Defensive Line Formations

by marroncito on Oct 19, 2009 9:27 AM CDT

Did anyone notice how the defensive line lined up in this game? Williams lining up by himself at left end. Okoye & Smith stacked at about the right end and Connor Barwin standing up like a MLB? It seems that Frank Bush is trying to take advantage of Barwin's athleticism. I saw it on a few plays. Barwin would stunt around the end or drive right up the middle. I imagine the look made it harder for Palmer to read the defense. He had to account for a DE in the middle of the field. I imagine with some work, it will make a four man rush harder for the opposing Olinemen as well. Any idea what this formation is called? What do you think Barwin is reading to determine if he goes up the middle or around the end? Would the same look work with other personnel? It seemed to be somewhat successful in getting pressure and stopping the run.

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Barwin

I think they’re trying to loop him into the middle quite a bit, since his only real move is an outside speed rush, and that’s pretty easy to block, when you know it’s coming. Also, he’s not big or strong enough to have a firm inside move on a tackle, so they loop him all the way in, trying to get him through an open gap. It hasn’t worked too great since pre-season, but it’s worth a shot. Hell, for a QB to just see a DLineman crossing his face at that speed might make him a little jumpy.
He’s not ad-libbing, though, I wouldn’t think. I doubt the coaches would allow that from a guy with so little experience. Also, when your DE’s ad-lib their assignments, you can get scorched on outside runs, when they were supposed to have containment.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Oct 19, 2009 9:53 AM CDT reply actions

Have to agree

I think there is very little ad-libbing by anyone in this defense. It has to be a rare play in a rare situation for the coaches to allow that, for the exact reason you stated, missed assignments and loss of containment. I would say this, with a QB like Palmer, who is not mobile, a little more ad-libbing might not be a bad thing on obvious passing downs.

I missed the entire game, so I can only go by what people are saying here. I like what I hear about the coaches mixing it up like they did. With the defensive players getting better at containment and not missing assignments, the next thing to do to create game-changing plays is to mix it up like this. I like it!

I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?

by Rip Jersey on Oct 21, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions

they are doing lots of different looks to confuse the opposing offense. If you notice they have even lined up Smith and Bulman both on the inside, and they have put Cushing on the line. Its all about confusing the o line so someone gets to shoot a gap.

Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed

by DaGoaT on Oct 19, 2009 10:16 AM CDT reply actions

lets go with a 5-2-4 defense

Barwin, Smith, Okoye, Bulman, Mario

Cushing, Ryans

Dunta, Wilson, Pollard, Reeves

SICK!!!

by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Oct 19, 2009 10:42 AM CDT reply actions

I like the new looks.

But the sack numbers aren’t improving.

You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.

by CFHTim on Oct 19, 2009 10:47 AM CDT reply actions

yeah.

they did the same thing with mario last year. standing up gives him a running start, also helps them breathe better. i was actually surprised that Mario is exclusively “hand down” now, i don’t see i’ve seen a snap yet where he himself has been standing.

You are banned from Music City Miracles. (twice)
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.

by chrisd21 on Oct 19, 2009 11:52 AM CDT reply actions

Im just happy to see that

We’re playing Zac Diles less and less.

by Jordann on Oct 19, 2009 12:34 PM CDT reply actions

? not sure what you mean by that. Diles has been pretty solid.

Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed

by DaGoaT on Oct 19, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Enjoy him now..

before he hurts himself in the shower, or breaks a wrist washing his truck.

You are banned from Music City Miracles.
Happy Now Tits?
You are banned from Blogging The Boys.

by CFHTim on Oct 19, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Solis with a post

and marroncito re-appears this week.

It’s like a flashback, man!

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Oct 19, 2009 4:46 PM CDT reply actions

Next Up On BRB

Scott returns.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Oct 20, 2009 8:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I knew it

I knew you still had some crates of Zima stored in your mom’s basement.

So you're saying that now I have to think of some witty Sig that will be applicable across all the SBN sites? Go Texan Horn Stro Kets!

by Shake on Oct 21, 2009 6:59 AM CDT up reply actions

I don’t think the problem is with the fundamental design of our blitzes, but with the fact we tip them off so early. We basically let the QB see the blitz as soon as we line up. Most NFL QB’s are going to be able to beat that.

"Well, at least our players kept their helmets on, so that showed some intelligence"-Bob McNair

by papabear on Oct 19, 2009 5:19 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

that and I dont really like the delayed blitzes, they just dont seem to get there in time. I’d rather send the guy right away and get in the QB face in less than 3 seconds.

Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed

by DaGoaT on Oct 20, 2009 7:12 AM CDT up reply actions