Originally Posted by keg in kc
I think sometimes we're enamored with the stats that don't matter. We look for flash when substance is what's really important.
Last year we allowed just under 115 yards rushing at 4.6 ypc, and gave up 18 rushing TDs. This year we have what amounts to the same defensive line, but we're giving up less than 90 yards rushing at a 3.9 ypc clip. We've only allowed 5 rushing scores. Kendrell Bell has been a big part of that.
He hasn't been what I thought he'd be, either. I envisioned a big sack total, a blur off the edge, maybe more of a playmaker. What we've gotten is a hard-nosed, hard-hitting linebacker who's attacked blocking linemen and helped funnel plays to the guys around him. Kawika Mitchell is having the year he's having in no small part because of Bell's play. The same can be said of Derrick Johnson. The fact is, the guy's been involved in a number of plays, and he's been, I think, an important catalyst in the vastly improved rush defense. He's looked more comfortable of late dropping into zone in passing situations, too.
Now, would I like to see a little more pass rush presence? Sure, although frankly we don't seem to use him that way as often as I expected. But I'm not going to complain about what we're getting. He's not a bust, not in any way. The defense is better, clearly and obviously better, particularly at the linebacker position. We're good there, across the board, for the first time in my memory. So Johnson and Mitchell are reaping the benefits of that, building up the big (but ultimately empty) tackle stats. Big deal. Bell's been a part of the equation, too. A big part. We're playing better because he's on the field, same as with Knight and Surtain.
Maybe the stats aren't as flashy as we'd like, but the results, as a unit, are looking pretty good from where I'm sitting.
|
