Maybe the lack of pass rush (not just OLB pass rush) is partly due to LeBeau ...
Maybe the lack of pass rush (not just OLB pass rush) is partly due to LeBeau ...
Here is where I am at on this. Before the 2012 season I was ready to move on without him for 2013. Based upon the 2012 final outcome, I would like him to come back. Not because of what he did or where the defense ranked. Because of what I think will happen over the next 6 months. I feel there will be a big turnover on defense in 2013 and will continue in 2014. It would be very beneficial to have DL here for 2013 for player development in this system. I predict Harrison, Hampton, Foote, and possibly Keisel may be gone for 2013 and Polamalu, Clark, and Taylor will be gone for 2014.
"My team, may they always be right, but right or wrong...MY TEAM!"
Im sure we all know this allready, but in D.L.'s defense he had no Harrison and an uninspired,often injured Woodley.
Throw in the fact that none of our DL can beat a blocker and unless Foote or Timmons are unblocked, there's usually no pressure generated.
I'm going to call you out on this one. Over the last 3 seasons, most of the defensive draft picks were in a significant number of games, even in their rookie seasons. It may not be to the extent you want to see, but part of LeBeau's talent as a coach is knowing exactly how much to put on a young player to instill confidence and give the best chance for success. So regardless of your perception, the truth is DL plays young players when he thinks they are ready.
The pickup of CB Van Dyke is a typical example. The Raiders rushed him into the game and he was quickly overwhelmed and generally sucked and benched. With some patience and coaching from DL and Lake, I am hoping the guy can turn into something special.
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