You're starting an NFL Franchise - Who do you take? (1 Viewer)

[Pictus Cat]

Something the Giants made me realize this past season:

In today's NFL, where even the greatest CB in the world can only line up against one WR in an utterly receiver friendly league, a great Defensive Line with a killer pash rush can compensate for good and perhaps even mediocre DBs, who are able to at least capitalize on some INTs.

However, even a great CB can not do much to stop an offense when their defensive line does not get pressure.

Take it a step further and say you have TWO "shutdown" corners - put a receiver in the slot (Wes Welker anyone) and even that huge advantage is mitigated. But the Giants, with Osi, Strahan and just enough push up the middle, took out the "greatest team in the history of the game" with far less than spectacular DBs.

I was waiting for a team to do this to the Patriots.It took out the long ball pretty well, but

Welker was still huge.

Top of your head catches and stripped fumble recoveries aside,

WHY DIDN'T A LINEBACKER TAKE WELKER'S HEAD OFF?!!!

Welker is special.

The line is a good place to start, but it won't fix every weak link.

 

[FUBAR]

Something the Giants made me realize this past season:In today's NFL, where even the greatest CB in the world can only line up against one WR in an utterly receiver friendly league, a great Defensive Line with a killer pash rush can compensate for good and perhaps even mediocre DBs, who are able to at least capitalize on some INTs.However, even a great CB can not do much to stop an offense when their defensive line does not get pressure.Take it a step further and say you have TWO "shutdown" corners - put a receiver in the slot (Wes Welker anyone) and even that huge advantage is mitigated. But the Giants, with Osi, Strahan and just enough push up the middle, took out the "greatest team in the history of the game" with far less than spectacular DBs.

That's the same DL that led the Giants to an incredible 10-6 record this year, too, right?The Giants DL is great, but people are underrating the value of a good secondary and good linebackers because of one game.

is a 10-6 record bad?When your QB has the most INTs of any starter? Out of the legit starters, only Bulger, VY, and Kitna had a worse TD/INT ratio (insert VY <> legit starter comment here). Giants had the best record of those teams.When Pierce and Wilson are the only two good defensive players behind that line, and they let Wilson walk. When the offense is decidedly average. You're using the 10-6 record as an insult, but it shows that you can have a great DL, not much else, and do well. How did any team with only a very good secondary do?

 

[RBM]

Mario Williams. Young strong side end who can get after the passer. Very valuable.

This guy is looking like he is going to be an elite pass rusher and legit 3 down DE. I can see him being the choice.

:(

 

[big country]

Id start with Jared Allen

 

[eric rymer]

Give me:Mario Williams and Julius Peppers and I would rule the world!!!!

Id rather have a Tommie Harris / Albert Haynesworth front

I guess we're in the minority here. I'd much prefer to be stronger up the middle. You can get around a stud pass rush -- it's why the 46 defense isn't used anymore. Cover corners are nice but I'd rather stop the run and force teams off schedule than shut down their passing game and let them run all over me. Stud DTs are as rare as stud corners.I'll take two of Ngata and any DT/NT named Williams. Haynesworth scares me in the long term.

I'm with you 100% Jene. I'll take the duo of Ngata and John Henderson. I wouldn't touch Peppers. Yeah he's got freakish skills, but why did he only muster up 2.5 sacks? I want a D-line that plays mad and mean.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Give me:Mario Williams and Julius Peppers and I would rule the world!!!!

Id rather have a Tommie Harris / Albert Haynesworth front

I guess we're in the minority here. I'd much prefer to be stronger up the middle. You can get around a stud pass rush -- it's why the 46 defense isn't used anymore. Cover corners are nice but I'd rather stop the run and force teams off schedule than shut down their passing game and let them run all over me. Stud DTs are as rare as stud corners.I'll take two of Ngata and any DT/NT named Williams. Haynesworth scares me in the long term.

I'm with you 100% Jene. I'll take the duo of Ngata and John Henderson. I wouldn't touch Peppers. Yeah he's got freakish skills, but why did he only muster up 2.5 sacks? I want a D-line that plays mad and mean.

Mario Williams and Kevin Williams. A good building block of stopping the run and getting pressure on the QB.

 

[eric rymer]

Give me:Mario Williams and Julius Peppers and I would rule the world!!!!

Id rather have a Tommie Harris / Albert Haynesworth front

I guess we're in the minority here. I'd much prefer to be stronger up the middle. You can get around a stud pass rush -- it's why the 46 defense isn't used anymore. Cover corners are nice but I'd rather stop the run and force teams off schedule than shut down their passing game and let them run all over me. Stud DTs are as rare as stud corners.I'll take two of Ngata and any DT/NT named Williams. Haynesworth scares me in the long term.

I'm with you 100% Jene. I'll take the duo of Ngata and John Henderson. I wouldn't touch Peppers. Yeah he's got freakish skills, but why did he only muster up 2.5 sacks? I want a D-line that plays mad and mean.

Mario Williams and Kevin Williams. A good building block of stopping the run and getting pressure on the QB.

that would work too. nice combo of inside and outside D-line

 

[Donnybrook]

Vince Wilfork and Kevin Williams

 

[footballman_696969]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Dwight Freeney or Jason Taylor.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Just two years ago, this thread will be full of Polamolus, Reeds and Sanderses. Now that the Giants won the SB with strong DL, it's all DL named.

That wasn't my reasoning for choosing the DL. I'm just of the opinion that a pass rush and pass defense is nice in today's NFL landscape, but a poor RB can beat a poor run defense easier than a poor passing game can defeat a poor pass defense.Still, the discussion underscores the fact that NFL defense is the ultimate team sport. It's a 11 man job. A viable argument can be made for an edge rushing DE or OLB, a stout DT, shutdown CB, two way stud FS or anchor MLB. I think the toughest argument is for the safety, but there's no question that the three you mentioned change the complexion of their respective defenses when fully healthy and playing well.

 

[the UFFRM]

Just two years ago, this thread will be full of Polamolus, Reeds and Sanderses. Now that the Giants won the SB with strong DL, it's all DL named.

These players you mentioned all rely heavily on the pressure provided by the defensive line and I think there are just as many people who would mention Joey Porter, Terrell Suggs, and Dwight Freeney. Most of the people on these boards would reasonably concede that it all starts up front.P.S. John Henderson and Mario Williams

 

[Steady Mooobin]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Dwight Freeney or Jason Taylor.

Because they aren't young. Jason Taylor is all but done.