The Primary Flaw with Romeo's 2-Gap

[Sorter]

A few have been asking "Why don't we switch to a 4-3" and most have been like myself and have been campaigning for a switch to the 1-gap.

Now, Direckshun has posted a nice breakdown of the difference between the two philosophies, and I'll link that later.

However, the 2-gap isn't a completely flawed scheme. To run it effectively in today's NFL, you need to have DEs like Tyson/Dorsey who are solid against the run but also can diagnose run vs. pass quickly and then provide an adequate pass rush (pushing the pocket or obtaining a double team while still progressing upfield).

For example, the Ravens and Mike Nolan (D-Coordinator for the Falcons) still run a 2-gap philosophy. (Nolan runs a hybrid 3-4 2-gap and a 4-3, but I can talk about that later).The difference is that while the Ravens run the 2-gap (albeit, having their DEs play the 4-tech instead of our 5), they utilize a fire-zone heavy concept. Meaning, they will pull DEs into coverage occasionally and bring pressure from safeties, nickel and dime backs. Their philosophy is to "Rush 5, drop 6".

For those that think our Defense sucks, you're entitled to your opinion but it is wrong. To those that think the 2-gap entirely sucks, you're wrong as well. The main problem with this defense IMO is the inability to get pressure from our base front (3-4 odd, DEs playing the 5-tech). To play our scheme effectively, you need smart DEs who can address the play quickly and accordingly. Simply put, our DEs are not smart enough or talented enough to do so in our base front. Granted, Allan Bailey is fine from our sub package (playing the 3-tech), but can't be relied on in our base front because he doesn't play well against the run or quickly diagnoses run v. pass enough to provide an adequate rush, much like our other DEs.

I know most will just see a wall of text, but this will probably help several understand some of our defensive flaws and why we struggle against the pass in our base set.

Cliffs:
1. Our 2-gap requires players we have not acquired; it can still be effective but is much more difficult to do than a 1-gap philosophy.
2. The responsibilities for a 2-gap DE and NT are much more difficult than those of a 1-gap.
3. I personally would like to see our team go to a 1-gap. Attacking defensive lineman are much better served than run-stoppers in today's NFL.

I know most will tl;dr, but if you disagree with it, post your thoughts. We have too much bitching on this site and not enough discussion about scheme, football philosophies, and concepts.

[Titty Meat]

There was no flaw with Romeos defense.

[mcaj22]

i still think Dunta doesnt have a place on this team

he cant play CB outside or inside
he has one leg now, so hes very slow
cant cover anyone WR, Slot WR, TE, FB, HB
and he probably has no range to play Safety
and hes injury prone.

what hes good at
Hitting and Tackling, but every time he makes a hard hit now hes out 2 weeks with a concussion so he cant even do that anymore.

He will be this years Stanford Routt for sure. A victim that people will pick on and pick on all game. A good measuring stick of Dunta is "If Dexter McCluster can beat you all game in a 1 on 1 matchup, than a lot of people can and will" And that was Dunta last year in a nutshell.

Sean Smith should be the full time CB2 and Tysyn Hartman should be the FS.

[Sorter]

Pretty much sums up how I feel about him.

[mcaj22]

he just has too many "cons" than pros at this stage of his career, hes not what he used to be in Houston. He's a huge shell of himself, I think a bigger shell than what even Routt was.

Sean Smith and Hartman are young, with huge upside and potential to get better and I say **** it, throw them into the fire and dont give bad players starters snaps just cause of their "name" and reputation

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by mcaj22

i still think Dunta doesnt have a place on this team

he cant play CB outside or inside
he has one leg now, so hes very slow
cant cover anyone WR, Slot WR, TE, FB, HB
and he probably has no range to play Safety
and hes injury prone.

what hes good at
Hitting and Tackling, but every time he makes a hard hit now hes out 2 weeks with a concussion so he cant even do that anymore.

He will be this years Stanford Routt for sure. A victim that people will pick on and pick on all game. A good measuring stick of Dunta is "If Dexter McCluster can beat you all game in a 1 on 1 matchup, than a lot of people can and will" And that was Dunta last year in a nutshell.

Sean Smith should be the full time CB2 and Tysyn Hartman should be the FS.

I agree. Still can't believe how many here loved that signing.

We are gonna pay him almost as much as Dumervil is gonna get from Baltimore.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by mcaj22

he just has too many "cons" than pros at this stage of his career, hes not what he used to be in Houston. He's a huge shell of himself, I think a bigger shell than what even Routt was.

Sean Smith and Hartman are young, with huge upside and potential to get better and I say **** it, throw them into the fire and dont give bad players starters snaps just cause of their "name" and reputation

I think Bin Laden is gonna show up for us and play well as the other safety...what do you see in Hartman?...I guess I can see him not even making the team.