This defense has been built on the line's pass rush for 20 years now. Historically,we have not looked for speed necessarily in the back 7 because the rush was supposed to level that out.
You can debate whether that continues to be a wise idea in an age where the League has bent the rules so far in favor of the passing game, (sacks are down league wide), and where most rushing attacks depend on relatively small, speedy backs who rely on change of direction (think McCoy and Murray,) but it is what it is and that is what Fewell has to work with.
BTW, the team seems to be making a bow in the direction of getting more speed in the back 7. Beason and Williams are historically light for Giant linebackers and DRC was an injection of top end speed. It doesn't help though when 2 of the 3 can't go. When you've got a relatively slow back 7 and no rush, you are going to have guys left in the dust by the opposition forcing others to try and cover up.
In comment 11939504 HomerJones45 said:
[quote] Issues when we have a pass rush.
Not only does Fewell seldom blitz intelligently, but I've seen many plays where he peels back one or two defensive lineman to stand in space watching the opposing QB complete a pass for a first down or touchdown. Too many times the Giants defense plays 'prevent' on third and long. Fewel does coach scared, which can make for depressingly long drives against the Giant defense.
This defense has been built on the line's pass rush for 20 years now. Historically,we have not looked for speed necessarily in the back 7 because the rush was supposed to level that out.
You can debate whether that continues to be a wise idea in an age where the League has bent the rules so far in favor of the passing game, (sacks are down league wide), and where most rushing attacks depend on relatively small, speedy backs who rely on change of direction (think McCoy and Murray,) but it is what it is and that is what Fewell has to work with.
BTW, the team seems to be making a bow in the direction of getting more speed in the back 7. Beason and Williams are historically light for Giant linebackers and DRC was an injection of top end speed. It doesn't help though when 2 of the 3 can't go. When you've got a relatively slow back 7 and no rush, you are going to have guys left in the dust by the opposition forcing others to try and cover up.
[quote] Issues when we have a pass rush.
Not only does Fewell seldom blitz intelligently, but I've seen many plays where he peels back one or two defensive lineman to stand in space watching the opposing QB complete a pass for a first down or touchdown. Too many times the Giants defense plays 'prevent' on third and long. Fewel does coach scared, which can make for depressingly long drives against the Giant defense.