The "Wide Nine" Is Not The Problem With The Eagles D
by JasonB on Sep 28, 2011 11:04 AM EDT
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I'm not sure whether it's the fact that it's something new or that some color guy on the broadcasts have talked about about it, but a lot of people here seemed to decided to blame Jim Washburn's "wide nine" system. It's not so much that the system is inherently bad, as the Titans proved for years it's not, people fear that the Eagles simply don't have the LBs to be successful in it and it makes the team susceptible to the run.
Personally, I fail to see how lining the defensive ends a couple feet one way or the other is going to have any kind of dramatic effect on LB play, but that's not even my biggest problem with the complaints about the "wide 9."
There's no doubt that the Eagles have been poor against the run. Against the Giants, poor tackling was to blame for that more than anything, which is not something moving the defensive end over three feet is going to change. You can either make a tackle or you can't... But further than that, it's not the run that has dealt the killing blows. Look at the last two losses.
Eli Manning and Matt Ryan have thrown for 8 combined TDs and yet still people persist complaining about the way the LBs have played against the run. Manning threw TD passes of 40, 74, 28 and 18 yards. Can someone tell me how those were a result of slightly larger initial running lanes?
The fact is that it has been the pass, not the run that's dealt the killer blows. The Rams rushed for 154 yards against the Eagles, which is more than either the Falcons or the Giants ran for and yet they managed only 13 points because the coverage did it's job.
So while the "wide 9" system is new and different and seems like a convenient thing to blame for the defense's struggles, it's just hard to see how the evidence supports that. I'm just having trouble seeing how Casey Matthews becomes a much more effective player if Trent Cole is lined up three feet to the left. And don't tell me about last year. We're talking about all new players. Casey Matthews is a rookie, Jamar Chaney started two games last year, Moise Fokou did not started 11 games last year. So really, no comparison to how the LB unit played last year to this year makes any sense.
The pass defense was the problem last year and it's the problem again this year.
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Broken record
Packers won the Super Bowl last year ranked 28th against the run, 1st against the pass.
Jason’s 100% spot on. I don’t want to alarm anyone, but Juan C’s defense is currently giving up more PPG than McD’s D in Carolina.
by Eagle Fly Free on Sep 28, 2011 11:10 AM EDT reply actions
How many years of experience separate the two?
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Have you seen who they played?
The Cards offense is ok ,Green Bay lit them up, and they played in a monsoon against the Jags
"I love my Ducks (wait 'til you see my O)"
People GB has 1 of the best offenses in the league. Teams MUST pass to stay in games with them playing right into the strength of the defense. Give GBs Defense to Chicago’s offense for instance, and they aren’t winning anything.
Forest, trees
cwel and greenage get it.
This is not really a season where “learning on the job” is going to get the D-coordinator sympathy. At least, not from me. We ran McDermott out on a rail because we had one of the worst red zone defenses in history. I wanted him gone just as bad as the rest. What separated this offseason from a LOLskins offseason is that all moves we made were intended to improve our pass defense.
And now we’re aiming to break our own record in pass-defense futility. We haven’t even faced the Patriots’ or Saints’ offenses yet.
This team is set up to win like the Colts of the early 2000’s. Pass pass pass to get the lead (apparently, with the Raiders playbook of 1967), let the front four attack like crazy, and let our (supposedly) all-star CBs squat on the opposing wide receivers. The main point of my reiterating that Green Bay statistic (third or fourth time, by my count) is that it doesn’t matter if you’re giving up 5 yards rushing or 150 yards rushing per game. As Jason so eloquently put, if you can’t stop the pass, then you’re all done. And we can’t stop the fucking pass with the best(tie) CB in the game, the best INT-producing CB in the game, and a supremely physically-gifted CB, all of whom were Pro Bowlers at one point. Our dime CB is no slouch either.
Something is rotten in Denmark.
by Eagle Fly Free on Sep 28, 2011 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Great read
I don’t pretend to know a fraction of what most folks on here know about the intricacies of football. But thanks to articles like this I’m constantly learning. Thanks again Jason. Always solid.
I will always be pulling for you #20.
April 20, 1996 - February 28, 2009
Love the article
Totally agree with everything said. I just think we are soft right now as well. I know Eagles fans will hate to hear that we are soft, but we are soft. Definitely agree though. Its the 3rd and 4th WR’s, TE’s and RB’s in the passing game that are killing us.
by Mike Will is DoubleDown on Sep 28, 2011 11:21 AM EDT reply actions
Absolutely
This is spot on. I think people (all of us) get comfortable arguing the same bullet points, which for the Eagles D’ was a weak LB core, susceptible run defense and “Dream Team” secondary and shutdown passing game. But as you say , we have lost 2 very winnable games because we’ve been giving up the big plays, mainly through the air.
However, the good news to me is that these problems are fixable. Get back to man coverage, play to our CB strengths. Get back to basics. We will continue to get QB pressure. Just stop giving up the deep ball. And perhaps we shouldn’t try to blitz anymore, because we really suck at it
JasonB: THANKS!!!
Thank you so much for writing this and bringing this to light… I’ve been thinking the same thing. Typical fans and commentators always love to overstate the importance of the run, but practically all of the devastating plays against us were passes. It doesn’t hurt much if they get 3 yards here, 6 yards there and occasionally 12 yards on the ground. What has been eating us alive are big pass plays, pass TD’s, and 3rd and long pass completions for 1st downs.
The same thing was true last season, especially in the Packers playoff game. Sure, James (are you kidding me?) Starks got too many yards on the ground. But all of GB’s scoring drives featured backbreaking 3rd and long conversions. And I think the TD’s themselves were passes. The game against Atlanta had that one big run which got them into FG range, but they scored 35 freaking points, and as usual, all the real damage was done by the pass. I’m stunned how the pass D has not improved substantially despite adding two probowl corners and two probowl-caliber pass rushers.
And remember
for every 7, 8 or 12 yard run that teams get against us, they usually have 3-4 garbage runs for little to no gain. So they still need the pass to bail themselves out of the long yardage situations… and they’ve been able to do this at will it seems, especially in the 4th quarter.
The feeling I have is that the run give you the yards, and the pass give you the points.
by Guilhermeev on Sep 28, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think the wide-9 alignment has much to do with the issue either. The larger problem is 1-gap vs 2-gap. The 2 gap system ran in the later JJ years put more accountability on the D line to recognize and stop the run, and granted the LB’s a bit more freedom. This style compensated more for deficiencies in the LB corps. Washburn gives his line simple orders – kill the QB. This requires the LB’s to be much more disciplined in their assignments. If they over run a play, even by a 1/2 step, they are going to get burnt. If they have to think about where they have to be instead of instinctively knowing, they are going to get burnt. Having a Trotter-size MLB would not hurt either, but that is not as big an issue as inexperience.
I agree
Aaron curry is " trotter size" and experienced .
by Saidrick on Sep 28, 2011 11:48 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Curry's a bust.
The chances of him turning shit around in Philly are low, but worth the shot if we can get him for cheap.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Exactly.
Jason Peters: Heart of a Lion, Face of a Chipmunk.
Eli Manning has the personality of a baked potato.
Hell at this point why not explore all options?
Lofa? Why not at least give him a physical (I’m against Lofa personally)
Curry? Hell it shouldn’t take more than a 4th to get him and we got plenty of picks, why not take a shot with his new contract being reasonable?
Hell maybe we can make a deal for Witherspoon who played in this system in Tenn?
Maybe try and pry one of the Colts LB’s away from them considering they play in a similar (not same but similar) system?
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
I would pass on Lofa.
There’s a reason why he remains unsigned.
Jason Peters: Heart of a Lion, Face of a Chipmunk.
Eli Manning has the personality of a baked potato.
Yes, I agree.
Why not at least give him a physical (I’m against Lofa personally)
Nobody’s even given him a physical, maybe his knees are fine and we can squeeze whatevers left out of him for a SB run.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
I guess anythings possible.
But I doubt it.
Jason Peters: Heart of a Lion, Face of a Chipmunk.
Eli Manning has the personality of a baked potato.
Who's in charge of putting his players in the right positions to defend the pass?
Who’s in charge of scheme defensively? Who’s decides which corner plays press, which corner plays in the slot, which safety plays “centerfuckinfield”, who’s in charge of when it is time to blitz to force the quick pass…. WHO"S IN CHARGE OF THAT SHIT?
Answer that and there is the problem with this defense. Excecution is one thing, but setting up your players for faliure right off the bat is the biggest issue on this Defense.
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 11:26 AM EDT reply actions
I'm not very familiar with the X's and O's of football
but on paper it still blows my mind how they can’t defend the pass adequately. When you’ve got 3 star corners, you should, in theory, be able to shut down 3 pass catchers man to man on most plays. So even though the safeties and LB’s are mediocre to poor, there should be plenty of them left to double team any other pass catcher on the field, including the tight end.
Yeah, I think so too.
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It does make a difference though dude. On paper Jason Avant is a great slot receiver…. put him on the outside and hes very very average…. the smae shit goes for CBs and Safeties….. you cant deny that…
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Man to Man
Maybe I’m wrong, but all I ever see is zone coverage out there. Can we try to ditch the zone for a game, just to see how it works? Because I personally think it would turn out quite well.
I’m not a coach, but wouldn’t man coverage with consistent QB pressure give us the best chance of winning, with our LBs and safeties responding as needed?
Wide nine or not our linebackers are simply not good. Tony Gonzales had a great game against us. Two of Eli’s touchdowns were to Jacobs and Bradshaw. Matt Ryan had a td pass to his fullback.
Our linebackers blow.
E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!!!
by Mikesta on Sep 28, 2011 11:36 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Yeah I agree.
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As a running back
What would you rather run against:
A brick wall or a line of fence posts?
Saying it isn’t the problem because the passing defense is the problem doesn’t really explain anything. We’ve allowed over 100 yards rushing in every game so far, over 130 twice. My personal opinion of it is that it creates bigger lanes for the rusher, how could it not? The passing defense has been a problem ALSO, it should not exclude how but the rushing defense has been as well. Both are problems. I feel like both problems would be fixed with better LBs.
"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.
Like I said, I agree that the run defense is a problem, it just hasn’t proven to be the biggest problem.
The wide nine as a system doesn’t make you inherently weak against the run. The Titans were a top 5 rush defense for years using the system.
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But they also had LB's that could thrive behind it.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
correlation ≠ causation.
The Titans defense had good linebackers that were capable of stopping the run, we on the other hand do not.
My Eagles Blog: Iggles Nest
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by d-jackfan10 on Sep 28, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Well using the same argument, we can’t then say that our bad linebackers would be any better in a different system.
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True
But I would have more faith in a system that didn’t look like we were opening running lanes directly at them.
"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.
Andy Reid would rather run against the brick wall...
especially on 3rd or 4th and short when all 11 defenders are stacked near the middle of the line of scrimmage. It drives me nuts that we keep losing games from short yardage failures, most of which are predictable runs up the middle into a tight formation.
It’s intrinsically stupid. You’ve got only 9 blockers who need to block all 11 defenders near the line of scrimmage. It’s just impossible. And when you have a half yard to go, but you choose to step back and hand the ball off, you’re starting with -3 yards. So dumb!!!
Spread the freaking D out!!!! Make them defend the left and right sides of the field. Let Vick roll to a side and have a run/pass option.
OH come on. Let’s not get crazy here. Running at the goal line is a pretty tried and true football play that every team at every level does.
Yeah, it didn’t work this time for the Eagles. The execution wasn’t there, but let’s not act like handing off the ball or running a QB sneak with a half yard to go is a somehow bad or wrong call.
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I'm talking about running against a tight formation.
9 blockers, 11 defenders, all close together = mismatch.
I believe the opening game Saints vs. Packers ended on a similar play. It just doesn’t work as well as it did in the past.
Whether it’s historically a good play or not, the Eagles have had way too many drives and games end like this. They’ve had success with Vick rolling out, so why not use that. There’s a limit to how much a team can prepare for it… since he could run left or right or up the middle… much easier than 9 vs. 11.
Brick wall,
because if I can break through a brick wall nothing can stop me.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Have you ever heard of playaction before?
Your article is quite misleading. A successful run game makes it MUCH easier to have success in the passing game. Not to mention screen plays (Bradshaw) basically are quite similar to run plays in defending but show up in the passing box score. How many of the big pass plays from the last 2 weeks were because a safety had to come up to the line for run support or playaction? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tell you the Wide-9 is more vulnerable against the run. The gap between the 9 (the end) and the 3 technique (the tackle) is yes 3 feet wider than normal but 3 extra feet for a LB to cover on an off tackle run might as well be 2 acres.
This is a perfect defense to run with a big lead and the other team is playing catch up on you, passing virtually every down. The colts have ran it to great success in the past, but if the Eagles offense is going to stall and games are going to be close going into the 4th quarter, these LBs are going to continue to be majorly exposed because of it.
by BrandonB on Sep 28, 2011 11:46 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah andy reid must have thought that Vick was comparable to manning because of the size of their contracts.
by Bleeding_Green_Eagle on Sep 28, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Again, look at reality
But teams aren’t getting leads by running or even running late to win games. They’re throwing with success.
And I wouldn’t say any of the big pass plays were due to a safety coming up. There was a safety present on both Cruz TDs.
And you can’t use a screen TD as symptom of a poor rush defense. That’s all about recognition and getting off blocks. No system changes those fundamentals.
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Agreed...
Even our coaches have made it clear that they’re not concerned about a handful of medium gain runs. They know it can’t change the game. They’re not going to over-pursue play action fakes out of fear of a 5 yard run, and then leave themselves susceptible to 50 yard bombs.
Not running late to win games? Turner busted off a 50 yard run in the 4th quarter that Andy Reid said was the difference in the game on the coach’s show. The first Cruz TD was because of a missed tackle but still would have been a first down on 3rd and 2. He was wide open because the Eagles were clearly playing against the run after the giants had just gained 8 yards on the first 2 downs.
I’m not going to watch film on every big play the eagles give up, but its quite obvious what they have designed this team to do. They hoped the high scoring offense picks up right where it left off last year and gets them nice leads early causing teams to pass more to stay in the game. This would play perfectly into the hands of the defense allowing the wide-9s (Cole/Babin) to tee off on the QB while DRC/Asante/Nmandi patrol the secondary. This has not happened. I’m sure that script will play out to some extent some games and we’ll say wow that wide-9 defense is amazing…But right now its not. We aren’t getting leads and teams are running the ball right down our wide-9 exposed throat. Unless the offense can pick it up, I don’t see this changing.
Cruz was not wide open. He had both Coleman Asoumgha there to miss tackles. How on earth can you blame that on them trying to stop the run? There were multiple missed tackles!
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I'll break down all 4 Manning TDs for you
TD to Jacobs – Matthews bites on the playaction forgets to cover Jacobs. Probably not wide 9 related.
1st Cruz TD – 3rd and 2 Manning in shotgun after Jacobs picks up 8 yards on the ground. 2 WRs to the left. Nmandi covers 1 wr and inside eagles cb or safety blitzes perhaps to stop a run to the that direction I’m not sure. No one picks up Cruz he’s WIDE open for a gain of 10 yards. Coleman misses the tackle. It turns into 25 yards. Coleman/Nmandi miss the tackle again it turns into a TD.
2nd Cruz TD – 2nd and 8 PLAYACTION. He throws into double coverage but maybe if a safety didn’t bite on it he gets there a step earlier who knows.
Bradshaw TD – 2nd and 8. Eagles all out blitz and manning throws the screen to bradshaw.
I would say at LEAST 2 TDs were indirectly facilitated by success in their running game.
Those fundamentals aren’t there in the LB core, and the Wide 9 drastically exposes them by forcing them to have to recognise very early, and cover a wide spread of ground with o-linemen getting to them quicker than they would in a different scheme. It’s a lot to ask an inexperienced LB corps to do. As a result, they’re frequently hesitating, or even completely misreading plays. In itself, the Wide 9 is obviously very succesful (12 sacks? and a few more QBs doing the Manning face) but if we don’t have the personnel all over the field to run it, should we stick with it? You either play to your strengths (sacks with the wide 9) or try to minimise your weaknesses (2 gap d line to protect the LB and S).
Great points
Should we stick with it? I think this ultimately falls on the offense. If we get some leads, I think it has the potential to be very successful. Teams will be throwing more and running less to stay in the game. If we can’t, and going into the 4th quarter its a one possession game or we are way behind, I think we are going to see more of the same.
I think we should. You have to trust the linebackers to settle in, at least to the point where they can defend a third and long consistently, and keep the massive gains on the ground that happen a couple of times a game to 10 or 15 yards. Trouble is, that could take all season.
I think the problem at safety is a communication one with the zone defence, the players just haven’t meshed yet, and don’t instinctively know each others abilities to make a given play, so there is hesitancy. I think that will sort itself out much more quickly, and will have a big impact on our overall defesive performance. If we are giving up 20 points a game instead of 30, that will be enough for the offence if Vick is healthy.
Overall, I can see it being good enough this year, and with a full offseason, a beast of a defence next year. I don’t think it’s worth changing it now for, at best, a marginal short term overall improvement (given that a new system will have its own characteristic teething problems, and our personnel won’t have been signed with it in mind).
Also it’s not up to the linebacker to contain and off tackle run in he Wide 9. The DE has outside contain.
I ment to say off guard. But either way, the ends have zero run responsibility in the system. They are going straight at the QB every play. If it’s a run they are getting the RB on the way to the QB.
by BrandonB on Sep 28, 2011 4:11 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What is this article talking about? I'm confused
So are the LBers the problem or aren’t they? The run sets up the pass. They run, making us susceptible to the pass.
Of all the passing TD’s the Eagles have allowed, how many have come against our DBs? One? Two?
Either way you slice it, the LBers AND Safeties are a problem.
Never said they weren’t.
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The wide 9 is a problem for the run defense, thats just the nature of the scheme. If leaves behind big holes that the linebackers then have to fill. We don’t have good linebackers. Thus, problems arise.
The problem with this defense is lack at linebacker and safety.
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exactly
the LBs are in read and react mode, and very worried about the run protection. They get so focused on stopping one thing, and without talent and experience, become highly susceptible to the pass. The safeties arent doing much to help out. The good thing here is that there are a lot of young guys in these spots that may be able to learn the right techniques and grow into their roles. The bad thing is that a lot of these young guys may have very low ceilings, which is why we got them in the 6th and 7th rounds.
Linebackers are always in read and react mode. In this system or any other.
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Our linebackers are built for speed, Chaney played like a pro bowler the last 3 games of last season when he could use his speed to go sideline to sideline.
People are mad that he’s not playing as well this season, but it’s because he’s forced to play a different style and regularly take on offensive lineman. Trotter mentioned this exact thing on the radio today; that was his impression from watching the film.
I just think it’s worth experimenting setting up the DEs in a traditional alignment at least in the beginning of games against run-heavy teams and having the dline playing gap assignment like JJ’s defenses. Then once we build a lead and the opponent has to start passing switch to the wide nine, or use it primarily on third down, etc.
It’s not the nature of the scheme. The Titans were great against the run using this system. Not good, but great.
I agree that it’s personnel, what I don’t agree with is that these same guys would be noticeably better in say, the same 4-3 alignment we ran last year.
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I dunno JasonB. I haven’t seen any type of NFL potential come out of Casey Mathews. He gets dragged and bites hard on playaction.
Fokou has been a below average LBer for years.
Not sold on Chaney yet.
by BirdoBeamen on Sep 28, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
So you agree with me?
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I agree with you that they are a problem…..now that they would be better in a 4-3 scheme or ANY scheme for that matter.
by BirdoBeamen on Sep 28, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Dude the wide 9 is a 4-3 scheme.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Its not the traditional 4-3 scheme, which is what I got out of what JasonB was referring to.
by BirdoBeamen on Sep 28, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
It's still a 4-3 scheme.
They just line up differently.
There’s the 7, 3, 1, 5 scheme. The 5, 2, 2, 5 scheme etc. Then there’s 2 gap systems and 1 gap systems in each… There are many many variations, we just happen to run the wide 9.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
How is it not the nature of the scheme? The defensive line lines up much wider than usual, leaves behind gaping holes and running lanes that wouldn’t normally be there and because our guys are busy flying upfield our linebackers have blockers on them more often. And we get burned by counter runs, delays and screen passes because our players were taught to fly upfield no matter the situation.
The Titans had all kinds of great players which contributed to their success. We don’t have someone as good as Tulloch, Haynesworth, Bulluck and some of the other guys that Wash was working with.
And I think its quite clear that the linebackers would play better in the 2 gap scheme. It kept blockers off of them and allowed them to stay clean, read the play and get there while going through less trash. BUT, our defensive line wouldn’t be so disruptive.
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by d-jackfan10 on Sep 28, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Why would you think it’s “quite clear?” You have no basis for comparison with this group.
PLus, this all ignoring the actual reason the Giants got yards on the ground last week. Missed tackles. DOn’t tell me about larger gaps when our LBs are getting their hands on guys and not bringing them down. That was the problem.
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The missed tackles are there because guys are a half second later than they should be getting to the right gap, resulting in an arm tackle rather than a driving shoulder tackle. They’re struggling with reads and blockers getting on them quickly, both of which are exacerbated by their role/responsibility behind the Wide 9. Fokou and Chaney were much more assured last year when less was being asked of them mentally, so they were in position on time, and made tackles.
Nnamdi and Coleman are both able to tackle (in terms of technique), neither of them are Asante. If they get to the spot in time to get their body position right, they’ll make a tackle. I think their reads and reaction times are being slowed by communication problems, the flow between zone responsibilities doesn’t look right. The players don’t know each other, they have to look at each other to see if the guy inside/outside them is going to make the play or if they need to go make it. Those half seconds are causing poor body positions, arm tackles, and late reactions to the ball in the air (e.g. Nnamdi on Cruz TD, he thought Page had a throw to the inside shoulder, and realised he’d have to go get it a fraction too late).
Guys its so simple
Its the coaching. We have great weapons but aren’t using them right. Our linebackers suck and we know that right? So why give them a bigger role in this defense. They suck against the run. Our safeties are better against the run but are used in pass plays a lot and can’t cover. DRC is playing out of his comfort zone. NA is playing zone coverage. No one is playing to their strength except Asante whos role remains the same and the DEs. Thats all coaching.
This shows you two things, how important coaching is and how you can’t just bring star power and except them to mesh. Its like these defensive players are not compatible with one another.
by Bleeding_Green_Eagle on Sep 28, 2011 11:52 AM EDT reply actions
this
DRC is playing out of his comfort zone. NA is playing zone coverage. No one is playing to their strength except Asante whos role remains the same and the DEs. Thats all coaching
Formerly BWestFactor
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by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Seconded
I preface this saying that I am by no means a complete expert, but, from my watching them play it seems like the scheme isn’t playing into guys strengths. I really fail to understand the NA playing zone thing. They should just let him shut one guy down and leave it at that for the most part.
The most annoying about it is everyone is like Nnamdi is a bust, OVERRATED!!! Revis>>>>Nnamdi and Nnamdi and not even playing to his potential in this defense.
by Bleeding_Green_Eagle on Sep 28, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Nnamdi
Better be told to get in Vernon Davis’ grill all game long… if not, he’ll piss all over us sunday.
by BleedinGreen116 on Sep 28, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, we thought that would happen last year and it didn’t.
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While I agree in theory that the wide 9 isn't completely to blame
I do believe that it could be contributing. In the old system the D-Line had much greater responsibility for stopping the run. now that burden falls harder on the LB’s and Safeties. I would have to believe that this extra decision making is what is leading to the massive breakdowns on some of these plays.
Another thing that is very concerning is the Safety play IMO. I don’t think anyone thought they would be this bad, and its making the LB’s look even worse than they actually are. It is seeming to me that Mikell did a lot to cover up for our unbelievably crappy LB’s and his absence will be sorely missed unless one of these young guys finally steps up.
Point of clarification
The issue I have is just stating there were 8 pass TDs and assuming blame on the secondary. Let me preface this by saying the secondary is under-performing from my expectations, but it’s more so the safeties and a little Nnamdi, actually. Samuel has been playing pretty well, up to his usual standards.
Anyway, the TD breakdown is 2 TE, 1 RB,1 FB, 1RB, 3WR.
So, essentially 5 of the 8 pass TDs went to non-WRs. Meaning, and I’m pretty sure from memory,the responsibility for those 5, and it’s generally true in most schemes, went to the LBs and Safeties. Page, specifically was responsible for a few of those and partially for at least 2 that went to the WRs.
That’s fine, but the point was that it’s not the wide nine that’s been the problem. It’s been the coverage all around.
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What I wan't to know is...
why is the BEST man press coverage CB in the league playing zone coverage!!
Jason Peters: Heart of a Lion, Face of a Chipmunk.
Eli Manning has the personality of a baked potato.
I honestly hate when the coaches try to do little clever shit when there is no reason to do it.
That shit only makes it worse.
Jason Peters: Heart of a Lion, Face of a Chipmunk.
Eli Manning has the personality of a baked potato.
Like hiring your OLine coach to be a DC because he’s a “great motivator” ..and “has always been a Defense guy” ?
Formerly BWestFactor
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by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
If we argue that he is an elite corner
he has to be able to play both effiecently
Formerly number5
"If Revis has an Island, Asomugha should have a continent." - #5
RIP JJ
by HawaiianGreen on Sep 28, 2011 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions
That makes no sense whats so ever….
So he’s supposed to be something he’s not because WE SAY SO? What the hell dude….like really?
Formerly BWestFactor
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by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
ELITE CORNERS NEED TO BE ABLE TO DO BOTH OR THEY AREN'T ELITE
Is Nnamdi elite?
Formerly number5
"If Revis has an Island, Asomugha should have a continent." - #5
RIP JJ
by HawaiianGreen on Sep 28, 2011 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Like the old cliche
if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. The eagles defense has always been feared by their blitzes. Why change it?
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
And the big secret that no one wants to talk about is that the decline of the defense started under Johnson.
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Im not sure what youre saying here, but as I clearly remember it, the Defense is why the Eagles even made it into the playoffs in 2008..and carried them all the way through the NFC championship, where they shit the bed at the end.
Formerly BWestFactor
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by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Huh? Can you explain?
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill Shankly
Dont mind my typos, trying to be sneaky at work like the rest of you
… What? The last year JJ was here we played GREAT. We made it all the way to the NFC Championship game. The decline started under Sean McDermott.
In 2008 we had the 3rd least yards allowed per game, we were the 3rd ranked passing defense, the 4th ranked rushing defense, we were the 4th ranked scoring defense, allowed only 4.4 yards per play (2nd best in the NFL), grabbed 29 turnovers (10th best) and had 48 sacks (3rd best).
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by d-jackfan10 on Sep 28, 2011 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that the defence started to decline when Dawkins left. It feels like we don’t have any leader out there, someone who could lift the defence when it matters…
Trent Cole did that against the Falcons.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
i don't get that
Monte Kiffin isn’t in the NFL any more but there are several coaches who know the Tampa 2 defense well.
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
They just dont have the personel or defensive guru to blitz effectively anymore
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions
They weren't though
That’s just not true. You’re talking ancient history there. No one was fearing the Eagles blitzes last year. It was most certainly “broke.”
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i'm saying it worked for years
you’re not telling me the eagles made it to the playoffs, NFC championship games, and the Super Bowl off McNabb and Westbrook?
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
Yes, back in 2001-2004 they did.
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I really hope they go back to the 4-3
Say what you want but I bet you the 4-3 will be great still. Chaney would continue to play on the level he played last year since his responsibility will be less as well as the other LB’s. Once Allen gets back to 100% we would have great guys back their guarding the pass as Dimitri is gone.
I’m a believer that McDermott had an unfair shot at this defense. WIth a top tier RCB and a good LDE, he would have made this a top 5 defense. Yup I said it. The only problem though is Babin would probably suck again in the 4-3.
by Bleeding_Green_Eagle on Sep 28, 2011 12:14 PM EDT reply actions
yeah i never though i'd say this
but can we have mcdermott back? please?
by BleedinGreen116 on Sep 28, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
No way. So far, I blame the players, not the scheme.
by Guilhermeev on Sep 28, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
last year we did not have the players for McDermott’s schemes to be effective. The FO went out and got at least some of the players needed, and changed the scheme away from the newfound talent.
Correct me if I’m wrong. Are you saying the FO signed the players that would fit McDermott’s scheme and then changed the scheme? Washburn was signed in January, Juan Castillo was named DC a few days later, all that before the Super Bowl.
They had plenty of time to draft and sign players for this scheme. Blame them for overconfidence in some players talent, specially the LBs. They gave a 4th rounder the starting MLB job from day 1, without any competition.
by Guilhermeev on Sep 28, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
I think that they fixed the same problem in two different ways. Either get people to play crazy coverage schemes, or get the guy out of the way who is using the wrong people to implement his ideas. If you are going to get the coverage players, why not stick with the coverage coach?
I am just confused and pissed is all. Now that a FS is playing FS, and Matthews is playing right where he should be , lets see some improvement and a win.
wtf is wrong with you
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill Shankly
Dont mind my typos, trying to be sneaky at work like the rest of you
They're running a 4-3 now!!!
Holy crap…
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Question
I enjoyed the article.
But what is the best option to maximize wins for the season? Be patient and give it time? Tweek the system? DItch the system? Trade something for suitable linebackers/safeties?
Start putting in better players.
Bench Mike Patterson, Casey Matthews, Jamar Chaney, Kurt Coleman and Jarrad Page. Start Trevor Laws, Brian Rolle, Akeem Jordan, Nate Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett.
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by d-jackfan10 on Sep 28, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Hahahaha
Nate Allen? You def have not been watching the birds this year. Everytime i see a big play from the other team, Allen is on the field. Sooo wish we had taken Thomas over Grahm a couple years back.
I don’t think he looks all that great either but he looks better than Coleman. Coleman has looked like hot garbage out there.
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by d-jackfan10 on Sep 28, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
IDK about that?
Colman had a few bad plays, but i still think he’ll come back around (im a huge Colman fan) but what is up with not play Jarrett?
The issue with Coleman is where he's playing.
He’s not a FS, he’s a fucking SS and needs to be playing there.
They need to have Allen and Page at FS because they’re good in coverage… Then they need Coleman and Jarrett at SS because they’re the tackling physical type.
I think it’s about time Jarrett gets some snaps in a game, he could probably help our run defense quite a bit.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Only problem is that there is no difference between the SS and FS responsibilities on this defense. Plus, Kurt isn’t even tackling all that well, he has already whiffed on two tackles and despite being some sort of super instinctual safety who can hit he only has 7 tackles on the year because he isn’t supporting the run well at all really.
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by d-jackfan10 on Sep 28, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
But they're not doing the same thing.
Page is being brought into the box to help out, while Colemans been in coverage more.
I haven’t seen Coleman come down into the box once this season, and that’s what he’s good at.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Thank you buddy.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
No one is playing any deeper than the other. Kurt Coleman is just not playing well.
My Eagles Blog: Iggles Nest
Follow @IgglesNest
The only "coaching issue"
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Fail...
The only “coaching issue” I see is Nnamdi playing zone, the dudes the best man CB I’ve seen so why is he playing fucking zone?
Our LB’s have to start doing something, if after this week they’re still shitting the bed then I’d like to see the Eagles make some moves. Start rotating guys like Rolle, Jordan and Clayton in and if they outplay the starter then fuck it, give em the job. Bring in somebody new via trade or FA. Something has to be done of the LB’s can’t do the job.
As far as Safety, I think that they need to switch Coleman/Jarrett to SS and Page/Allen to FS… Castillo’s got each position mixed up, bring the tacklers down into the box and let the guys who are good in coverage actually COVER.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
lol not to be “that guy”
But everything you said up above are “coaching issues”
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean to say "issues" but I fucked up lol.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
Right
Remember how in the preseason, Nate Allen was listed as SS and Kurt Coleman was FS? Juan said doesn’t matter they are the same thing and will have the same role. Well sorry Juan that just sounds like they aren’t going to be used in their correct roles. They aren’t the same!!
by Bleeding_Green_Eagle on Sep 28, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup, and he should split time with Jarrett.
Defensive player of the year for 2011 is...
Wild_Eagle!
Yes, Wild_Eagle's infamous reputation did help him get this award. But he shows that he walks the talk that he serves...with his keyboard. Wild_Eagle protects the motherland (BGN) from the evils of noobs, douche-bags, and other assholes. Although he may be crude and unnecessary, all great defenders draws the yellow flag from time to time.
-Awarded by Number5
Wild_Eagles’ Heart is scarier than Hell, you lose. - d-jackfan10 at the troll known as vicksuck!
What the hell are you talking ablout ?????!!!!!!!!!
The Eagles have already allowed 394 rushing yards this year, their most through three games since 1999 (425) and fifth-most in the last 24 years.
The LB are soooo concerned with the run there getting beat on play action by the RB’s and TE’s…… C’MON MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The LB have too much to worry about. Remember two are former 7th rounders and one is a rookie with a girls name and hair.
by Bleeding_Green_Eagle on Sep 28, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s just not true. It’s just not what’s happening in coverage.
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Wide 9 Question
Anyone else use this besides Tennessee? Either current or past.
the pass has killed us BECAUSE the run has killed us and the linebackers are worried about that. The wide 9 isnt to blame…the wide 9 with our shitty linebackers and safeties are to blame.
Its a good system IF you have the right personnel. We dont. Why I as a fan can see that and the coaches cant is beyond me. Why have the WEAKEST part of our defense be so much of the focus for whether or not a system works. Short sighted by the Eagles to let this personnel run this system.
So moving the defensive ends three feet over makes our LBs not crappy?
Come on.
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It’s not just their alignment, It’s the one gap scheme. DE’s rush outside C gap. DT’s have one gap that they rush. It’s a guessing game with the linemen. If we guess the right gap that the offense is running to it’s usually a stop. If we rush the wrong gap or get caught on a counter/draw its up to our LB’s to scoop that up. Our linebackers arn’t good enough to do that yet. I’m not one of those people saying scrap the system because i will give up the run for the ability to rush the pass with just 4 guys the way we can. Plus you can’t just scrap your whole scheme mid season. We practiced the entire short offseason with this. No way can you go back now. LB’s just need experience.
Pressure is on the offense.
If the offense can put up some points and secure some early leads they’ll be much less pressure on the LBs in this system, as teams will be passing more and running less to stay in the game.
Rolle
just promoted over Matthews
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 12:37 PM EDT reply actions
he just confirmed it
Formerly BWestFactor
FLY #7 FLY !
by ShadyMcVickFactor on Sep 28, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Is it really going to make a big difference, still a rookie.
by Bleeding_Green_Eagle on Sep 28, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
One of the best insights I’ve ever heard about stopping the run came from Howie Long about 4 years ago when we were getting absolutely ripped up against the run. He said that run defense was mostly about “want to”, and that the Eagles really didn’t look like they wanted to stop the run.
System doesn’t matter. It’s mentality…and obviously, tackling fundamentals.
I agree
…the wide 9 isn’t the problem. But it’s also true that being so susceptible to the run also diminishes our pass D.
We need to play Nnamdi and DRC in man coverage. If we do that, we should be able to blitz the safeties every time we think they’re running the ball. Then we can drop back into nickel cover 2 on obvious pass plays. It all starts with using your personnel correctly.
When we get burnt by the pass, most of the time its of the catch and run variety. Which means our tackling sucks ass.
I don’t think the problems with the defense are run/pass related, its a simple issue of getting ball carriers on the ground, which we can’t seem to do.
I agree. No scheme can cover up bad tackling.
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i just have a problem everyone blaming the defensive problems on chaney and matthews, especially matthews. Considering that Matthews has only been under NFL coaching and supervision since August due to the lockout, and him missing out on an additional 4-5 months of tutelage, its really hard for me to put alot of blame on him.
Do I put some blame on him? Sure absolutely. But im not gonna jump on the Matthews Sucks bandwagon just yet.
Well I think it’s fair to criticize his play, which obviously has not been good. But like you said, his play is somewhat predictable given the situation he’s in. So you certainly have to look at the people who made the decision to put him in that spot.
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Casey Matthews gets criticized because...
HE IS GARBAGE………….
I would love to blow up Texas Stadium... With team still in it
36 plus years of rooting for the Eagles I think are comming to fruition this year.
I am not a FAN.... I am a FANATIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
good piece…i thought our Def. was fine last year despite the secondary giving up alot in the later part of the season but when the Eags first introduced the new alignment i was intrigued by its odd look and thought that if it was successful in Tenn. why not give it a try. 3 games later im not impressed with it….passing or running we cant stop the bleeding on Def. why cant we just go back to our calssic JJ line up and live and die by the blitz…shit, we got the quality at corner to cover some slack. i dunno, its just been hard watching these past two games and with the 9ers coming off a motivational win and a heavy run base O i hope that we can come up with something. Oh yeah, Vick needs to stop being Peyton and start running!!!
I still don't agree, sorry :[
3 feet separation is a huge deal in a game of inches. That alone negates half of your argument. A shoe string tackle saving a TD run is now a face plant. An A+ tackle is now a shoe string tackle. There’s a reason why only 2 or 3 teams have ever used the Wide Nine defense… but whatever, keep cheering on your new sack leading defense.
There’s many other results of Juan’s scheme as well. Blitzing less and relying on the Wide Nine front 4 for pressure means the opposing offense never max protects. If you don’t fear the blitz, look what happens? You get 4+ receiver routes every snap of the game. Putting RB’s out into coverage vs. our shit LB’s. Last year, with our blitz schemes, those RB’s would be pass protecting and adding Nnamdi/DRC to coverage would shut down the limited receiver routes.
Good find
Teams that have Washburn need to invest heavily in talented linebackers.
Woops.
by philiafan14364 on Sep 28, 2011 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Great points in that write-up.. even better since it’s from January 2011. That goes hand in hand with what we’ve been saying all along. Wide nine opened up the weakness in our defense.. so yes, it’s a problem. We don’t have the salary cap to have probowl at every position, that’s why our defensive scheme last year works THAT MUCH BETTER with our current 2011 personnel.
I disagree. It opens up the run game in the middle of the field because of the gaps, which has the LBers teetering more towards defending the run which opens up the pass in the middle. Factor in the poor support in safety play you then have even more lack of run support plus poor coverage also.
You can factor in the zone coverage on our corners, with one not being a zone guy & poor coverage/tackling on the safety part and it is easy to see how it is effecting the defense.
Tighten the gaps & you create less pressure on the LBers vs the run. It lets them play the pass with a bit more confidence & can open up blitzing lanes a bit better for the LBers.
wide nine is not the problem
JC has no clue how to run the defense around the d-line system. Some of the blitz packages I saw against NY were comical, although I was hardly laughing. We have no business blitzing linebackers off the edge. All linebacker pressure, with this system, should be in the QB’s face right up the gut! And zones are for secondaries that know each other well and have great communication(2 things we don’t have). Man up DRC and NA, zone Asante, and allow the safties to learn how to read and react. Our corners don’t need much help, the linbackers must attack the damn LOS and stop waiting for the play to develop. Hit somebody, damnit! Stop all this trickery crap(on BOTH sides of the ball), install some basic MAN defenses, and watch our Eagles fly!!! On the road to Vick-tory!!
by EagleDomiNation on Sep 28, 2011 9:58 PM EDT reply actions
agree
Consistent pressure all day. What def. coordinator wouldn’t gladly take that and build a top tier defense?
Crush them, my Birds!!! CRUSH THEM!!!!!!!!!
by EagleDomiNation on Sep 28, 2011 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Well
If the LB’s and S’s would be where they are supposed to be during the game the defense would not have given up 20+ points a game, 8 TD’s asses and 100+ yards rushing… do you actually watch the games or do the bright colors confuse you? The wide 9 is the system the Eagles defense has been built for since Reid got here. Smallish ends pass rushing tackles and LB’s and S’s that make play in the running game. Unfortunatley, Reid forgot to get the LB’s and S’s. If this team is in place 2012 there will be no stopping this defense drafting the correct players at those positions. This season ( as i see it now) is feast or famine.
If the LB’s pan out from this point on FEAST. If the LB’s and S’s stay on the current pace the Eagles will no proble getting the LB’s and S’s they need next year in the draft as we will have a top 10 pick.
I would love to blow up Texas Stadium... With team still in it
36 plus years of rooting for the Eagles I think are comming to fruition this year.
I am not a FAN.... I am a FANATIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
+1
Fact. Wide Nine is a nightmare for opponents. Proper Scheme around that tecchnique, esp. with the talent we have, and we dominate.
Crush them, my Birds!!! CRUSH THEM!!!!!!!!!
by EagleDomiNation on Oct 1, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Wide 9 spells the end of the Eagles season.
From Jan 20, 2011
Washburn’s System & How It Could Affect Our Linebacker Play
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/1/20/1945811/washburns-system-how-it-could-affect-our-linebacker-play
5. Shite. I see where you’re going with this re: the linebackers.
“Yup. If Washburn runs things here the way he did in Tennessee, our LBs are about to walk a much stonier path in football games. Our MLB is protected by the 2-gap system: he’s used to Patterson and Dixon holding the interior OLmen away from him to he can read the run play and go chase after it. In Washburn’s system, instead of having the OG kept away from him, he’ll have about 1.5 seconds before the guard is right in his face. As such, our LBs are going to have to be much better at block-shedding and awareness of running lanes.
Essentially, Ernie Sims has no place in our LB corps if Washburn brings his attacking 1-gap system to Philly. Linebackers behind a Washburn DL have to be intelligent, good at getting around the best blockers on the field, and ideally, they’re athletic and talented. This is especially true of the SAM, who can expect to get hammered by a TE a lot one-on-one, since the OTs often go to a really fast drop to try to counter the wide rush of the Washburn DEs.
Teams that have Washburn need to invest heavily in talented linebackers. Remember what a ludicrous monster Keith Bulluck was? We have some competent ‘backers, but they’re going to have to step their game up a ton if Washburn is as balls-out as here he was in Tennessee. They’re going to have less time to diagnose plays and they’ll have to expend more energy getting around blocks more often. If the birds can get some talented DLmen in FA this year, don’t be surprised to see them chasing more talented LBs in the draft."
Read the rest of the article. Eagles fans should know why the D sucks and the season was over before it started.
Low talent players
will make any defensive scheme look bad
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