Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
The problem is that you can't play DoD against the Rams as much because even in their 11 personnel they'll spread you out and let Gurley wreck you. And with Williams and Nnadi doing a poor job of keeping guys off the ILBs, DoD will get driven out of the play on any designed interior run.
Yes, if the interior DL can keep the ILBs clean, maybe you can get away with more DoD but let's not act like he's been all wine and roses out there. He's getting beat up on runs directly at him and has had some notable coverage breakdowns as well. I'm seeing more and more why he wasn't out there earlier.
Don't get me wrong - I'm happy to see him playing/learning, but he's definitely raw and far from a finished product. I don't see him being a key cog in slowing down Gurley this week - he's too easy to manipulate or scheme towards.
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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.