Quote:
Originally Posted by jaa1025
He does struggle when blockers engage him but he's the only LB on the roster that can cover backs out of the backfield consistently. Like DJ, he will have to learn to avoid these blocks to have a successful career. He will play a lot against the Rams, IMO, for better or worse.
And I think the problem with the run defense is largely to do with the line and/or scheme more than anything.
|
I said in another thread that I agree - the run defense issue is looking to fall on the DTs more than I realized. But that is still the world we live in this week. And yes, DoD will need to be able to avoid being engaged to succeed and seems to have the athleticism to do that - but again, that's a long-term answer to an immediate problem.
This week I don't think you can expect that DoD will suddenly be able to avoid the OL or that our DTs will suddenly have a switch flip and they'll occupy blockers better.
Right now we need to operate in the world in real time and that world is one where I think O'Daniel would get his ass handed to him if left out there to fend for himself in run downs. Is that a personal indictment on him? No - just a statement of where we are right now.