You guys are just a little late to the party.

Marcellus and I already came to an agreement, of sorts, that this is what is actually being discussed.

I was just adding to your guys discussion............

So just because I don't consider him the best in the game, I'm underrating him?

He's been a pleasant surprise. I was wrong about what he could become. I just think it's an overstatement to say he is the most feared pass rusher in the game. Because I disagree with that absurd statement I'm a Hali hater?

Just felt I needed to point that out, since, you know, everyone is always wanting to jump on the chance to point out whenever someone gets something wrong.

You could have been on to something except this.

I will say this one more time and that's it.

2009 off season the infamous 700lbs lost, 1 week before the regular season I am at the KO luncheon talking to Hali who is sitting at our table.

I specifically ask him about the whole emphasis on losing weight etc that you are referring to....He tells me he gained weight he did not lose weight. He had to put on weight to play OLB in the 3-4.

What part of that is confusing?

Yes he may have dropped fat, gained muscle etc...He did not lose weight and was not part of the year 1 purge.

Actually my take supports both of you guys. I think that Hali may be heavier, however his physique has changed a lot so he looks very different. Enough that to the casual observer he could look like he's lighter because he is leaner.

Well that's settled then. Horses mouff and all that.

I don't know what they had him playing at in 2008.

What I do know is that in 2009, they had him playing at 260 which is significantly less than the 275 he played most of his career at prior to the 4-3.

So yes, he lost weight. Maybe you're right that he didn't lose much weight between 2008 and 2009. But I'm pretty sure he's playing at a much lower weight than he weighed most of his career.

Isn't Hali one of the most held passrushers in the league as well?

WEll one of the most held that never gets a flag for sure.

Until we draft his sidekick.

We definitely need a bruiser MLB or an opposite edge rusher...

This is something I've been struggling with. Not many 3-4 defenses have an outstanding pass rusher on the left side. I'm not convinced this is the answer.

I know I"m alone on this, but I think Shaun Smith is average at best against the pass and Ron Edwards has been so-so this season. I think the bigger key to the pass rush is getting good contribution from Tyson Jackson on pass downs and getting a consistently legit presence at NT.

You still need a rusher opposite of Hali. As I noted a lot of guys sacks come from the rush of another guy. This is why two good outside guys really compliment each other in a 3-4 front.

You do, but I think a lot of people think the answer is to put two elite pass rushers opposite each other. Pittsburgh is the only successful 3-4 defense that does that, unless someone can think of another team that does. Of course it's a great thing to have. I just happen to think that especially on the left side, you need a DE that is stout against the run, fluid enough to be effective in the pass, and puts just enough pressure to contain the QB. In other words, we don't need another Tamba Hali necessarily.

Because these guys aren't elite rushers, I think the best thing you can do for the other side of the rush is to get more consistent play from the defensive line. I like what Shaun Smith has done, but I think people need to watch him more carefully on passing downs. There are a lot of downs where he gets absolutely swallowed up.

For the money (not that I care what he's paid. As a fan all that matters is he's tying up a $#it ton of cap space) you're damned right Jackson needs to produce.

And FTR all solid 3-4 defenses did have both a stud L and ROLB who could rush the passer.

Pitt goes without mention. When the Panthers first started off under Capers they were able to contend because they had Greene and Lloyd.

You absolutely must be ABLE to rush from either side. You don't do it every down but the ability to do so has to be there...