Age of defense a concern?

[67Stang]

These last games especially, we came out dominate on D with an intense pass rush. Then the 2nd half comes and it is a completely different D, with hardly any pressure. I am wondering if this has to do with Porter, JT, Starks and Ferg's age? It is like night and day though between 1st half to 2nd half.

 

[Nublar7]

Starks is only 25 years old. Porter, Taylor, Bell and Ferguson are the only starters in their 30s. Everyone else is very young.

 

[Dr. Phin]

I don't look it as "age", but "scheme." We seem to quit blitzing in the second half and even start going into the nickle on 1st down consistently.

 

[67Stang]

Starks is only 25 years old. Porter, Taylor, Bell and Ferguson are the only starters in their 30s. Everyone else is very young.

That is great, thanks! I thought Starks was older! Still out main points of pass rush are getting old!

 

[Ed Norton]

Part of it may be age but don't forget the scores came in a crazy streak of a fumble return and then the 2 kick returns so the O sat on the bench for a long time and the D didn't get a rest.

 

[gofins]

Don't see age as a problem. They said during the game that our D was one of best in the 4th quarter last year and one of the worst this year. What's different? I'm not a football genius, but it may be pretty simple to pin point.

 

[RealityBites]

We do need to get a little younger, but with talented youth. Until we can add that talent, we are what we are...A very soft Defense in the fouth quarter...There's no denying our 4th Qtr "D" is pretty horrible...we have allowed the most points(I bet yardage too) in the league in the 4th, compared to the fewest last year. Hope we turn this around. I thought Roth did nicely in his first game back. :)

 

[tfh_rules]

Age could be a factor with the QB pressure, because Porter and JT are both older.

Next season I fear that the entire starting LB core needs to be turned over. The defense has serious issues so far. But not much can be done at this point in the season.

 

[Namor]

We are to young in some areas.
To old in some areas.
and untalented in some areas.

 

[DuderinoN703]

We do need to get a little younger, but with talented youth. Until we can add that talent, we are what we are...A very soft Defense in the fouth quarter...There's no denying our 4th Qtr "D" is pretty horrible...we have allowed the most points(I bet yardage too) in the league in the 4th, compared to the fewest last year. Hope we turn this around. I thought Roth did nicely in his first game back. :)

Younger than having 3 rookies start in a game?

 

[FinsNCanes]

It's..something. It's like two different D's play for us. We obviously stop doing whatever it is we do in the 1st half which seems to be blitziing and shifting around. I don't understand why this is though.

 

[67Stang]

We also need to learn to put people away, we seem to gain control and brainfart and let them back in too much!

 

[dolfan91]

going into the season you knew that there were going to be growing pains... especially having replaced 2 servicable veterens, that played well for Miami in 2008, with 3 young DB's fresh out of college, then, throw in Wilson who is not playing well as a FS and you have a recipe for disaster!!! and thats how it has played out... my guess is Wilson is a possible cut after the season is over; if Clemons shows he can play at a starting caliber level at safety... but going forward, this only means that with more experience the secondary could really be special, just maybe not in 2009!!! also lets not forget Matt Roth is just getting back from injury and once he is healthy and playing at the level he played at in 2008... the defense should also improve... So Porter, Taylor, Ferguson and Bell, will eventually give way and become more of the role players that could give the defense a very different look and effect in 2010

 

[SRM]

I doubt age is the problem. Look at the Saints' D.

 

[finfan54]

I don't look it as "age", but "scheme." We seem to quit blitzing in the second half and even start going into the nickle on 1st down consistently.

No, actually we didnt. we were still blitzing LB's instead of keeping them in coverage. I think we figured it out just in time thoughbecause the shots to the end zone were very well covered and JT stuck Keller and took the RB out of backfield. Vontae makes tackle. Stops them on 3rd down.

I think we should put pressure on QB's but then realize they are adjusting blocking and routes to make quicker hits.

And I will say again:

Every time we have only 3 down linemen, we are successful.