[oldman]

Originally Posted by FAX

I've been watching a lot of film and the most conspicuous issue I see with the MLBs is hesitation at the snap. At first, I thought they were just having trouble shedding blocks. Then, I thought maybe they simply weren't hitting the correct gaps (which might explain why they were taking bad angles and the blocks were thusly more effective). Finally, I realized that the issue is more fundamental. They're guessing out there. Now, I don't know the calls, obviously, so I'm not completely certain that's the case. However, it appears to me that they are hesitating at the snap. Can't read ... can't react.

To me, that means one of two things; either they're presented with un-scouted formations or they're simply unsure of their responsibility. If it's the latter, that's on the coaches. If it's the former, they need to do more film work.

If any of that is true, it boils down to this; knowing and expecting is a ton better than guessing and indecisive. In that light, I view DJ as a net positive (if I'm right, of course).

You hit the nail right on the head with this analysis, FAX. That 1st step is the key and our ILBs let the blockers get right on them before they react.