dalemurphy
Hall of Fame
So, with all the changes, here's how I think it will impact individual players and their performance... Here's the DL assessment:
Anthony Weaver- I don't think he'll make the team unless it's a cap issue that keeps him here. His strength is taking on blocks and securing the corner and his veteran intelligence. I don't think he has the ability to hit gaps, or beat a tackle around the corner. I think he's gone.
Tim Bulman - I think he's likely to be back at DT in a rotation, primarily on passing downs. As a DT, he has very good quickness and has good pass rush skills. I expect 20-30 snaps a game from him at DT next season and probably fairly effective. I don't expect him at DE unless it's to give the LDE a breather or due to significant injury.l
Mario Williams- I suspect we'll see him improve in his ability to read the play- draws, screens, etc... and he may have a few less snaps a game in order to keep him fresh. OVerall, I think he'll have his best season.
Amobi Okoye- He should improve dramatically. Kollar already mentioned that there is work to do on his technique. I think all the DTs will be in a steady rotation. I expect him to provide steady pressure up the middle, shooting the gap. I'm very anxious to see if he has the athleticism to get to the QB regularly or if he's just limited enough to get some pressure. I also expect to see a number of tackles for a loss in the run game.
Earl Cochran- I'm very excited for him to return healthy. I think he will probably play all 4 spots on the Dl by the end of the year... My guess is he'd by at DE on running downs more often and at DT on passing downs. While he probably won't start, I expect him to play quite a bit and probably hang 5 or 6 sacks on his resume by the end of the season.
Travis Johnson- I think he may be the biggest surprise of all. I almost became a fan of his during the first 1/2 of the '07 season. What I like about him is his agressiveness and his willingness to pursue the ball to the sideline. Those are both crucial points of focus for Kollar. What I haven't like is his lack of productivity. However, with new coaching and philosophy, I think it will really pay off for him. My guess is he will play most run-centric plays and rotate off during passing downs. I think by midseason, he'll be a fan favorite.
Dejuan Robinson- I expect he and Travis to handle the majority of run downs at DT. I doubt we see him more than 30 plays a game but I'm excited about him as part of the rotation.
Zgoniga- Simply can't make the team. He doesn't have the ability to shoot gaps or even chase plays. He's gone unless Kubiak is more of a control freak than I think.
Stanley McGlover- Obviously, I have no idea other than to say that he's the only guy on the team right now that has the skills to be a speed rusher at weakside DE- other than Mario who will probably shift back and forth all season. Hopefully, he shows something.
Anthony Weaver- I don't think he'll make the team unless it's a cap issue that keeps him here. His strength is taking on blocks and securing the corner and his veteran intelligence. I don't think he has the ability to hit gaps, or beat a tackle around the corner. I think he's gone.
Tim Bulman - I think he's likely to be back at DT in a rotation, primarily on passing downs. As a DT, he has very good quickness and has good pass rush skills. I expect 20-30 snaps a game from him at DT next season and probably fairly effective. I don't expect him at DE unless it's to give the LDE a breather or due to significant injury.l
Mario Williams- I suspect we'll see him improve in his ability to read the play- draws, screens, etc... and he may have a few less snaps a game in order to keep him fresh. OVerall, I think he'll have his best season.
Amobi Okoye- He should improve dramatically. Kollar already mentioned that there is work to do on his technique. I think all the DTs will be in a steady rotation. I expect him to provide steady pressure up the middle, shooting the gap. I'm very anxious to see if he has the athleticism to get to the QB regularly or if he's just limited enough to get some pressure. I also expect to see a number of tackles for a loss in the run game.
Earl Cochran- I'm very excited for him to return healthy. I think he will probably play all 4 spots on the Dl by the end of the year... My guess is he'd by at DE on running downs more often and at DT on passing downs. While he probably won't start, I expect him to play quite a bit and probably hang 5 or 6 sacks on his resume by the end of the season.
Travis Johnson- I think he may be the biggest surprise of all. I almost became a fan of his during the first 1/2 of the '07 season. What I like about him is his agressiveness and his willingness to pursue the ball to the sideline. Those are both crucial points of focus for Kollar. What I haven't like is his lack of productivity. However, with new coaching and philosophy, I think it will really pay off for him. My guess is he will play most run-centric plays and rotate off during passing downs. I think by midseason, he'll be a fan favorite.
Dejuan Robinson- I expect he and Travis to handle the majority of run downs at DT. I doubt we see him more than 30 plays a game but I'm excited about him as part of the rotation.
Zgoniga- Simply can't make the team. He doesn't have the ability to shoot gaps or even chase plays. He's gone unless Kubiak is more of a control freak than I think.
Stanley McGlover- Obviously, I have no idea other than to say that he's the only guy on the team right now that has the skills to be a speed rusher at weakside DE- other than Mario who will probably shift back and forth all season. Hopefully, he shows something.
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