(12-07-2022, 02:07 PM)Mikey Wrote:

(12-07-2022, 11:35 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: Our division requires we address the run D

two top tier backs to face twice a year and an ascending one in Houston

absolutely. This year was trying to fix the run D. It seems to be working, at least showing improvement.

Had we not whiffed the year prior trying to overhaul the pass defense, going all in on one phase wouldn't appear to be such a glaring weakness the other 13 games of the season. I think the whiffs are more what's wrong than focusing this past year on restricting the run games we face.

This gets into the teams identity.

If you are a team with a franchise QB and an offense you expect to put some at least some points, you should have a defense with personnel specific to pass rush and coverage. If you are in a game situation or facing run-heavy team, altering the scheme is the way to manage it. 

The alternate way to do it, is to have some great internal lineman to get some pocket push and limit run effectiveness with good coverage, and then scheme up more pressure with situational/simulated pressures and really good tape study. And this would play into a team that is more run, play action heavy. 

It just takes way too much luck with drafting, FA signing, injury luck, fit, player personalities, etc. to bank on creating a team that is elite against both the run and pass. Even when you do, the defense starts to show cracks after 1 or 2 great seasons. The exceptions would be if the team is based around 1 or 2 generational like talents (like say Fred Warner/Bosa; Aaron Donald, Parsons), or your organization is elite at identifying and developing certain position groups from late round/undrafted guys or guy misused on other teams.

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