1Q 2020: Defensive Stats, Snaps, Grades + Poll

[EastStreet]

Doing a two, maybe three part (STs) look at stats, ranks, ets. The D is probably more interesting than the O.

Part 2 - 1Q Defense
A. Grades
B. Defensive Unit ranks, and opponent's oppoiste unit rank
C. Misc Defensive Stats
D. Individual PFF, Snaps, and Key Stats

Note: I realize some don't like PFF. It's not perfect, but is generally directionally correct. In short, save the anecdotal "PFF sucks" stuff, and provide stats or factual data if you disagree.

 

Red = bad, decline, etc.

Green = good, improvement, etc.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

East Street's Defensive Grades (based on the below)
DL: B+
LB: B-
CB: B+
S: B+
Coaching: B (would be an A if not for Jax game)

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Defensive Unit Ranks and Stats (showing each opponent's O unit rank JX/MN/NYJ/CHI)
YPG: 1st (19/22/32/24 - avg 24.3)
Pass YPG: 1st (10/28/32/21 - avg 22.8)
Rush YPG: 4th (22/5/26/20 - avg 18.3)
Points PG: 1st (23/16/31/25 - avg 23.8)
Sacks (most): 10th (least 28/20/24/14 - avg 21.5)
RZ Defense: 19th (7/5/31/27 - avg 17.5) 
3rd Down D: 1st (11/25/28/31 - avg 23.8)

 

Comments:
1. All YPG ranks are fantastic, but opponent strength is poor
2. 10th in sacks is pretty impressive given we are the 2nd least blitzing team.
3. Great is 3rd down D, but poor in the RZ
4. Going to guess as we see better O teams, we'll end up 7-14ish in most ranks

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Misc Defensive Stats/Ranks
Yards Per Play: 1st
1st Downs: 1st
INTs: 1st
Passing NY/A: 1st
Passing ANY/A: 1st
Passing 1st Downs: 1st
Rushing Y/A: 6th
Rushing 1st Downs: 1st
Penalties: 28th (27 teams had less)
First Downs by Pen: 9th T
Score%: 1st
Turnover%: 6th
YAC Allowed (least): 3rd
Sack%: 8th
Safeties: 1st
Blitz%: 31st
Hurry%: 8th (most)
QBKD%: 7th
Pressure%: 4th
INT%: 1st
TFLs: 15th
TD%: 8th (best)
QB Rating: 1st
Missed Tackles: Tied for 3rd least
Rush TDs: Tied 1st
Pass TDS: Tied 4th
Time per Drive: 7th least
Points per Drive: 1st
Yards per Drive: 1st
Plays per Drive: 1st

 

Comments:
1. Again, can't say it enough. What we are doing with a 4 man rush is pretty impressive, even if against some bad OLs.
2. Need to reduce penalties plain in simple. Tied for 8 in DPI. Tied for 7th in "Other"
3. For the most part, the stats are fantastic. How real are they given our opponents?
4. Drive stats are uber good.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Player - 2020 PFF (2019 and 2018 if avail) / snap % (2019 and 2018 if avail)

The Player Grading Scale:
100-90  Elite
89-85    Pro Bowler
84-70    Starter
69-60    Backup 
59-0       Replaceable

Player - 2020 PFF (last year's PFF) / snap % (last year's snap %)

 

Defensive Line
Houston - 73.6 (87.1, 87.4) / 66% (65%, 61%)
-Tied for 4th in Sacks
-Tied for 14th in TFLs
-Leads team in total pressures (9)
Buckner - 90.7 (78.8, 79.3) / 82% (79%, 79%)
-Tied for 6th in QB Hits
-2nd in team total pressures (8)
Stewart - 56.8 (65.8, 52.8) / 54% (61%, 28%)
-Co-leader (team) in missed Ts (3)
Stallworth - 77.6 (65.5m, 59.3) / 19% (9%, 31%)
Autry - 49.0 (71.0, 72.8) / 76% (60%, 53%)
-Tied for 27th in most Sacks (you might say is low, but he's performing at a top 32 rate as our #2 DE)
-3rd in team total pressures (6)
Muhammad - 68.0 (66.2, 68.4) / 55% (47%, 40%)
Lewis - 53.4 (46.1, 53.2) / 23% (22%, 32%)
Banogu - 47.7 (49.0) / 24% (26%)

 

PFF Comments - Not sure I agree with Houston's PFF rating, and sure don't agree with Autry's given a deeper looking at stats. I think if Autry switched sides, you'd see him have similar stats to Houston. 

 

Snap Comments - Stallworth is doing a solid job and perhaps needs more snaps. 

 

General Comments - Buckner is earning the money. Houston's decline in stats IMO is due in big part to the addition of Buckner. Stewart has struggled at times, and sure wished we had Day, hence the comment above about Stallworth. Muhammad has stepped up, and flashed at times to be more than just a run stopper. Will be interesting to see how this group does when we play a very good Browns OL.

 

 

Linebackers
Leonard - 81.6 (78.7, 81.6) / 82% (80%, 91%)
-Leading team in Ts (27)
Okereke - 40.1 (78.4) / 74% (46%)
-Co-leader (team) in missed Ts (3)
-Highest QB Rating allowed on team (starters)
-Most YAC given up on team 
Walker - 55.6 (61.0, 61.9) / 67% (79%, 66%)
-2nd in team Ts and on of the best in the NFL in Ts/Snap
Franklin - 51.4 (61.3, 51.2) /  3% (0%, 17%)

 

PFF Comments - Ouch, huge drop off for Okereke. 

 

Snap Comments - With Oke's snaps going way up, and PFF rating go way down, I think I'm ready to return to 2019 when Walker got the more snaps. 

 

General Comments - Leonard being Leonard and is looking good. Walker is still our highest T/snap guy. Oke looks to really be struggling in pass coverage, and tackling to an extent. Not sure if something is up with him, or if he's struggling in the new match coverage scheme. He's had a few blown coverages that were hard on the eyes. 

 

Cornerback
Moore - 63.5 (75.5, 71.0) / 88% (61%, 87%)
-2nd highest QB rating allowed on team (starters)
-2nd most YAC given up on team
Ya-Sin - 58.2 (65.3) / 41% (82%)
-Co-leader (team) in missed Ts (3)
Rhodes - 82.0 (46.4, 58.2) / 81% (73%, 74%)
-Tied for 2nd most INTs
-Tied for 4th most PDs
-Tied for 1st P6s
Carrie - 71.3 (56.2, 66.9) / 46% (64%, 77%)
-Tied for 2nd most INTs
-Tied for 1st P6s
Rodgers - 61.4 (NA) / 16% (NA)
Smith - 64.3 (NA, 42.7) / 3% (NA)

Bonus - Desir has the most INTs in the league at 3

 

PFF Comments - Huge drop off for Moore. Huge jump for Rhodes and Carrie (what a bargain). Little drop for Ya-Sin, who needs to get healthy and bring it.

 

Snap Count Comments - Not a lot of surprises given the injuries. Good to see Rodgers getting a little time, and looking decent.

 

General Comments - Rhodes is killing it and has really been rejuvenated. Carrie too, who has been more than solid depth. A bit concerned with Moore's huge drop off. Might be a product of playing more on the outside. Hope things get back to normal a bit when Rock is 100%. So far, haven't had to deal with stud WRs, or multiple stud pass catchers. That changes this weekend.

 

Safety
Willis - 64.1 (69.5) / 97% (60%)
-Lowest QB rating allowed (only 8 targets though)
-Huge improvement over 2019 (one of the worst) 
Blackmon - 65.7 (NA) / 60% (NA)
-Tied for 4th most PDs
-2nd lowest QB rating allowed (only 7 targets though)
Wilson - 82.1 (71.9, 68.0) / 11% (73%, 31%)
Odom - 61.3 (67.3, 59.4) / 3% (27%, 20%)
Hooker - 60.6 (69.5, 79.1) / 30% (76%, 87%)

PFF Comments - Wilson's jump is very nice. Good find by Ballard.

 

Snap Count Comments - More Wilson please. 

 

General Comments - Willis's PFF drop is a bit surprising given his improvement in coverage so far this year. He looks to be fitting into the match coverage scheme well which has kept him closer to the LOS instead of 2 high. He's allowed to be a bit LBerish which probably suits him more than deep half coverage, and takes adavantage of his "nose for the ball". He hasn't had to cover any good slots or TEs, but still promising just as it pertains to the scheme fit. Blackmon's performance has been very nice given the circumstance. His PFF likely suffers a bit due to some back end issues, but he's killing it in front. I still like him best long term at SS, but he's really the only game in town right now at FS. It will be interesting to see how he holds up on the back end vs better QBs and teams that run verts. So far he hasn't seen that.

[Dogg63]

It is laughable that PFF gives the league's #1 D one elite grade and zero pro bowlers. And of our starters, only 3 are graded as starter-quality (Houston, Leonard, Rhodes). Two backups are starter quality (Carrie, Wilson). The rest are trash.

 

Absurd grading. 

[DougDew]

Its great to see that Buckner appears to be the real deal.  That he can improve the play around him rather than be dragged down by it.

 

Somewhat disappointingly, no player from last year has yet to take the next step up in development.  The improvement in the defensive play appears to come from the addition of new players, some being "discards" from other teams.

 

[chad72]

I do not see how we cannot give our D an A. If we are docking them for the Jags loss, I chalk it up to no pre-season.

 

Unlike previous seasons, Eberflus changed things up and adapted real real fast. They drive on the ball better in zone, squeeze the zones well, pass players off with good communication and play sticky coverage when they need to thus mixing it up since game 1. Health is going to be the biggest key for this D. 

 

Has the Tyquan Lewis hype materialized from training camp? Will Turay be back in full form? Our 3rd round draft pick Blackmon seems to be contributing right off the bat and our secondary with RYS healthy is going to be very good as the year goes on. The DE pressure being improved will help as time goes on. The pieces of Rhodes and Buckner have been more than complementary, and I always felt a little experienced presence will help any level of defense. 

[2006Coltsbestever]

I voted very happy and went B+. The B+ is only because of the Jags of the game. That game still has to be factored in unfortunately where we let Mustache complete 19-20 passes and we lost. Based on the last 3 games the defense gets an A+. The last 3 games we have played lights out on D, love what I am seeing 

[NannyMcafee]

I voted Happy

And B+ until they play a top offense. 

 

But I am very happy that they are staying consistent. 

[Yoshinator]

12 minutes ago, 2006Coltsbestever said:

I voted very happy and went B+. The B+ is only because of the Jags of the game. That game still has to be factored in unfortunately where we let Mustache complete 19-20 passes and we lost. Based on the last 3 games the defense gets an A+. The last 3 games we have played lights out on D, love what I am seeing 

I voted happy and an A. I can't vote very happy because of the Jags game, and I gave an A instead of an A+ because of our opponents thus far. The only thing that will hold our defense back, is injuries, IMO.

[2006Coltsbestever]

1 minute ago, Jared Cisneros said:

I voted happy and an A. I can't vote very happy because of the Jags game, and I gave an A instead of an A+ because of our opponents thus far. The only thing that will hold our defense back, is injuries, IMO.

Yeah I was close to giving us an A but that game against the Jags was pretty bad. As of now I am very happy so I went very happy. B+ is still very good. On the offense thread, I voted C+ and have mixed feelings. C+ is respectable but we need to improve our red zone play. Against elite teams scoring FG's won't cut it.

[CurBeatElite]

Again, great write-up ES! 

 

I voted happy and B+.  If just going on the last 3 games, I'd probably be very happy with an A, but that Jags game still stings.

 

DL:

Very impressed with Buckner.  Not shocked Banogu's grade is so low.  I thought for sure he'd make a big leap in year 2, but he's been very underwhelming.  Hopefully we get Turay back.  Overall, I think the DL has performed very well and like you said it's pretty impressive that we're 10th most in the league in sacks though we blitz the 2nd fewest in the league.  We seem to be just a step or 2 off on getting sacks, so maybe the speed of Turay can help there (assuming he returns).  After all the hype coming out of training camp, I've not been too impressed with Lewis.  I have also been unimpressed with Stallworth and Stewart, good thing we've also got Buckner in the middle.  I have been happy with Houston (I think he's been one of our best overall players all year) and Autry.

 

LB: 

Walker really stepped up last week, though I wasn't thoroughly impressed with him prior.  I'm also surprised in the decline in Okereke, but also thought he played pretty well last week.  I'm assuming with Leonard out (and potentially Oke and Walker) we'll get to see some more EJ Speed this week.  Going into this season, I thought for sure the LBs was the strength of the team and had them pretty much tied with the OL as the two best position groups on the team - so kinda shocking to see that they seem to be the worst unit on the D to this point.  I'm with you, I'd like to see Walker get more snaps than Oke when Maniac returns.

 

CB:

Very happy with Rhodes and Carrie.  Moore makes some clutch plays, and I agree with you that his rating may be down from his play out wide - he's definitely suited to play in the slot (not only is he better in coverage there, he's a tremendous blitzer there).  Ya-Sin, IMO, is playing just fine - like you said, we need him fully healthy.  And I've been very impressed with Rodges both as a returner and at DB.  I know he's pretty small, but he's so quick and fast.

 

S:

Very happy with Blackmon... a few rookie mistakes, but I think he'll clean them up.  I think Willis (from my eye test) has been one of the weakest links on the D.   I wouldn't mind seeing more of Wilson and Blackmon at S with Willis taking a break or playing up in the box.  Odom's barely seen the field on D, but I think he's a solid depth piece and he does very well on STs.  I'm with you in thinking I'd like to see Blackmon be the SS of the future (TBH, I think he and a healthy Hooker would be better than he and Willis).  

 

Playcalling/coaching:

Terrible plan in week 1... but very solid since.

 

Again, it's exciting we have the #1 ranked D after 4 weeks.. but we also haven't been playing top 20 offenses.... we'll learn a lot in the 2nd quarter of the season with the Browns (39.3 pts per game over the last 3), Bengals (Burrows is really improving), Detroit (have scored >20 every week and Stafford is always a threat) and then Baltimore.  I'll be shocked, but very impressed, if we still hold the #1 ranking after that stretch. 

[EastStreet]

17 hours ago, Dogg63 said:

It is laughable that PFF gives the league's #1 D one elite grade and zero pro bowlers. And of our starters, only 3 are graded as starter-quality (Houston, Leonard, Rhodes). Two backups are starter quality (Carrie, Wilson). The rest are trash.

 

Absurd grading. 

 

You forgot Buckner. How can you forget him buddy?

 

PFF grades on every play, and frankly, I've seen some bad individual play at times. I don't agree on their scale though, but don't have too many issues with the grades themselves. And our average opponent's offensive rank is 24th, so it's very understandable we could have some bad individual play while still playing overall very well as a unit. The only ones I have a problem with are Autry and Willis. At the same time, I've seen some bad individual play by both. Autry, while having some great moments, has been totally taken out of plays at times. And Willis has had a few totally blown coverages and some un-Willis bad pursuits. Willis overall, when he has been on, has been very "on", but he hasn't really been tested a lot.

 

I'd also add that it's easy to understand why both Wilson and Carrie graded out so well given what they did in limited time. Both completely balled out. 

 

14 hours ago, chad72 said:

I do not see how we cannot give our D an A. If we are docking them for the Jags loss, I chalk it up to no pre-season.

Chalk it up to charmin soft coverage game plan on D, not running against a poor run D on O, and turnovers. The D though that game was not really no-preseason, and everything to do with the cushion we gave Minshew. Credit Jags for their O game plan and exploiting ours.

14 hours ago, chad72 said:

Unlike previous seasons, Eberflus changed things up and adapted real real fast. They drive on the ball better in zone, squeeze the zones well, pass players off with good communication and play sticky coverage when they need to thus mixing it up since game 1. Health is going to be the biggest key for this D.

 

I'm starting to warm up match liz/rip D being in the mix. Not sure it will work vs better QBs, but we shall see.

14 hours ago, chad72 said:

 Has the Tyquan Lewis hype materialized from training camp? Will Turay be back in full form? Our 3rd round draft pick Blackmon seems to be contributing right off the bat and our secondary with RYS healthy is going to be very good as the year goes on. The DE pressure being improved will help as time goes on. The pieces of Rhodes and Buckner have been more than complementary, and I always felt a little experienced presence will help any level of defense. 

I think the Lewis hype was more about going up against 2nd/3rd string OL than anything else.

The pickup of Carter makes me fear they either don't expect Turay back soon, frustrated with Banogu's progress, or a mix of both.

[Dogg63]

16 minutes ago, EastStreet said:

17 hours ago, Dogg63 said:

It is laughable that PFF gives the league's #1 D one elite grade and zero pro bowlers. And of our starters, only 3 are graded as starter-quality (Houston, Leonard, Rhodes). Two backups are starter quality (Carrie, Wilson). The rest are trash.

 

Absurd grading. 

 

You forgot Buckner. How can you forget him buddy?

I mentioned Buck (the 'one elite grade'). The one I missed was Stallworth, who isn't even much of a backup (44 snaps over 4 games) who they grade out as starter quality.

 

So apparently, per PFF, the #1 Defense in the NFL consists of:

1 elite player

0 pro bowlers

3 starters who are actually starter material

7 starters who are trash

3 backups who grade out as starters

 

That's just stupid talk, I don't care how crappy the offenses to date have been.

[EastStreet]

9 hours ago, CurBeatElite said:

Again, great write-up ES! 

 

I voted happy and B+.  If just going on the last 3 games, I'd probably be very happy with an A, but that Jags game still stings.

 

DL:

Very impressed with Buckner.  Not shocked Banogu's grade is so low.  I thought for sure he'd make a big leap in year 2, but he's been very underwhelming.  Hopefully we get Turay back.  Overall, I think the DL has performed very well and like you said it's pretty impressive that we're 10th most in the league in sacks though we blitz the 2nd fewest in the league.  We seem to be just a step or 2 off on getting sacks, so maybe the speed of Turay can help there (assuming he returns).  After all the hype coming out of training camp, I've not been too impressed with Lewis.  I have also been unimpressed with Stallworth and Stewart, good thing we've also got Buckner in the middle.  I have been happy with Houston (I think he's been one of our best overall players all year) and Autry.

What are your thoughts on picking up Carter. I said in another post, I think either they're not confident on Turay's return, frustrated with Banogu, or both. I like the pick up regardless, but also know he's a project and setting expectations appropriately.

 

I'm Ok with Stallworth, but disappointed with Stewart. Probably because I just didn't expect much from Stallworth. I expected more from Stewart, and thought he'd get freed up more Buckner on his flank. Autry has looked absolutely great at times, but has a bit of inconsistency at times.

9 hours ago, CurBeatElite said:

 

LB: 

Walker really stepped up last week, though I wasn't thoroughly impressed with him prior.  I'm also surprised in the decline in Okereke, but also thought he played pretty well last week.  I'm assuming with Leonard out (and potentially Oke and Walker) we'll get to see some more EJ Speed this week.  Going into this season, I thought for sure the LBs was the strength of the team and had them pretty much tied with the OL as the two best position groups on the team - so kinda shocking to see that they seem to be the worst unit on the D to this point.  I'm with you, I'd like to see Walker get more snaps than Oke when Maniac returns.

I'm really surprised about Oke's performance vs the pass. He's never been great vs the run in the middle, but I just expected him to ball out in year 2 at least vs the pass. I also thought LB would be one of our strengths, but at the same time, didn't expect Walker's snap decline. Both guys will get their chance Sunday. Oke though worries me most vs Hunt and Mayfield. I'd prefer to let Walker play Mike and Oke play WILL to be honest, but have a feeling it will be the opposite. Walker is a tackle machine, so I get it if they want him at the WILL.

9 hours ago, CurBeatElite said:

CB:

Very happy with Rhodes and Carrie.  Moore makes some clutch plays, and I agree with you that his rating may be down from his play out wide - he's definitely suited to play in the slot (not only is he better in coverage there, he's a tremendous blitzer there).  Ya-Sin, IMO, is playing just fine - like you said, we need him fully healthy.  And I've been very impressed with Rodges both as a returner and at DB.  I know he's pretty small, but he's so quick and fast.

Really hoping Rock is back 100% this game. If so, should be a good test with Rock, Rhodes, and Moore back at NB. I do however hope to see Carrie get some snaps against his old team. I think he's earned them. Would love to see him get a pick vs Mayfield. I'm sure he know his tendencies pretty well. 

9 hours ago, CurBeatElite said:

S:

Very happy with Blackmon... a few rookie mistakes, but I think he'll clean them up.  I think Willis (from my eye test) has been one of the weakest links on the D.   I wouldn't mind seeing more of Wilson and Blackmon at S with Willis taking a break or playing up in the box.  Odom's barely seen the field on D, but I think he's a solid depth piece and he does very well on STs.  I'm with you in thinking I'd like to see Blackmon be the SS of the future (TBH, I think he and a healthy Hooker would be better than he and Willis).  

I definitely want more Wilson. Willis to me has been inconsistent. He's very very good at what's in front of him, but just have seen a few times where he looks lost. His overall coverage though has improved this far, but it's been vs some bad QBs. Like you, I prefer him in the box. Wouldn't be shocked to see Mayfield test both Willis and Blackmon early. And yup, Hooker/Blackmon is much better than Blackmon/Willis. Oh well. Right now I'm just praying Blackmon balls out this weekend, and is up to the deep test. I do think Hooper, Hunt, and Landry will test Willis. 

9 hours ago, CurBeatElite said:

 

Playcalling/coaching:

Terrible plan in week 1... but very solid since.

 

Again, it's exciting we have the #1 ranked D after 4 weeks.. but we also haven't been playing top 20 offenses.... we'll learn a lot in the 2nd quarter of the season with the Browns (39.3 pts per game over the last 3), Bengals (Burrows is really improving), Detroit (have scored >20 every week and Stafford is always a threat) and then Baltimore.  I'll be shocked, but very impressed, if we still hold the #1 ranking after that stretch. 

I think we can hold on to a good ranking until week 11 :-)

I just hope our O is up to the challenges ahead lol.

[EastStreet]

1 minute ago, Dogg63 said:

I mentioned Buck (the 'one elite grade'). The one I missed was Stallworth, who isn't even much of a backup (44 snaps over 4 games) who they grade out as starter quality.

 

So apparently, per PFF, the #1 Defense in the NFL consists of:

1 elite player

0 pro bowlers

3 starters who are actually starter material

7 starters who are trash

3 backups who grade out as starters

 

That's just stupid talk, I don't care how crappy the offenses to date have been.

Like I said, I think that's more the scale, than the grades. 

 

Sorry man, when Minshew is the best QB/passing team you've played thus far, opponents have everything to do with it.

The only truly legit/impressive thing we've done IMO was holding Cook to 60ish yards. At the same time though, GB turned around the next week and held him to 50. But we've been good vs the run for a while. 

 

Out of curiosity, how long do you predict we hold onto the #1, and where do you think we'll be after we play GB (week 11), and end of year?

[krunk]

https://www.stampedeblue.com/2020/10/7/21503308/film-room-grover-stewart-was-the-key-to-shutting-down-the-bears-run-game

[EastStreet]

4 hours ago, krunk said:

https://www.stampedeblue.com/2020/10/7/21503308/film-room-grover-stewart-was-the-key-to-shutting-down-the-bears-run-game

What were your thoughts on the vid? To be honest, Stewart didn't look all that impressive to me. Not bad, but I think calling him "key" is a reach. He had one guy on him. Not bad, maybe good, but it wasn't like he was shedding the C and making a solo. Our LBs looked to be in position to make all those Ts regardless of Stewart. A lot of NTs are occupying C and G.

[krunk]

1 hour ago, EastStreet said:

What were your thoughts on the vid? To be honest, Stewart didn't look all that impressive to me. Not bad, but I think calling him "key" is a reach. He had one guy on him. Not bad, maybe good, but it wasn't like he was shedding the C and making a solo. Our LBs looked to be in position to make all those Ts regardless of Stewart. A lot of NTs are occupying C and G.

I thought he did his job well in each clip.  I mean if you're looking for something like what Buckner did to that guard against Minny then I didn't see that.  I did see him clogging up lanes and causing the back to re-route and another that he did on his own.  What I didn't see was him struggling. 

[MFT5]

On 10/9/2020 at 7:42 AM, Dogg63 said:

It is laughable that PFF gives the league's #1 D one elite grade and zero pro bowlers. And of our starters, only 3 are graded as starter-quality (Houston, Leonard, Rhodes). Two backups are starter quality (Carrie, Wilson). The rest are trash.

 

Absurd grading. 

 

sum of parts ... they play well as a TEAM. 

 

These stats don't account for communication 

[EastStreet]

8 hours ago, MFT5 said:

 

sum of parts ... they play well as a TEAM. 

 

These stats don't account for communication 

Also grades ever down, every player, regardless where the play goes. So you can have for instance one DE grade very bad, and one DE grade very good, on the same play. If it's the good DE that makes the play, the team is great, but the bad DE still gets a poor grade. Perhaps call it a luck factor, or simply the fact that some of our "goods" are just all over the field making plays.

[CurBeatElite]

On 10/9/2020 at 11:42 PM, EastStreet said:

What are your thoughts on picking up Carter. I said in another post, I think either they're not confident on Turay's return, frustrated with Banogu, or both. I like the pick up regardless, but also know he's a project and setting expectations appropriately.

 

I'm Ok with Stallworth, but disappointed with Stewart. Probably because I just didn't expect much from Stallworth. I expected more from Stewart, and thought he'd get freed up more Buckner on his flank. Autry has looked absolutely great at times, but has a bit of inconsistency at times.

 

Not totally sure on Carter.  Could be either/both of the things you listed, the FO may be concerned on Turay returning and I highly doubt anyone in the FO or coaching staff is very impressed with Banogu right now.  Carter at 6'3" 269 lbs is just 8 lbs lighter than Tyquan Lewis (6'3" 277 lbs).  After all the hype from training camp, I've been mostly unimpressed with Lewis this season and it sounds like Carter was primarily a DE in college but also rushed from the interior of the DL so maybe they're looking at him to fill a role like they wished Lewis could?  I do know 25 or more teams offered Carter UDFA contracts and the Cowboys gave him the highest guaranteed $ out of their 15 UDFA class.  I have seen at least one report suggesting he was very high on the Colts' radar, so it could also be a move where Ballard/Reich are happy with the depth we have at other positions and figured they'd keep him on the 53 man (inactive) and see how they can develop him throughout this season and with an offseason under his belt.

 

Agree with your second paragraph, kinda wonder how a healthy Day would be doing in this D. 

 

On 10/9/2020 at 11:42 PM, EastStreet said:

I'm really surprised about Oke's performance vs the pass. He's never been great vs the run in the middle, but I just expected him to ball out in year 2 at least vs the pass. I also thought LB would be one of our strengths, but at the same time, didn't expect Walker's snap decline. Both guys will get their chance Sunday. Oke though worries me most vs Hunt and Mayfield. I'd prefer to let Walker play Mike and Oke play WILL to be honest, but have a feeling it will be the opposite. Walker is a tackle machine, so I get it if they want him at the WILL.

 

Agree, will be interesting to see what they do and I wonder if (and how much) a role of the injuries Oke and Walker have.  The Browns definitely have a dynamic offensive attack, and we're going to need to be firing on all cylinders on D to keep them in check. 

 

On 10/9/2020 at 11:42 PM, EastStreet said:

Really hoping Rock is back 100% this game. If so, should be a good test with Rock, Rhodes, and Moore back at NB. I do however hope to see Carrie get some snaps against his old team. I think he's earned them. Would love to see him get a pick vs Mayfield. I'm sure he know his tendencies pretty well. 

 

Agree, Moore is definitely a much better NB than he is outside.  If we can stay healthy and keep him in the NB role, we're a much better D.  I also think Carrie has earned playing time.  If we can control the run and make CLE focus on the passing attack, I won't be shocked if Carrie sees quite a bit of time.

 

On 10/9/2020 at 11:42 PM, EastStreet said:

I definitely want more Wilson. Willis to me has been inconsistent. He's very very good at what's in front of him, but just have seen a few times where he looks lost. His overall coverage though has improved this far, but it's been vs some bad QBs. Like you, I prefer him in the box. Wouldn't be shocked to see Mayfield test both Willis and Blackmon early. And yup, Hooker/Blackmon is much better than Blackmon/Willis. Oh well. Right now I'm just praying Blackmon balls out this weekend, and is up to the deep test. I do think Hooper, Hunt, and Landry will test Willis. 

 

Yes, Willis does seem lost at time and I agree that both he and Blackmon will be tested today... IMO, we really need the pass rush to step up today to force Mayfield to get the ball out early and screw up his decision making.  If we give him a lot of time, I expect they'll land on at least a few big plays.

 

On 10/9/2020 at 11:42 PM, EastStreet said:

I think we can hold on to a good ranking until week 11 :-)

I just hope our O is up to the challenges ahead lol.

 

We shall see.. I hope so, too.