Who else thinks Mario is going to have an absolute monster year

[ObsiWan]

Originally Posted by edo783

Do I think the defense will get more sacks.......yes. Do I think Mario will get 14 or more again.....no. I think he will be in the 11-12 range though. I see two things happening, a more balanced rush attack so the sacks get a bit more spread out and teams really knowing that Mario is the real deal and doing a better job of planning for him which sort of plays to the more balanced sack numbers because they are using more of their efforts to keep Mario off of the QB thereby giving others an easier path.

I'm with you on this. Mario might not have the super numbers but the other guys (Colvin, Okoye) should be free to make more plays.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by WWJD

That's not what they said..I am sure of that. Now how they know that I do not remember. I can't even remember WHO said it..probably John McClain. And I remember thinking that surprised me.

Even the HCs cannot say that, let alone McClain!
Now, the Texans' philosophy last year was pure to the core of football.
As a percentage, they stay with the down-and-distance philosophy.

They blitz most often on second down and long.
They stay back more on third and long.
(Now I guess I will have to go back and count them, I hope I have the time.)

Assuming that my observations are legitimate overall on that count.
Assuming that with an improved D-line and more speed in the LB-corp, we should be able to do better on first down.
That will create more second and long situations where we have the option to send the blitz.

It will never fly for me that the HC and DC would pronounce even before TC even starts that we won't blitz as much as last year.
We didn't blitz much at all last year anyway!

[TexanBacker93]

Originally Posted by edo783

Do I think the defense will get more sacks.......yes. Do I think Mario will get 14 or more again.....no. I think he will be in the 11-12 range though. I see two things happening, a more balanced rush attack so the sacks get a bit more spread out and teams really knowing that Mario is the real deal and doing a better job of planning for him which sort of plays to the more balanced sack numbers because they are using more of their efforts to keep Mario off of the QB thereby giving others an easier path.

This is kind of what I am thinking. The defense is going to be better and the team's sack totals will be up because others will be getting to the QB as well. It won't capture the hearts of the simpletons who will just look at his stats, but his overall year will be tremendous. I get goose bumps thinking about the havoc he and the rest of the Steel Blue Swarm will cause.

I think Mario will have between 12 - 16 sacks this year. But I think he is going to be most effective creating havoc in the backfield on runs, dropping backs in the backfield.

[gary]

He must cause havoc and give the other guys some sack chances.

[Maddict5]

so no pre-season play by play analysis by the MB and media this year?

[disaacks3]

I don't know about "Monster" year, but I expect him to have a VERY solid one that should give him a chance to go to his 1st Pro Bowl.

For humor, try THIS LINK to Justice's blog in early 2007. Try to find love for the Mario pick in the comments.

[brakos82]

Good for him.

[gary]

Originally Posted by Maddict5

so no pre-season play by play analysis by the MB and media this year?

Once training camp starts.