Will Ta'amu ever get it?

[BigRob]

I am hoping his career trajectory is similar to that of Red Bryant with Seattle. He didn't play much at all his first two years in the league after being drafted in the 4th round. He developed into one of the best run stuffers in the league.

[Oviedo]

I am hoping his career trajectory is similar to that of Red Bryant with Seattle. He didn't play much at all his first two years in the league after being drafted in the 4th round. He developed into one of the best run stuffers in the league.

I know we have an obsession with run stuffing but is that really what will beat us in the future. Wouldn't it be far more importnat to be the best pass defense and lead the leads in sacks versus having run stuffers. How many teams in this league right know are winning games with the run?

[phillyesq]

I know we have an obsession with run stuffing but is that really what will beat us in the future. Wouldn't it be far more importnat to be the best pass defense and lead the leads in sacks versus having run stuffers. How many teams in this league right know are winning games with the run?

You mean teams like the 5-0 Texans and 4-1 49ers? Look at the standings. With the exception of the AZ Cardinals (and maybe the Falcons), every first place team right now has a strong running game.

The death of the running game has been greatly exaggerated. Being able to run and stop the run still matters, especially in the AFC North.

[RuthlessBurgher]

I know we have an obsession with run stuffing but is that really what will beat us in the future. Wouldn't it be far more importnat to be the best pass defense and lead the leads in sacks versus having run stuffers. How many teams in this league right know are winning games with the run?

We led the league in pass defense JUST LAST YEAR (not to mention total defense and scoring defense also) and you've been suggesting we blow that up and start over for years now.

[BigRob]

I know we have an obsession with run stuffing but is that really what will beat us in the future. Wouldn't it be far more importnat to be the best pass defense and lead the leads in sacks versus having run stuffers. How many teams in this league right know are winning games with the run?

Stuffing the run on early downs leads to 3rd and longs. 3rd and longs lead to sacks, turnovers, and poor third down conversion percentages. This in turn keeps the defense fresh. So yes, this is still very important.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

It would be nice to be mobile enough to go tackle a ball carrier every now and then.

Ouch.

Casey's feelings are hurt now.

[Slapstick]

3rd and longs lead to sacks, turnovers, and poor third down conversion percentages.

...unless your name is "Ben Roethlisberger"...then, 3rd and longs lead to conversions and big plays, baby!!!

[Oviedo]

Stuffing the run on early downs leads to 3rd and longs. 3rd and longs lead to sacks, turnovers, and poor third down conversion percentages. This in turn keeps the defense fresh. So yes, this is still very important.

Except teams are passing as much if not more than running on early downs.

[Oviedo]

We led the league in pass defense JUST LAST YEAR (not to mention total defense and scoring defense also) and you've been suggesting we blow that up and start over for years now.

Yes, I have been wanting to "blow it up." But think about why I say it. The model we use is unsustainable. It is too hard and too risky to replenish the talent base we need to maintain a high level of performance given that, unlike 10 years ago, so many other teams are dipping into the same talent pool we fished with almost exclusivity.

Then when you add on the time it takes to convert players and train them to do unique things I just don't think we can sustain the system. That is why we have a large number of defensive players over 30 years old in our front 7 and the integration of youth is not going smoothly thereby resulting in very little depth.

You avoid a number of these problems by drafting players to play the positions they have always played and that they already know. My opinion on that won't change as I'm sure yours won't.

[Slapstick]

Except teams are passing as much if not more than running on early downs.

In 2012, almost all NFL teams are passing more than running on 1st down...

27 out of 32 teams pass 52% of the time or more on 1st down...

New England passes 50.99% of the time on 1st down...

San Fran, Washington, J'Ville and Seattle pass less than 50%...

This year, both the Steelers and the Titans pass on 1st down more than 69% of the time...

[hawaiiansteel]

This year, both the Steelers and the Titans pass on 1st down more than 69% of the time...

ah, if only Crash were still here...

[Slapstick]

ah, if only Crash were still here...

Yeah, those were the days...


I wonder how much, if any, that will change now with Mendenhall back...

[BigRob]

Except teams are passing as much if not more than running on early downs.

You still need a run stuffer on your line. Can't have all pass rushers, otherwise they'll just cram the ball down your throat. And it is rare to field a d-line that can stuff the run and pass rush well.

[BigRob]

In 2012, almost all NFL teams are passing more than running on 1st down...

27 out of 32 teams pass 52% of the time or more on 1st down...

New England passes 50.99% of the time on 1st down...

San Fran, Washington, J'Ville and Seattle pass less than 50%...

This year, both the Steelers and the Titans pass on 1st down more than 69% of the time...

What about 2nd down?

[Slapstick]

What about 2nd down?

That's a good question...I just did a quick bit of research over at [URL="http://www.teamrankings.com"]www.teamrankings.com[/URL] and found the 1st down stats...I don't pay for this stuff!!!