Quote:That is exactly what him and the buffoons at the other site argue about Branch. He successfully executes the scheme and is therefore a failure.
Do I think scheme can inflate numbers?
Sure.
Does it mean that a player that benefits from a scheme design isn't any good, or if a young, developing player, can't be any good in the future?
No.
The best statistical seasons of Elway's career came under Shanahan after he installed the WCO.
Does that mean Elway wasn't great until then?
Not at all.
Now I do not suggest that Branch is the DE equivalent to Elway.
But there is a reason why Branch was considered a solid 2nd rounder by most observers.
He has the potential to be good.
If you had Alualu doing the exact same things as Branch last year, I doubt seriously he would have produced 6 sacks.
Branch is still young and developing. This is his 3rd season coming up? This is when he is entering his prime. I expect him and Clemons to solve our pass rushing woes, atleast from the LEO position.
Quote:Branch is still young and developing. This is his 3rd season coming up? This is when he is entering his prime. I expect him and Clemons to solve our pass rushing woes, atleast from the LEO position.
I'd love for that to happen.
Unfortunately, I can't expect it to.
I believe we still need a DE or two in the mix. If Branch proves himself, great. That's one less we have to add in the offseason.
Quote:Babin? really?
Do you understand the career mileposts of either player? Babin will be lucky to make the final 53.
Clemons is a virtual lock so I think if the team feels they can get anything close to similar production from Branch and Chris Smith, the target gets much bigger on Babins back.
On the other hand, it's not outside the realm of possibility that they keep 4 LEO's either I guess.
Quote:I'd love for that to happen.
Unfortunately, I can't expect it to.
I believe we still need a DE or two in the mix. If Branch proves himself, great. That's one less we have to add in the offseason.
I think ultimately Branch will develop into a Cliff Avril type. He'll get you 7-10 sacks in a rotation, but he won't be the guy that is the centerpiece to a pass rush.
Quote:I'd love for that to happen.
Unfortunately, I can't expect it to.
I believe we still need a DE or two in the mix. If Branch proves himself, great. That's one less we have to add in the offseason.
I think Chris Smith can be that guy. And he will have the time to develop behind Clemons and Branch. Smith might be small, but he does have the arm length and he produced in the SEC. I think Gus can develop him into a solid role player.
Maybe with tems focusing on Clemons it will make it a lot easier for him. A lot of the sacks other guys got last season was because Clemons was breaking down the pocket. In fact he had one of the best plays their team had in their loss to Indy getting a sack fumble on Luck. Other plays I saw him make QBs double clutch putting his hand up turning a 5 yard gain into an int TD. Everyone on the defense will look better when he hits the field, if he doesnt drop off too much from each year getting a little worse with age.