teams may have to change protection for SM

good article on mclendon and what he brings to the D. http://www.steelersdepot.com/2013/06/steelers-steve-mclendon-focal-point-2013-defense/

we could suprise some teams early with him and his quickness inside.

i think teams may have to change some protection to account for him. this should free up other spots more then they have been. ILB,OLB,DE to make more plays. rb's will have to step up inside to help which will take up space in the pocket for the qb's to step up.

casey did this early in his career here. it made a big difference then. this should be fun to watch.

 

He's the guy that I'm looking the most forward to seeing this year. I want to also see Cortez Allen. But would you say that MCClendon is gonna absolutely be the starter or is there still a competition going on?

 

mclendon is definately going to be the starter. the competition is for his backup. it sure seems like woods is in the running for that spot.

 

Following in the footsteps of Big Snack could be rough, figuratively, and probably a little dangerous literally but Mclendon is the way to go.

Look forward to watching him too

 

McLendon is still an unproven commodity. Hampton's numbers are lower because one he was aging, but secondly teams know Hampton and how to defend him. A double team and a chop block and he's done. He also, not beiing the physical player he once was, became more of a heady player focusing more on maintaining gap intergrity than pursuit of individual stats.

When McLendon came in and teams played him the same way he defeated those blocking schemes. Coaches are smart and as Steve puts plays on tape they ( coaches) will make adjustments. They may let his youthful energy take him out of plays with unsecured gap responsiblities at times or change blocking schemes in both pass and rush situations.

Steve's decision making process will be his make or break success. When to pressure the QB ( go for it ) or when to hold back ( tie up blockers ).

I too look forward to seeing our new defense as a whole with new starters Worilds,McLendon and Allen. That's a 25% replacement.

Cajun-

 

i didn't realize fangupo was that old. he must have went on one of those morman missions so many byu players do. that's an interesting fact.

omar hunter from florida was also brought in as an UDFA. he's a big boy too. i just think they want to have eldest players that know the defense out there this year with the change over. woods would be that.

mostly like i said though , i think mclendon will ease up some blocking at the other defensive positions. something we haven't seen alot since casey has gotten older. pressure in the qb's face and colapsing the pocket , not letting qb's step into throws. thats helps the DB's too. there is truth to the saying that a good NT makes the 3-4 run.

 

I spent time in the Philippines but it was not a mission. It was in Olongapo City. Anyone who spent time there always likes it.

 

when the whistle blows, I will be eagerly dissecting our d-line play.........McClendon cannot, and will not be blocked 1 on 1 which will leave ziggy hood with no excuse, as he will continually get favorable matchups....it should also free up keisel on those inside stunts that he's so good at....... coincidentally enough, it will also leave Woodley and worilds/jones with favorable matchups.... Woodley especially, since he will see mostly te/fb's and even less of an excuse than ziggy.......... keep an eye out for my pre-season analysis to preface the season.

 

you got it b&gp. my thoughts exactly on the situation. i hope they rotate heyward and woods regularly in the mix. fresh legs should help also. these guys could be good.