Deputy Nutz
11-06-2010, 12:45 PM
I couldn't really think of a catchy name for this topic so, I cut right to the chase. The defense is playing better than could be expected with the injuries it has suffered simply because the defense has players that are interested only in winning, not playing time, not statistics, and not individual attention.
Replacing Nick Barnett with guys like AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop is a key to why the Packers are stopping the run and limiting the passing game of their opponents. The key to these two stepping up is that they are assignment sure, and simply a better fit for this defense than two smaller linebackers in Chillar and Barnett. Barnett is useful when he can use his speed and bypass blockers to make tackles, but this style creates gaps in the defense that allows cutback lanes. Chillar and Barnett cannot defeat blocks, they cannot even clog gaps by stabilizing the block. Hawk and Bishop are bigger and stronger, and do a better job at stuffing the gap, and forcing the ball carrier back into the pursuit. In the 3-4 inside linebackers are at their best when they are making plays inside the box, not running sideline to sideline. Chillar is still useful in sub packages, lining up on the outside and either speed rushing, or covering the flat, or blitzing from the inside position.
Barnett could be useful next year, but not as a full time inside linebacker. He can get to the QB, but he simply does not have the skill set to be full time player in the middle of this defense. He is a risk taker without the dynamic skill set to gamble in the style that is most effective in this defense. Hawk may not have the athletic ability to run the field with a tight end, or runnign back, but he has the better skill set in a zone scheme where it is more important to cover an area, and have the opportunity to break up a pass, or make a secure tackle on 3rd down to stop a drive. Bishop has been a pleasant suprise in the pass game, sure he makes his mistakes, but he hasn't been a liability in coverage up to this point. Bishop is a play maker, but he does so within the system, which was something that he has been criticized for not doing so in the past.
Getting Al Harris back, is going to be key for the Packers later in the season when he has fresh legs, and his experience can be used to compete deeper in the playoffs. Unfortunately for Bigby the same can't be said, sure he provides depth to this secondary, but he certainly hasn't earned his spot over Peprah. He will add to special teams, where the Packers can pull guys like Nick Collins off of the punt team and kickoff.
To play under Dom Capers scheme players need to hold true to their responsibilities, and not free lance in the 3-4 scheme the relies so heavily on zone coverage.
Replacing Nick Barnett with guys like AJ Hawk and Desmond Bishop is a key to why the Packers are stopping the run and limiting the passing game of their opponents. The key to these two stepping up is that they are assignment sure, and simply a better fit for this defense than two smaller linebackers in Chillar and Barnett. Barnett is useful when he can use his speed and bypass blockers to make tackles, but this style creates gaps in the defense that allows cutback lanes. Chillar and Barnett cannot defeat blocks, they cannot even clog gaps by stabilizing the block. Hawk and Bishop are bigger and stronger, and do a better job at stuffing the gap, and forcing the ball carrier back into the pursuit. In the 3-4 inside linebackers are at their best when they are making plays inside the box, not running sideline to sideline. Chillar is still useful in sub packages, lining up on the outside and either speed rushing, or covering the flat, or blitzing from the inside position.
Barnett could be useful next year, but not as a full time inside linebacker. He can get to the QB, but he simply does not have the skill set to be full time player in the middle of this defense. He is a risk taker without the dynamic skill set to gamble in the style that is most effective in this defense. Hawk may not have the athletic ability to run the field with a tight end, or runnign back, but he has the better skill set in a zone scheme where it is more important to cover an area, and have the opportunity to break up a pass, or make a secure tackle on 3rd down to stop a drive. Bishop has been a pleasant suprise in the pass game, sure he makes his mistakes, but he hasn't been a liability in coverage up to this point. Bishop is a play maker, but he does so within the system, which was something that he has been criticized for not doing so in the past.
Getting Al Harris back, is going to be key for the Packers later in the season when he has fresh legs, and his experience can be used to compete deeper in the playoffs. Unfortunately for Bigby the same can't be said, sure he provides depth to this secondary, but he certainly hasn't earned his spot over Peprah. He will add to special teams, where the Packers can pull guys like Nick Collins off of the punt team and kickoff.
To play under Dom Capers scheme players need to hold true to their responsibilities, and not free lance in the 3-4 scheme the relies so heavily on zone coverage.