(04-22-2018, 04:21 PM)Bullseye Wrote:

(04-22-2018, 04:04 PM)NYC4jags Wrote: There are a few reasons I look to Dareus before Jackson. 

The first is snap count. Jackson currently plays 25-30% more snaps than Dareus. That could change of course, but until we see what happens in the coming season there is some question of difference in value there. 

Then there's the question of role and which is more difficult to replace. Is Jackson's disruption a bit harder to replace than Dareus' run stuffing?  Not necessarily - and Dareus offers disruption as well - though he may need to be spelled more often. Still - I think Dareus' more primary role of gumming the middle vs the run may be easier to replace than Jackson's disruption. I have no evidence or stats to support that hunch, but it's my best guess with what I've observed.

Regarding the snap count, one explanation for the disparity is that Dareus had to learn the defense.  He arrived here in mid season.  I suspect given equal health, that disparity is reduced considerably.

Now I want to emphasize that this line of inquiry should not suggest I have any antipathy towards Malik Jackson.

I was very enthusiastic about the team's pursuit of him in free agency and I love what he brings to this defense.

However, I do not think the decision to dump Dareus over him is the reflexive, no brainer that many here are treating it.

I believe conditioning/stamina played as much of a role as learning the defense in 2017.  Dareus could conceivably come away from this offseason's rigors with improved conditioning that would make him available to take more snaps, but I don't see that as a given. 

I think you are absolutely right that it's not a no-brainer. I do tend to think the guys analyzing the tape in the F.O. when and if this type of decision is made will be able to rank value and determine who they can replace more readily. 
I'm merely offering my best guess as to who they'd target first, and suggesting that the coming season may lay bare an easy call, or at least make a tough call less tough.

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