TC:What does a "more aggressive" Houston Texans defense mean?

[Wolf]

All defensive coordinators say that they want their defense to be more aggressive. New DC Frank Bush says the same thing. So did DC Richard Smith. One thing I've been looking to find this offseason is what does that mean? What should we as fans look for to see evidence of it?

Well, I got a few answers. Yesterday, at training camp, I asked Texans DE Tim Bulman to explain it to us. He's played for Frank Bush the longest of all the players, and well, I'm entertained with his Massachusetts accent. I like the defensive ends on my team to sound like a tough guy:

http://blogs.chron.com/texanschick/

[TimeKiller]

Nice and candid video. I really can't wait to see where this defense goes. Even if it's not improved I think it would still be more fun to watch guys really going for it and getting beat than just sitting back and trying to react to everything.

[DocBar]

It means we're gonna have a front 7 out there being the hammer instead of the nail!!! We're so used to the old crap, we'll think every play is a blitz cuz the DL is getting penetration and might actually make a few plays in the backfield as oppossed to the secondary.

[Honoring Earl 34]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSulF...eature=related

[awtysst]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

Even if it's not improved I think it would still be more fun to watch guys really going for it and getting beat than just sitting back and trying to react to everything.

The philosophy behind the bend and don't break D is that it does not break. If it is the bend and break D like we played its agonizing at times to see. I want to see us get after the QB and utilize different schemes that confuse the opposing D. I want to be able to sit and watch the game and have no real idea where the pressure will come from. If I as a fan come from. If I can do it, you know D coordinators can pick it apart.

[Brisco_County]

Becoming more aggressive than read-and-react is an easy feat. But what makes the difference is that it maximizes the natural abilities of our guys on the line.

For instance, placing a 19 year old Okoye in the middle of the field and expecting him to "read and react" is not very realistic. Also, Mario never liked the old system, so I tend to think that's a good sign that the new philosophy is no less than an improvement.

[RipTraxx]

I believe this concept is geared more towards our DTs. Amobi was a 1 gap DT in college, and his years at Louisville (regardless of age) thats what he excelled at. Meaning that he is responsible for 1 gap, shading the guard or center and being held accountable for penetrating and occupying that area. These DTs tend to be a little smaller and more athletic. As opposed to a 2 gap lineman that is forced to 'read and react' as he's responsible for either shade of the guard or center (the williams boys in Minnesota) who typically are bigger guys.. I do believe that is whats going to happen this year. When Deljuan was playin a 1 gap technique he was in the backfield constantly, which is why i do believe (hope) that he gets the nod over TJ this year.

They key to being a good defensive coach (I.E. Bellicheck) is playing to you players strengths...Find out what they're good at and let them do it. Outside of running draw plays, i've rarely seen a backfire from a penetrating/upfield DLine. You can only run draws so many times in a game before a good LB like DeMeco picks it up.

Remember sacks are a 'sexy' stat. If you are constantly in the QBs face he is going to make mistakes. The Giants proved that in the SB against a record setting offense a couple years ago.

[Brisco_County]

Originally Posted by RipTraxx

When Deljuan was playin a 1 gap technique he was in the backfield constantly, which is why i do believe (hope) that he gets the nod over TJ this year.

Do you think TJ would also excel at shooting one gap? I tend to think that the old system restricted his abilities too. There's also the hernia injury to consider.

[RipTraxx]

Originally Posted by Brisco_County

Do you think TJ would also excel at shooting one gap? I tend to think that the old system restricted his abilities too. There's also the hernia injury to consider.

I dont think TJ excels at anything. He was one of many busts from the Casserly regime. We might see a little more out of him b/c its a contract year but im not drinking the Kool-Aid. Same reasoning behind why i think Fat Albert is going to flop up in D.C.

[painekiller]

I'd say after 3 days, I am seeing the LBs closer to the line, more 8 in the box, the single safety moving forward quicker.

I see the DL in the backfield. I see the team swarming to the ball.

And I see Mario on a mission.

[DocBar]

Originally Posted by RipTraxx

I dont think TJ excels at anything. He was one of many busts from the Casserly regime. We might see a little more out of him b/c its a contract year but im not drinking the Kool-Aid. Same reasoning behind why i think Fat Albert is going to flop up in D.C.

So far, TJ has excelled at eating up a roster spot and playing time. I keep hoping to see something, ANYTHING, that would justify his draft spot and existance on this team, but he keeps disappointing me. Maybe the sports hernia was a major problem for him. I've never had one. It just always seems to be something with the guy. It's like there's a black cloud following him and karma wants to kick his ass.