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One big problem we have had on defense for awhile is lack of playmaking. We need guys that will make the big stop on 3rd down, break up the pass, make an interception, get in the backfield, make a sack, force a fumble, etc.
After 3 years, Channing Crowder has just not shown big play ability. I just don't think he plays that way. Will he change? Hard to say. Zach had tremendous attention to detail, leading to great anticipation and he knew how to make plays. Crowder played outside some in the 4-3 and when he went to Mike there was a precipitous drop off from Zach. As a 248 lb inside 'backer in the 3-4, maybe that will be more suited to Crowder. Let's hope so. At the same time, let's not be blind to his lack of playmaking. You cannot give a huge contract to a kid that does not make game changing plays. Zach deserved the big checks, Channing does not. Channing is solid and steady, but not a playmaker and should be paid accordingly. Good salary but not great.
Now who plays alongside Channing? The coaches like Ayodele. The problem is he is not explosive and is basically Channing lite. Not a playmaker by any stretch. It would be nice to plug in a kid next to Channing on the inside who is going to make some plays.
I submit that Reggie Torbor will give us that opportunity. He flies around more than Crowder or Ayodele. He can cover and he can rush. He gives us a much better chance to make plays than Ayodele by a longshot. Maybe Reg is a less steady than Ayodele and that is probably why Sparano and Paul Pasqualoni like Ayodele over Torbor. But I would argue that we already have the steady guy in Channing and someone needs to make a play. I think Reggie is the guy.
The other argument is that Torbor may be a better option off the bench because you can line him up inside or outside. That may be true. But Ayodele earlier in his career played outside too. At this stage, I don't think we remotely want Ayodele outside where his lack of athleticism would be exposed. But it seems like we have some other bodies outside with Porter, Anderson, Moses, Ninkovich, and maybe Roth.
Like wide receiver, this team will need to draft some big time outside linebackers in the next two drafts. Also, I am intrigued about Porter playing inside possibly.
After 3 years, Channing Crowder has just not shown big play ability. I just don't think he plays that way. Will he change? Hard to say. Zach had tremendous attention to detail, leading to great anticipation and he knew how to make plays. Crowder played outside some in the 4-3 and when he went to Mike there was a precipitous drop off from Zach. As a 248 lb inside 'backer in the 3-4, maybe that will be more suited to Crowder. Let's hope so. At the same time, let's not be blind to his lack of playmaking. You cannot give a huge contract to a kid that does not make game changing plays. Zach deserved the big checks, Channing does not. Channing is solid and steady, but not a playmaker and should be paid accordingly. Good salary but not great.
Now who plays alongside Channing? The coaches like Ayodele. The problem is he is not explosive and is basically Channing lite. Not a playmaker by any stretch. It would be nice to plug in a kid next to Channing on the inside who is going to make some plays.
I submit that Reggie Torbor will give us that opportunity. He flies around more than Crowder or Ayodele. He can cover and he can rush. He gives us a much better chance to make plays than Ayodele by a longshot. Maybe Reg is a less steady than Ayodele and that is probably why Sparano and Paul Pasqualoni like Ayodele over Torbor. But I would argue that we already have the steady guy in Channing and someone needs to make a play. I think Reggie is the guy.
The other argument is that Torbor may be a better option off the bench because you can line him up inside or outside. That may be true. But Ayodele earlier in his career played outside too. At this stage, I don't think we remotely want Ayodele outside where his lack of athleticism would be exposed. But it seems like we have some other bodies outside with Porter, Anderson, Moses, Ninkovich, and maybe Roth.
Like wide receiver, this team will need to draft some big time outside linebackers in the next two drafts. Also, I am intrigued about Porter playing inside possibly.
I know, we'll probably need a top 10 pick to snatch either of them but it's something positive if we don't have such a great season.
