Kool-Aid Larry
Footballguy
so, I decided to take a look at the 2014 schedule grid to guesstimate how many rush friendly teams the various linebackers might face, and figured I'd slap it up here, if there are any comments --- this is not a scientific study, btw.
as an aside, I remember belichick was questioned, a few years ago, about the league's apparent move away from the traditional running attack, and he commented that these things can be cyclical, and we'd probably see a return to the run in an attempt to exploit some of the lighter defensive personnel put in place to defend the pass.
I'm reminded of that by my surprise at seeing so many teams that I'd call 'run heavy' in a supposed 'passing league'.
anyway, here are a few notables:
(league average facing maybe ~8 'run heavies' on 16 week sched)
ATL: last year, guys like worrilow got fat on a crappy team facing the 7th most rush attempts --- this year, it should be an improved offense, and they only face about 6 of what I'd call 'run heavy' opponents, which would be a bit less than league average
DOWNGRADE
OAK: 2013 - midpack in rush att faced 2014: possibly 14 of 15 games 'run heavy'!
UPGRADE !
SD: 2013 - faced only 3rd fewest rush att and maybe only 4 'run heavies' 2014: possibly 10 'run heavy' games
UPGRADE
KC: 2013 - faced 11th fewest rush att and maybe 4 run heavies 2014: possibly also 10 run heavy games
UPGRADE
PITT: typically stingy on defensive snaps, was midpack in rush attempts faced in 2013 2014: possibly
11 run heavy opponents
UPGRADE
ARI: 2013 - faced 2nd fewest rush attempts 2014 - possibly 10 run heavy games
I'd say UPGRADE but minter only got 1 snap last year, so it's not tough to beat that
BUF: 2014 - possibly 10 run heavies
as an aside, I remember belichick was questioned, a few years ago, about the league's apparent move away from the traditional running attack, and he commented that these things can be cyclical, and we'd probably see a return to the run in an attempt to exploit some of the lighter defensive personnel put in place to defend the pass.
I'm reminded of that by my surprise at seeing so many teams that I'd call 'run heavy' in a supposed 'passing league'.
anyway, here are a few notables:
(league average facing maybe ~8 'run heavies' on 16 week sched)
ATL: last year, guys like worrilow got fat on a crappy team facing the 7th most rush attempts --- this year, it should be an improved offense, and they only face about 6 of what I'd call 'run heavy' opponents, which would be a bit less than league average
DOWNGRADE
OAK: 2013 - midpack in rush att faced 2014: possibly 14 of 15 games 'run heavy'!
UPGRADE !
SD: 2013 - faced only 3rd fewest rush att and maybe only 4 'run heavies' 2014: possibly 10 'run heavy' games
UPGRADE
KC: 2013 - faced 11th fewest rush att and maybe 4 run heavies 2014: possibly also 10 run heavy games
UPGRADE
PITT: typically stingy on defensive snaps, was midpack in rush attempts faced in 2013 2014: possibly
11 run heavy opponents
UPGRADE
ARI: 2013 - faced 2nd fewest rush attempts 2014 - possibly 10 run heavy games
I'd say UPGRADE but minter only got 1 snap last year, so it's not tough to beat that
BUF: 2014 - possibly 10 run heavies
Last edited by a moderator:
