GP
Go Texans!
Why don't we use a 5-3-3 (for run defense) and a 5-2-4 (for pass defense):
Williams(DE)--Kalu(T)--TJ(G)--Payne(NG)--Weaver(G)--Peek/Babin(T)
This lines up 4 guys (Kalu, TJ, Payne, Weaver, and Peek/Babin) on the other team's T, G, C, G, T leaving Mario to line up at either "end" position and therefore free to just blitz the QB or play contain/pursuit on running plays.
The key is that we line up five downlinemen throughout the entire game, and allow Mario to pressure the backfield on each play--He doesn't have to all-out blitz the QB on every play, he could just make sure he is in pursuit of whoever is getting the ball or if he can see it's bootleg, etc. The idea is make Mario a blitzer & containment man to seal off backside runs and/or pursue the Qb or Rb whichever has the ball. The LBs would be required to play more conservatively, however, and they would have to provide some "insurance" on Mario's side if he gambles and loses.
We would still have either 3 LBs or 2 LBs, depending on whether we wanted a run defense or a pass defense. Run defense, we go: 5-3-3 with five down linemen, 3 LBs, 2 CBs, and 1 S. On pass defense, we go: 5-2-4 with five down linemen, 2 LBs, 2 CBs, and 2 S or or 1 S and an extra CB to cover or free up and blitz at the last second...or play cover and let one of the 2 LBs blitz.
To heck with this idea of us rotating in four guys for our 4-3. Adjust the 4-3 and put four down linemen out there with Mario free to do what he did at NC State: Storm the backfield.
What they are doig with Mario is what Washington did with Lavar: They are KILLING his athleticism and playmaking ability. Mario is a guy who needs to line up far outside and beat a man around the edge. That's what he does best.
Williams(DE)--Kalu(T)--TJ(G)--Payne(NG)--Weaver(G)--Peek/Babin(T)
This lines up 4 guys (Kalu, TJ, Payne, Weaver, and Peek/Babin) on the other team's T, G, C, G, T leaving Mario to line up at either "end" position and therefore free to just blitz the QB or play contain/pursuit on running plays.
The key is that we line up five downlinemen throughout the entire game, and allow Mario to pressure the backfield on each play--He doesn't have to all-out blitz the QB on every play, he could just make sure he is in pursuit of whoever is getting the ball or if he can see it's bootleg, etc. The idea is make Mario a blitzer & containment man to seal off backside runs and/or pursue the Qb or Rb whichever has the ball. The LBs would be required to play more conservatively, however, and they would have to provide some "insurance" on Mario's side if he gambles and loses.
We would still have either 3 LBs or 2 LBs, depending on whether we wanted a run defense or a pass defense. Run defense, we go: 5-3-3 with five down linemen, 3 LBs, 2 CBs, and 1 S. On pass defense, we go: 5-2-4 with five down linemen, 2 LBs, 2 CBs, and 2 S or or 1 S and an extra CB to cover or free up and blitz at the last second...or play cover and let one of the 2 LBs blitz.
To heck with this idea of us rotating in four guys for our 4-3. Adjust the 4-3 and put four down linemen out there with Mario free to do what he did at NC State: Storm the backfield.
What they are doig with Mario is what Washington did with Lavar: They are KILLING his athleticism and playmaking ability. Mario is a guy who needs to line up far outside and beat a man around the edge. That's what he does best.