A sincere apology to the Saints LBer corp!

by Saint for life on Nov 29, 2011 10:21 AM CST

Everyone that knows me can attest to the fact that I have been brutally critical about the Saints LBers for a couple of years now (with the exception of J. Vilma). I've fealt that every since Fujita left for Browner pastures (and I mean that literally and figuratively) that it exposed the group and I've beat the crap out of them every since. So to Shanle, Casillas, Dunbar, Herring and Wilson I say I'm sorry for putting all the blame on you. In fact, you should share the blame with underwhelmingly, under performing and highly overrated defensive line. To the linebacker group, you have the excuse of being late round and undrafted players. The D Line doesn't have that excuse. We have 3 1st rounders on the line (count em....Smith, Ellis and Jordan are all high paid 1st rounders) that have a combined 7 sacks on the season and 6 of them are by Will Smith who started off the season suspended! I fully believe that our blitz happy defensive coordinator (who does love to blitz) is now blitzing more than ever because you big boys just ain't getting the job done. This is especially disturbing when you play with an offense that is statistically speaking amongst the best of all time. I'm not saying that you have to average 4 sacks a game, but get pressure some of the time without G. Williams sending our team sack leader from the secondary up the gut to cover your collective buts! When you add to the fact that we got big boys S. Rogers and A.Franklin to stuff the run (not help stuff the run) I'm even more upset. Don't get me wrong because I still think we need an upgrade at the linebacker spots, but I don't think we should have to spend another damn dime on d-linemen. Either play or take the high road and have a beer with Olin Kreutz!

This FanPost was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.

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Yea had me all the way till I read Shanle's name

by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 29, 2011 11:06 AM CST reply actions

Let me point something out here

I fully believe that our blitz happy defensive coordinator (who does love to blitz) is now blitzing more than ever because you big boys just ain’t getting the job done.

Our blitz happy D-Coordinator may be part of the problem. You will notice that when Drew tends to get sacked, it is because his receivers are covered. When this happens, defenses are only rushing 3-4 players and everyone else drops back in coverage forcing Drew to hold on to the ball causing a sack, partly because Drew just can’t seem to force himself to throw it away. If we blitzed less and actually covered the receivers of the other team, instead of giving up those big receptions, then our DE’s, and DT’s would actually have time to get that pressure and sacks on opposing QB’s.

R.I.P. Andy Rooney

by cajuncommando58 on Nov 29, 2011 11:40 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

Maybe he's slow to learn that

the reason that worked so well his first season is spelled “Sharper”. I hope Jenkins can get to that level of play someday. But, no doubt, Darren was special.

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 29, 2011 12:09 PM CST up reply actions

I have to agree....Rec'd it

I still don’t understand our defensive mentality with the blitzes that never get to the quarterback. If something doesn’t work, you usually try something else but we continue to try to force the issue. I don’t agree with the argument that GW blitzes to cover up a lack of talent on the defense. I look at the defensive roster and see talent at every position except LB. I just think GW is stubborn and is trying to relive his greatness from 09. I hate to tell you GW but 09 seems like a long time ago.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.

by AcquiredPanic on Nov 29, 2011 4:10 PM CST up reply actions

Stubborn's a nice way to say it

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 29, 2011 6:07 PM CST up reply actions

DISAGREE

You will notice that when Drew tends to get sacked, it is because his receivers are covered.

in fairness, our offense rarely has its receivers covered- we are on a record- setting pace in regards to the passing game so I don’t think that supports the argument very well. Your argument says we should rush less players and play more coverage. Doesn’t seem to work very well AGAINST us- we tear it up- why should it work FOR us?

QB pressure is the only way and this method has us in first place and challenging to be 2nd seed. I’d argue don’t fix it if it ain’t broke.

If Pro is the opposite of Con, what is the opposite of Progress? Congress!
-Men's Restroom - House of Representatives, Washington, DC

by Philinwood on Nov 29, 2011 7:39 PM CST reply actions

I agree blitzing is the way to go

I also believe are LB’s are just screwing with us right now
They are playing good and I am waiting for our real LB’s to show up
Good thing we have the best offense in the league and its hard for teams to get in a shootout with us

by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 29, 2011 7:43 PM CST up reply actions

All I know is Roman Harper looked awesome bringing Brandon Jacobs down on the goal line.

Oh, wait ..

You can toga party, but you can't toga fish.

by coldpizza on Nov 30, 2011 4:13 AM CST reply actions

Ha!

Whodat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by nofear on Nov 30, 2011 5:58 AM CST up reply actions

Ever think it's the LBs that are making the DLs look bad?

When the LBs fail to maintain gap discipline and outside contain on running plays, and can’t cover anyone on passing plays, it’s pretty hard for the d-line to look good.

As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality. -Albert Einstein

by HB-NOLA on Nov 30, 2011 11:16 AM CST reply actions

yeah, but lots of plays it's the DE that has outside contain, or even a CB

and with most teams it’s the DL as the unsung heroes allowing LBs to be stars because the OL doesn’t get to them.

Obviously they have to work together. As for me, I think our DL is disciplined but not exceptional. They do their job, they just could do it better.

If Pro is the opposite of Con, what is the opposite of Progress? Congress!
-Men's Restroom - House of Representatives, Washington, DC

by Philinwood on Nov 30, 2011 12:18 PM CST reply actions

Will Smith and Jonathan Vilma are both excellent in run recognition and pursuit. Outside of that, I’d gladly trade our front seven (as a group) for 20 others in the league. If I had to include those two … probably 19 others.

You can toga party, but you can't toga fish.

by coldpizza on Nov 30, 2011 2:18 PM CST up reply actions