(06-25-2023, 11:44 AM)Bullseye Wrote: (06-25-2023, 10:47 AM)NYC4jags Wrote: I think most of this stuff boils down to not having enough coverage talent in the secondary last year, a couple of rookies taking their lumps, and a new DC trying to decide how to get the most out of what he had. That was a work in progress that seemed to improve over the course of the season.
But, yes I'd like to see a few more blitzes dialed up per game. Caldwell hinted that could happen in a presser.
The blitz timing was hit and miss - I'll reserve critical judgement until this year's effort is seen.
Man coverage: They literally had one guy in the back five that could play effective man coverage to start the year. When they finally figured out Williams should be outside, that number increased to TWO capable man coverage players. (he was less effective manning up on his guy in the slot)
They played lots of zone because they had to. I don't anticipate that changing radically, but I do believe we'll see lots of mixed coverage. Lots of variations of Cover 2 with some guys in zone and a player or two manning up.
I expect some quarters concept stuff as well, but really, I just want to see Caldwell and company get the best athletes on the field and figure out the best way for them to thrive. That's a mouthful of coach-speak rhetoric, I know, but it's imperative that we see those things demonstrated more clearly than they were last year if we are to feel confident moving forward with Caldwell heading up this defense.
I'm not saying he was bad at this stuff, I'm saying I want to know he's good at it.
Personally, I think the only things this defense really lacks is experience at a couple of spots, plus a dependable nickel corner, and a more consistent interior pocket disruptor.
One of those three things should improve this year due to experience.
The question marks remaining are:
Did we find a late round nickel?
Will someone step up on the DL to bust up the clean pockets we gave QBs last year?
Will Caldwell demonstrate an ability to get the most out of his roster?
I do think this defense will manufacture more sacks and I think a better approach early on to coverage schemes and personnel will be a driving factor in that. (Buying pass rushers more time.)
More creative blitzing + experience for Walker are other positive factors I anticipate.
I think the key to success with any 3-4 defense rests with the 4 LBs. If they are not the play making catalysts of the defense, I don't think the defense is going to be that good. Last year, for myriad reasons, the 4 LBs were not as good as possible and that led to the defense not performing optimally.
I believe the new scheme slowed everyone down. Josh Allen and Foye Oluakon were experienced players but new to the scheme. I don't think they played as fast as they ordinarily would because in part, they were learning the scheme.
Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma were rookies, so they had a steeper learning curve. Not only did they have to learn the scheme, they had to learn the things needed to be successful professionals.
Trayvon Walker not only had to learn the new scheme and the tricks of the trade and the little things needed to be a successful professional, he also had the burden of learning the nuances of a new position. Combined, all of these adjustments limited the effectiveness of the most important position group in a 3-4.
That said, it's not unreasonable to believe that with a year's experience under their belts, the unit as a whole will perform at a higher level this season.
I agree in general that the LBs were limiting for the defense.
To bridge your comments to mine, I'd say:
* The secondary issues I mentioned and the lack of push in the middle on pass downs I described directly affected Josh Allen's ability to get home quickly to the QB. Thus, the high number of pressures, but low number of sacks.
Add an ostensibly improved secondary to Walker having a sophomore year and I think the OLBs see improved production. Scheme/blitzing adjustments should help too.
*ILB struggles came mostly down to a quick collision with the rookie wall from Lloyd, and as you mentioned, Oluokun adapting to a new scheme. With all the talent in that meeting room entering a second year in the system, I do feel this half of the LB corps will also improve.
