Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. The second-year player expects to use the upcoming bye week to rehab the injury and get ready for the Nov. 5 game against Dallas.

Asked about his rehab, Rogers said: "It'll be a challenge, especially with the thumb and how much you use it in playing defensive back. You use it in jamming receivers at the line and I like to play physical week-in and week-out. It's going to hurt, but [athletic trainers] will work with it and it'll feel better."

-- VINCENT'S FIRST PRACTICE

Troy Vincent is a 15-year veteran, so he's seen almost every defensive scheme out there. Signed by the Redskins on Monday after being released by the Buffalo Bills last week, he is still learning Gregg Williams' coverage, but doesn't expect it to take long.

"Can I relate to the terminology? That's what I need to get down because you have so many calls in this defense," Vincent said. "You have 3-4 different drops and 3-4 different coverages--and you have to know the name to identify what your assignment is.

Asked about his availability to play on Sunday in Indianapolis, Vincent replied: "I'm just trying to get to Thursday right now. Coaches will let me know if I'll play on Friday. It'll probably be based on how I feel and what I look like on [practice] tape if they'll need me."

Vincent is listed on the Redskins' depth chart as the third-string safety for now.

He has played cornerback for most of his career, and he could be asked to play in that role as the Redskins work through the injury to Carlos Rogers.

"Not a problem," Vincent replied when asked about playing cornerback.

Meantime, Vincent was able to pry jersey No. 23 from rookie safety Reed Doughty. Vincent has worn No. 23 his entire career.

"I just talked to him," Vincent said. "I spent 14 years in this number, and he's been in it a couple of months."

-- SPRINGS 'STILL RUSTY'

Shawn Springs practiced on Wednesday and he is listed as probable on the team's injury report.

Springs returned to action on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, recording three tackles in a reserve role. It was his first game since recovering from abdominal surgery in August and a groin injury in September.

"It's getting better," Springs said after practice. "I'm still rusty. The more I practice, the better my legs get under me. I'm getting in and out of my cuts better. I'm getting more comfortable.

With Carlos Rogers sidelined, Springs could see increased playing time on Sunday in Indianapolis.

"I probably could handle it, but that's not my decision," Springs said. "It'll be up to the coaches."

-- SALAVE'A, GRIFFIN INJURY UPDATE

Defensive tackles Joe Salave'a and Cornelius Griffin participated in individual work on Wednesday, but sat out team work. They are listed as questionable heading into Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

If Salave'a and Griffin cannot play, rookie linemen Anthony Montgomery and Kedric Golston would likely draw starting assignments for the second week in a row. Renaldo Wynn and Demetric Evans could also see action at tackle.

"We'll just have to see how [salave'a and Griffin] progress through the week," head coach Joe Gibbs said. "Thursday's practice will be another indication of their progress and Friday we'll know if they can play."

Added Wynn: "They're going to do their best and get out there on the field. If they can't go, for whatever reason, we have trust in [Montgomery and Golston] to get out there and get it done."

Link

 

[Bizkiteer]

U got that right brother! Maybe I won't notice as much if I do more of this...

 

[lord_helmet]

Any further thoughts about McIntosh? He seems like a guy to grab and stash in dynasty.

The coaches are raving about his play on special teams. He's one of those guys who seems to have that extra "pop" on his tackles, so I see a lot of forced fumbles in his future. However he's not getting many snaps on defense for the moment. I think that's because without Springs, and with Holdman looking (at least for the moment) rejuvenated, the coaches likely want a more experienced player who knows all of his assignments at that spot than a rookie who might get burned for a big play because he misreads a coverage assignment or something. As I've said before, Gregg Williams values someone who is assignment sound but average athletically over a freak of nature who isn't assignment sound. Williams never starts rookies right away for that reason. Hold onto him if you can. I think he'll be starting before too long and he figures to do well in that defense. Take a look at Lemar Marshall's numbers from 2004 for what that position (WLB) can yield in terms of stats.

 

[redman]

Any further thoughts about McIntosh? He seems like a guy to grab and stash in dynasty.

The coaches are raving about his play on special teams. He's one of those guys who seems to have that extra "pop" on his tackles, so I see a lot of forced fumbles in his future. However he's not getting many snaps on defense for the moment. I think that's because without Springs, and with Holdman looking (at least for the moment) rejuvenated, the coaches likely want a more experienced player who knows all of his assignments at that spot than a rookie who might get burned for a big play because he misreads a coverage assignment or something. As I've said before, Gregg Williams values someone who is assignment sound but average athletically over a freak of nature who isn't assignment sound. Williams never starts rookies right away for that reason. Hold onto him if you can. I think he'll be starting before too long and he figures to do well in that defense. Take a look at Lemar Marshall's numbers from 2004 for what that position (WLB) can yield in terms of stats.

I'm now starting to wonder.

 

[dgreen]

So, what's your take, redman, after the Ds first game fully healthy?

Springs is just now starting to get into regular season form. He's basically just now finishing preseason and I though he looked a little better yesterday.

Holdman still looks like crap. McIntosh must be a complete disaster in practice if he can't get out there yet. On one play, Lemar Marshall was telling Holdman to slide to his left. Holdman took a couple steps left then went back a couple steps to his right. Oddly enough, the run went right by Holdman to his left for about six yards.

As discussed in the Archuleta thread, his playing time could continue to drop.

Overall, the D looked a little better than they have all season. Once T.O. dropped that sure TD, they were pretty strong. After that, the pass to Witten on Dallas' final drive was really the only bad play for them. This is a big change from the rest of the season. This is the first game this season the D didn't collapse down the stretch.

The blitzes were back, but still relatively ineffective, IMO. The two sacks were coverage sacks and I didn't think Romo was hurried as much as the stats indicate.

 

[redman]

So, what's your take, redman, after the Ds first game fully healthy?Springs is just now starting to get into regular season form. He's basically just now finishing preseason and I though he looked a little better yesterday.Holdman still looks like crap. McIntosh must be a complete disaster in practice if he can't get out there yet. On one play, Lemar Marshall was telling Holdman to slide to his left. Holdman took a couple steps left then went back a couple steps to his right. Oddly enough, the run went right by Holdman to his left for about six yards.As discussed in the Archuleta thread, his playing time could continue to drop.Overall, the D looked a little better than they have all season. Once T.O. dropped that sure TD, they were pretty strong. After that, the pass to Witten on Dallas' final drive was really the only bad play for them. This is a big change from the rest of the season. This is the first game this season the D didn't collapse down the stretch.The blitzes were back, but still relatively ineffective, IMO. The two sacks were coverage sacks and I didn't think Romo was hurried as much as the stats indicate.

I agree with what you wrote. They seemed to contain the big plays better, but they still surrendered that critical pass to Witten late and that pass to TO should have been a game-deciding TD. They blitzed more but the Cowboys did a very good job picking up the blitzes. Their run defense looked relatively weak to me, though the stats don't seem to reflect it; I seem to recall a lot of 6,7 and 8 yard rushes against them. All in all there were some marginal improvements, but they still suffer from the same overall problems. They were not as good as their game stats on defense.