(06-25-2023, 01:22 PM)NYC4jags Wrote:

(06-25-2023, 11:44 AM)Bullseye Wrote: 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.

I agree the secondary has to play better if we are going to get better overall performance from the defense.  It's part of the feedback loop that every defense either benefits or suffers from.  All things considered, I think one position more than others needs to be upgraded for the unit as a whole to play better:  nickel.

I think Herndon was a liability.  If Johnson can either play the nickel back/in the box/underneath safety effectively, upgrading Herndon, I can see the defense performing at a higher level this year.

That said, unless he's a super star, I still think that would be a weakness of the defense, and I don't see the secondary matching up well against a team like Cincinnati or AF, assuming they find their QB/Purdy is healthy.

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