Who are our interior rushers on "must pass" downs?

Had one of the Lions beat writers on a week or so ago and he said that the Lions tried to use D.Taylor in that role but he was not very good at it. Could just be a Lions thing or maybe he just did not buy into playing inside. I think you move JPP inside along with Okwara and bring Kennard down opposite Vernon. They did that a lot last season and had some success with it.

In comment 13524578 NYBEN1963 said:

Quote:

Had one of the Lions beat writers on a week or so ago and he said that the Lions tried to use D.Taylor in that role but he was not very good at it. Could just be a Lions thing or maybe he just did not buy into playing inside. I think you move JPP inside along with Okwara and bring Kennard down opposite Vernon. They did that a lot last season and had some success with it.

I noticed Kennard a lot on the outside in these situations. He didn't get a lot of pressure. Also, OO did a lot of rushing in those situations from the interior but didn't get many pressures. I hope they are looking for upgrades there. My hope is that Moss can do something either from inside a la Tuck, or outside. Also, I know Schwan is more a practice squad candidate, but I'd be curious to see how he could do from the inside.

Remember our DT who had that spin move from a couple of years back? What was his name again? Can't remember, but he was the (relatively) little guy who was tough for OG to keep up with off that spin move. Would be nice to have someone work out that way - tough to pass-block on the interior of the line.

In comment 13524578 NYBEN1963 said:

Quote:

Had one of the Lions beat writers on a week or so ago and he said that the Lions tried to use D.Taylor in that role but he was not very good at it. Could just be a Lions thing or maybe he just did not buy into playing inside. I think you move JPP inside along with Okwara and bring Kennard down opposite Vernon. They did that a lot last season and had some success with it.

JPP inside was a thought as well, especially if D. Taylor or R. Okwara can provide pressure from the outside. I see rookie Avery Moss as more of a developing guy this year. Not saying Moss won't play just not as sure about him as others, includng Kennard lining up on the outside.

In comment 13524624 Dan in the Springs said:

Quote:

In comment 13524578 NYBEN1963 said: Quote: Had one of the Lions beat writers on a week or so ago and he said that the Lions tried to use D.Taylor in that role but he was not very good at it. Could just be a Lions thing or maybe he just did not buy into playing inside. I think you move JPP inside along with Okwara and bring Kennard down opposite Vernon. They did that a lot last season and had some success with it. I noticed Kennard a lot on the outside in these situations. He didn't get a lot of pressure. Also, OO did a lot of rushing in those situations from the interior but didn't get many pressures. I hope they are looking for upgrades there. My hope is that Moss can do something either from inside a la Tuck, or outside. Also, I know Schwan is more a practice squad candidate, but I'd be curious to see how he could do from the inside. Remember our DT who had that spin move from a couple of years back? What was his name again? Can't remember, but he was the (relatively) little guy who was tough for OG to keep up with off that spin move. Would be nice to have someone work out that way - tough to pass-block on the interior of the line.

OWA is an enigma cause he has physical tools and talent that say "pass rusher" but production says "JAG" so at this point I'm about ready to write him off as an unfortunate draft pick who had issues. I'm not even sure if he'll be in camp this year due to his personal issues, unfortunate as they are. I'll pray for the guy.

In comment 13524624 Dan in the Springs said:

Quote:

Can't remember, but he was the (relatively) little guy who was tough for OG to keep up with off that spin move.

Nikita Whitlock

In comment 13524624 Dan in the Springs said:

Quote:

In comment 13524578 NYBEN1963 said: Quote: Had one of the Lions beat writers on a week or so ago and he said that the Lions tried to use D.Taylor in that role but he was not very good at it. Could just be a Lions thing or maybe he just did not buy into playing inside. I think you move JPP inside along with Okwara and bring Kennard down opposite Vernon. They did that a lot last season and had some success with it. I noticed Kennard a lot on the outside in these situations. He didn't get a lot of pressure. Also, OO did a lot of rushing in those situations from the interior but didn't get many pressures. I hope they are looking for upgrades there. My hope is that Moss can do something either from inside a la Tuck, or outside. Also, I know Schwan is more a practice squad candidate, but I'd be curious to see how he could do from the inside. Remember our DT who had that spin move from a couple of years back? What was his name again? Can't remember, but he was the (relatively) little guy who was tough for OG to keep up with off that spin move. Would be nice to have someone work out that way - tough to pass-block on the interior of the line.

Whitlock. He only played DT because of the severe lack of talent we had. There's no way he ever gets in a game at DT with the talent we have now.

In comment 13524827 OntheRoad said:

Quote:

In comment 13524624 Dan in the Springs said: Quote: Can't remember, but he was the (relatively) little guy who was tough for OG to keep up with off that spin move. Nikita Whitlock

I got bashed last off-season for thinking Nikita could be a part-time, 2nd half when guys are tired, interior pass rush demon. LOL. Too small.

DEs - OV - Taylor
DTs - JPP - Okwara(or) Kennard

In comment 13524918 section125 said:

Quote:

DEs - OV - Taylor DTs - JPP - Okwara(or) Kennard

I don't recall Kennard rushing from the inside last year? But JPP and Okwara, yeah, they could be the "must pass down" interior rushers for sure.

Bromley, Kennard, Vernon, Okwara, and Moss

In comment 13525023 adamg said:

Quote:

Bromley, Kennard, Vernon, Okwara, and Moss

Ya know, I considered Bromley but he really hasn't shown much as a pass rusher to date so ??? I'm hoping year 4, well, he figures it out as it is a contract year for him after all.

I thought it was his third year... Wow...If it's year four then I don't think we'll see substantial improvement, if year three...maybe.

In comment 13525044 grizz299 said:

Quote:

I thought it was his third year... Wow...If it's year four then I don't think we'll see substantial improvement, if year three...maybe.

Year 4 is when Strahan (1996) put together his first superb campaign. Not so much "sack wise" but he was solid vs the run and in 1997 (5th year) is when he blossomed.
Now, lets not mistake Bromley's talent for Michael's, but I still think Jay Bromley can have a solid campaign as can R. Thomas & D. Tomlinson. Just be solid, not a liability that teams can attack and expose and I'd be happy.

believe we'll see our interior pass rushers. Guys that can rush, swat passes, just get in a QB's passing lane and block his vision will be useful. Note: Kerry Wynn is NOT in the mix as an interior rusher. LOL
Defensive End Depth - ( New Window )

Will be one of them, that I almost guarantee, this is a player that is going to help this team.

Could be another, but Taylor has the size, I am sure the strength, and the experience, the Giants did not bring this guy in to just be a backup.

JPP inside, with okwara taking over the outside. and i think the other interior rusher should be a platoon of Moss, Wynn ( who ive said before should be moved to DT). If Taylor makes the team then hhe is clearly another option.

If he can play, lets keep JPP outside and move Moss inside and matched up vs a G or C on some of these obvious passing downs.

Put him standing up on the C on occasion like HOU does with Mercilus. Moss is a similar size/athlete with really long arms and good COD skills. He's good with his hands and may be able to give us a boost with an inside pass rush.

In comment 13525710 KWALL2 said:

Quote:

If he can play, lets keep JPP outside and move Moss inside and matched up vs a G or C on some of these obvious passing downs. Put him standing up on the C on occasion like HOU does with Mercilus. Moss is a similar size/athlete with really long arms and good COD skills. He's good with his hands and may be able to give us a boost with an inside pass rush.

As the season moves along, MOSS may be active on gamedays and may contribute, I agree. At the start of the season, based on what I've read and people have posted here, I'm thinking:

Vernon Taylor JPP Okwara/Kennard - tall and quick hands on the inside, solid rush from the outside. That is how I come out.

said that Taylor really struggles inside, and that he's much better suited as an exterior rusher. I imagine that could be true and may make Taylor and Okwara the preferred exterior guys, especially since Okwara can drop back into coverage if they choose to rush a DB.

inside for Taylor, Okwara, or anybody else on the roster.

If we had a super fast speed rusher who could rip around a OT, then maybe? We don't have one.

In comment 13525951 KWALL2 said:

Quote:

inside for Taylor, Okwara, or anybody else on the roster. If we had a super fast speed rusher who could rip around a OT, then maybe? We don't have one.

I know JPP has slid inside on pass downs cause he is very disruptive inside.

I guess we will have to wait for camp?