I haven%t watched the game critically yet, so I don%t have a very considered opinion on Pierce%s play.
I think this question is still in doubt -- both ways. The number of offensive snaps faced and overall tackle opportunity were well below average yesterday. However, they weren%t so low as to easily explain away a single solo tackle, especially when the rush attempts faced were reasonable.
It%s interesting to note that defensive linemen accounted for 14 of the team%s 39 solo tackles (on 40 total tackle opportunities). It%s also interesting to note that 13 of those solos were made against the running game and included four TFL and two additional tackles for no gain. Should that level of production continue on the front four, it%s going to limit Pierce%s production, no matter how well he plays. However, it%s highly unlikely that a defensive line can sustain a 50% no gain or better tackle rate against the run.
However, just watching the game peripherally, I did note that Pierce did not appear to be pursuing as well. Kiwanuka and Tuck were both tracking plays down from behind well and the OLBs looked reasonably good.
I%ll take a closer look later this weekend, but I%d preach a concerned patience with Pierce right now. If Robbins is hurt for any length of time and Pierce doesn%t produce against SJax (for whatever reason), much of his first half schedule is not favorable at first glance (CIN, BYE, SEA) through W5.
Also, while it%s hard to make a perfect argument that the ankle injury was a major hindrance on Pierce last season, but it%s also hard to overlook that he was on a nearly 100 solo tackle pace midway through the season.
ETA: This "change the apostrophes to percent signs" is pretty annoying.
Well said.
