I'm grading Mario as an A-
Alot of the things being said is true, but we drafted Mario, not because he is an amazing pass rusher, but because he can be. & so far, everything I've seen shows me that he can.
He plays almost every snap, without actually counting, I'd bet he plays considerably more snaps than every other player. He shows plenty of energy, none of this "takes off some plays" stuff we were hearing.
He's definitely strong enough to bullrush everyone he's gone up against, and his speed is impressive........
but he plays like a rookie, and pass rushing doesn't look like his specialty..... but, he is a rookie, and I think he can totally dominate the running game, and still provide adequate pressure on the QB.
I think our game planning of rushing the QB on every down is hurting him more than anything.... we appear to play the QB first, and the run second, even against dominant running offenses like Washington, where too many times, we did exactly what the they wanted us to, leaving gaping holes in the middle of the line.
I think we should get back to basics, back to what we were told we were going to do when we payed Weaver $12 million. Stop the run, then get after the QB. Ever since we drafted Mario, all we talked about was getting after the QB, and it shows.
But I think Mario is doing great, and grades out as an A-....... our defensive coaching though grades much lower in my book.