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The reason for the defensive need.

El Tejano

El Tejano

Hall of Fame
I just got through taking a look at a few Texan games. I noticed that right before we went on the 3 game win streak in October against Miami, Lions and Bengals, we really had a chance to make it a 5 game streak save for the 2 games against Jville and THAT Colts game.

What made me look at those games was the Miami game. In the Miami game, I noticed our offense made a few errors but for the most part was consistent in moving the ball but our defense was very inconsistent. One series they would make open field tackles and for Miami to punt, then the next they would allow Miami to just do whatever they wanted (after Andre's TD, they gave up the Ricky Williams TD). Our offense was able to over come their mistakes because they were consistently moving the ball.

When you look at the Jags game, we were pretty efficient on offense. I believe Matt didn't throw an INT and there were no turnovers, and some pretty clutch catches. However our defense got burned twice on the ground by the QB and gave up a TD that forced OT.

Against the Colts, yes there were the mistakes by the offense (Sage) at the end of the game however there was a 4th and 7 in which if we kept them from making we most likely win the game. However, we give up not just the 1st down but the TD instead.

I'm thinking better defensive efforts really would've helped our team win alot earlier in the season. Now I don't know if drafting defense makes this happen for this year but you could see where the needs are. Seems like TEs were just getting open all day on us, we had minimal pressure on the QB except for Mario and we were having some major concerns with the safeties. I think this is where we need to draft. Now the scheme could change this also but the guys I saw getting beat cosnsitently were Reeves, Greenwood, and whatever safety was the flavor of the week.
 
im a huge maybin/brown in the first or sidbury in the second fan. we need an impact speed rusher for impact downs

edit: dyslexic moment for me. thought the thread was reasonfor a defensive end :hides:
 
Agree on the need for keeping on improving the defense. I think a coaching change will make a positive difference, not sure how much though. Team took a big step forward in getting rid of Greenwood and Weaver and replacing them with guys who will have an impact at their positions. Antonio Smith doesn't need to be the end all of DEs but he just needs to be consistent in getting pressure opposite Mario which I think he is capable of. June or Adibi getting the nod at WLB we've gotten a LOT faster. Outside of Ryans IMO nobody's job should be safe. I think Cody will be good rotational depth at DT. I like what Robinson was bringing towards the end of last year as well.

Backfield is ok at CB starting. Safety could use an upgrade but probably will be addressed in the second or third.

I really think helping our offense get in the endzone more often instead of settling for FGs will help a lot, stop turning the ball over, and keeping consistent in our running game will do wonders.
 
I think its important to distinguish effective against the run, meaning can hold up in traffic, shed blockers & enough speed to close on QB's or chase down @ least in junk/tight spaces RB's. from what I've seen or heard a player like Paul Kruger is a much better fit & you can get him with the 2nd rd. pick. he flashes all the tools, has that upfield burst & spin move but more importantly in shutting down the running game ability to cover & excellent use of hands.
 
Watching the Antonio Smith interview on ht.com inspired confidence from me to him. He was very certain of himself and what he planned to do across from Mario and I look for them to be a hell of a DE pair getting after the QB. We know Mario can impact a run game too so we'll see where Smith is at on this D. Okoye seems to have an edge going into this year as well and Johnson is playing for a new contract if I'm not mistaken. I look for this line to be much improved under new personnel including coaches.

Unfortunately I think Ryans is in for another pounding unless someone shows some run plugging ability up the middle. That doesn't bode well for Adibi either who couldn't stay on the field. I like the depth at linebacker but look for at least 1 pick upgrading outside positions.

I think the secondary is by far the biggest ? though. Where will Dunta's play be at without an injury tag hanging over him and all this fuss he's making now? What of the young CBs Bennett and Molden? Will Wilson fall off like Demps did? Who is SS? Barber? Reeves surprisingly was the most constant DB we had last year.

There isn't one reason why this defense has been sub-par but the answers aren't hidden from anyone. Everyone has to take the next step, progress. I think a few took that step last year Mario, Diles, Adibi, Reeves, Bulman even Deljuan but that's not going to be enough to get over the hump. From back to front to the boxes this defense has to progress.
 
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