Feelings about our D?

I feel like this year that our D is really underwhelming. Maybe I am just comparing them to the past few years but it just seems like we aren't as dominant as we should be. I just don't get the feeling that other teams are as intimidated by us. We've not generated the turnovers that we should. We've given up big plays and drives that cost us games. I guess ultimately what I am saying is that I'm just not as comfortable and confident as I would like to be with a Lebeau defense. Am I alone here?

 

You are not. I don't know where our exotic blitzes went but I haven't seen them all year. Broadcasters always say how a genius Lebeau is and how he confuses quarterbacks but where did it go. I mention this in another thread but the fire inside blitz should be placed where Arians receiver screen should go. The trash. It doesn't work and have not work in a while. I haven't seen the disguised blitzes. You can tell when they line up who is going to blitz. A few years ago, you could not tell. They would line up at the line of scrimmage and you could not tell who was coming and who wasn't. Lebeau needs to get his creative juices back and open up the playbook.

 

We're pretty good. We've just not had the takeaways like we have in other seasons. If that changes, look out.

 

Second in scoring, first in passing yards, fifth in rushing yards. If that sucks, I wish more people sucked at what they do. If the offense developed some consistency, protected the ball, scored TDs more often in the redzone, and had a field goal kicker we'd be in better position.

Aside from the lack of turnovers this defense is one of the top two or three in the league, at worst one of the top five. This isn't Madden, the other teams will move the ball on us from time to time. The rules are set to help the offense and our defense sure isn't getting any help from the refs.

 

I totally agree Nashville. We're down in sacks and in turnovers, however, we've missed our two best pass rushers for a total of what, 10 games now combined? At this point, I'm more confident that our defense can come through in the clutch than our offense.

 

I'm not happy with our defense this year.It seems we get no pressure on the QB?

 

I think our D is pretty good this year, but not great.

However, how many games have BOTH LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison both been healthy in? I think this is what hinders our Defense.

 

I think we will have problems with any of the top teams. GB, NO, NE,Balt.

If Dick Lebeau goes back to the defense he used against the Pats this will be our only chance.
We will have to generate a pass rush from somewhere, I hope we get in the attack mode
or our post season will be short.

 

TOTALLY AGREE! Our pass rush has been hampered by Woodley and Harrison not having enough time together on the field (with Woodley I wonder about his Hammy and overall gameshape for the playoffs. Secondly our inside linebackers Foote and Farrior (although intelligent) are EXTREMELY slow on cross fire blitzes or any other blitz for that matter. Timmons would be better suited but has to stay in coverage quite often. But no our D has not been the Steeler standard

I for one admire the D of the Texans, Giants, 49ers who can ALL get to the QB with their front 4 (i believe they all play a 4-3 defense).

A good pass rush will force the turnovers and help the deficiencies in our secondary

 

Well we already beat NE

 

1. Agree, but it has been that way for a long time, more than just this year. I have said many times over the last few years that I would rather have 3rd and 4 than 3rd and 14. Our defense just does not seem to be able to get off the field on 3rd and long.

2. Agreed, but it has been pointed out, the absense of Woodly and/or Harrison can cause that. Also, Troy has not been as big a factor on the rush this year.

3. Agree, and I just don't know what to say, other than Ike dropped 2 for sure interceptions on Saturday and Troy missed a sure pick-6. While our DBs have played some good coverage, they all seem to have hands of stone. On the rushing side, guys seem to be afraid (with good reason) of getting a helmet on the ball.

As far as the WEAK schedule comment, I believe we still rank in the top half of the league regarding SOS, so I don't buy that argument. We have done well at holding teams to 3 and we got lucky on Saturday when Rams missed 2 FGs.

 

So far this regular season, I've been impressed witht he pass defense. At times Woodley and Harrison were tearing it up while each other was hurt. Turnovers have been a problem compared to last year. But, I'd put our defense up against anybody, no doubt they play better at home. But, its hard to find fault with these guys, if it weren't for our D we bet a .500 team at best.

 

You are seeing the results of Roger Gooddells offensive minded NFL.

Passing stats, yardage and scoring are through the roof.

Defenses are officially handicapped.

QB's and other Offensive players are over protected while Defensive players are fined and sometimes suspended.

Lebeau's defense is still affective but has been adjusted to try and meet these new rules. Two shutouts this season is proof of that. Will they ever be dominant as in the past? Highly doubtful.

 

The same basic defense, but he better add some twists to it. If not I think Brady will pick it apart. We made that mistake in '04. Beat the Pats in the regular season but got hammered in the playoffs. Of course, that assumes we will see NE in the playoffs.

 

I think the D is fine.

Pash rush is about 1 second too slow on many plays in which they penetrate the opposing backfield. But make no mistake: they're getting back there. They probably need to work on escaping holds because opposing teams seem to have been given a green light to start holding.

Pass D is good.

I think fans should also remember that this D doesn't give up a lot of points and is often given a short field by sloppy offensive turnovers.

 

We are the No2 overall Defense in the league right now. I guess not getting INTs/sacks as years past kinda corrupts the thinking on how good we are.

 

My feelings this year is that we're about a few feet away from making dozens of great plays on defense but for some reason we just don't get there. I can't remember how many times this year Polamalu has either A) dropped a pick B) barely missed the QB or RB on a hit in the backfield or C) was barely out of position in coverage. However, I feel like Harrison and Woodley have been held about 90 percent of the time this year (maybe that's just bias)

 

For me, the major area of concern regarding our defense is our ability to stop the run. We are giving up 4 yards per carry, and honestly it has been painful to watch at times. This means that teams don't have to be one dimensional against us.

There are other areas of concern that have already been noted. Third and long is being given up far too often for my comfort. Our pass rush is rarely effective unless we bring 5 or more (6 or more may be more accurate) on a blitz. I will concede, however, that having both Harrison and Woodley (healthy) on the field together could improve our rush significantly. Also, if we were better at stopping the run, I'd think we'd see more blitzing and pressure plays; but because we have been a little soft vs. the run, we have to play-call a little conservatively to keep from getting completely gashed on the ground.

On the plus side, I've been happy with our secondary. I feel that it is significantly better than last year. I haven't heard his name mentioned much, but I am happy how the dbs have performed under Carnell Lake.

Oddly, I think that overall I might actually be more comfortable with our defense this year than with last year's. I haven't always felt this way. But considering the "elite" teams (who have prolific passing games) in the league right now, I think our defense this year matches up better against them than last year's. Yes, the run defense is still a concern, but I feel like we are good enough in that area to compete well against most teams.

 

to think age hasen't affected this defense , would be nieve at best. not just old age but young age. it works for you and against you on both sides of the spectrum. we have managed to keep a pretty even keel so far. i like alot of our young guys and they will improve to fit in. our older guys are aging quickly and the injuries are taking longer to heal. they still have some game in them though.

 

I think Dick LeBeau designs his defenses to limit the yards per play of the other teams.

http://www.teamrankings.com/nfl/stat/op ... s-per-play

I think that is why our DB's play off the line of scrimmage. Our DB's are in position to tackle and limit the yards of the play. How often do you see other teams allow long yards on short passes. LeBeau doesn't try to stop every play but to stop every drive, if you know what I mean.

We have a great defense designed for the new rules (if that is possible, PI can be called on nearly every long pass. I think that is why we throw them).

We have the lowest yards per play in four of the last five years. Our defense is incredible.

 

the thing that bothers me is our suddenly shaky run defense........... casey hampton hasn't been nearly the force he needs to be........... we've been slowly re-stocking the d-line (hood + heyward), so look for us to add hampton's future replacement in the next draft (alameda ta'amu anyone??)........... woodley and harrison have played in only 10 games and have 9 sacks apiece.......... the pass rush will be ok.........i can also see us grooming troy or clark's replacement at safety + would love to see someone like alabama's mark barron here.........

 

Do you know what NE's overall record against the Steelers is? Son, you need
to watch more football.