I'm starting to wonder why Capers and Saban insist on using Taylor and Thomas in ways that limit their effectiveness. Both Thomas and Taylor are still great players, but all players have certain weaknesses, and some of our defensive schemes seem to expose their weaknesses rather than cover them.
Zach is a read and react linebacker. Because of his determined study habits, quick reaction time, and sideline-to-sideline speed, Zach will make a lot of plays for a defense. However, he has always had problems covering bigger tight ends downfield, and he is not the most effective blitzer because of his size. I cringe everytime I see Zach blitz, because I know he is not going to get to the quarterback, and I know that usually leaves a receiver in the middle of the field running unchecked through the zone.
Taylor is constantly moved around on defensive front, and I think it is starting to hurt his performance. Pass rushers, like running backs or receivers, need to get into a rythm to be effective. Sometimes a certain move is calculated in the first quarter just to get an offensive lineman to bite on something later in the game. It's a constant one-on-one chess match. Taylor has lost a little of that by shuffling around the line.
I understand that Taylor and Thomas have new roles in the hybrid defense that Capers and Saban designed. However, I think their roles should be more limited to things they do well, and then the other elements can be added for surprise.
Zach is a read and react linebacker. Because of his determined study habits, quick reaction time, and sideline-to-sideline speed, Zach will make a lot of plays for a defense. However, he has always had problems covering bigger tight ends downfield, and he is not the most effective blitzer because of his size. I cringe everytime I see Zach blitz, because I know he is not going to get to the quarterback, and I know that usually leaves a receiver in the middle of the field running unchecked through the zone.
Taylor is constantly moved around on defensive front, and I think it is starting to hurt his performance. Pass rushers, like running backs or receivers, need to get into a rythm to be effective. Sometimes a certain move is calculated in the first quarter just to get an offensive lineman to bite on something later in the game. It's a constant one-on-one chess match. Taylor has lost a little of that by shuffling around the line.
I understand that Taylor and Thomas have new roles in the hybrid defense that Capers and Saban designed. However, I think their roles should be more limited to things they do well, and then the other elements can be added for surprise.
