Ravens Had 3.3x the Rushing Yards.

[Northern_Blitz]

Well, it's been a long time since we had one and Tomlin is supposed to be the defensive guru. So, either they're nearly impossible to find these days or Tomlin doesn't think we need one. Either way, I won't be holding my breath for the next Hampton.

I think we miss Butler, who seemed to be really good at figuring out what to do with the front-7 (particularly re: pressure and sacks).

I also don't think Tomlin is a "defensive guru". I think he was hired because he's a good leader, not because he's a Xs and Os savant. Just like Cower. And just like Cowher, the team seems to do much better when it has really good coordinators.

I think we probably give Tomlin too much control on D right now. I'd like to see a marquee DC (and OC) come in. Then they can collaborate and make a great defense (just like Tomlin and Cowher did with Dick).

["BuzzNuter"]

Traditionally, that's how the Steelers have approached that. It changed around the time LeBeau left. They've done a lot more one-gapping since then.

Wade Phillips has had a ton of success with his 3-4 though and that's largely a one-gap scheme. The MLBs have to be super strong, especially against the run, in that scheme. We do not have that.

It seems like they want to do a little bit of everything (3-4, 4-3, 4-2-5, 2-4-5) and it just turns to mediocrity.

By strong you mean someone like Levon Kirkland(6'1", 275). Jack and Bush are a little light in the pants.

[hackjam]

By strong you mean someone like Levon Kirkland(6'1", 275). Jack and Bush are a little light in the pants.

I mean sure. Levon Kirkland was a freak.

Danny Trevathan (6'0, 239) and Brandon Marshall (6'1, 245) did it for the Broncos. I think it's at least a little bit about attitude and skill set.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

This is like the old Miller Lite commercials "great taste, less filling".

Can't you all just realize everyone is right? Getting run over by an O with a third string QB and turning the ball over 3 times both contribute A TON towards a two point loss.

[whisper]

I think we miss Butler, who seemed to be really good at figuring out what to do with the front-7 (particularly re: pressure and sacks).

I also don't think Tomlin is a "defensive guru". I think he was hired because he's a good leader, not because he's a Xs and Os savant. Just like Cower. And just like Cowher, the team seems to do much better when it has really good coordinators.

I think we probably give Tomlin too much control on D right now. I'd like to see a marquee DC (and OC) come in. Then they can collaborate and make a great defense (just like Tomlin and Cowher did with Dick).

You're right: Shades is no Xs and Os expert or anything close to it and the more he's directly involved with plays, the worse the team is off. But the only way things change is by a direct intervention my Art II. Is he ready to do that? I have my doubts. Shades has garnered too much power and say so over the years, and as we can all see, it hasn't worked out well for this team (no playoff wins in 6 years).

[Northern_Blitz]

His contract is expiring but I don't think you make a trade like that if you're not planning to extend.

I think they need to build from the inside out. Start with the OL/DL then get into the rest of it. If their first three picks were OL, DT, LB or corner I'd be happy.

Joel Corry talks about this kind of thing on his podcast.

Says if you are going to extend, do it right after a trade. Teams that wait until the next offseason to try to extend get raked over coals too often.

So hopefully the Rats get raked over the coals I guess?

I'd like it if he became a UFA and we could sign him. He's probably the kind of UFA we'd look for. Good age (25) to still be good in our competitive window. And some of the holes we have need to be addressed through UFA if we aim to compete for a playoff spot next year IMO.

I wonder if we were trying to trade for him? If we were, I think it would make sense if we couldn't match the Raven's best offer since they're in win now mode and we're in accumulate good draft picks mode. I think that's why I like UFA acquisition better...if he makes it that far and wants to come play with us.