Nose Tackle 07

by danvail on Dec 6, 2006 3:34 PM EST

The defensive line is perhaps our biggest area of need, and yet it is not discussed nearly so much as the offensive line. It's a shame, because with a talented DL this defense could be dominating. It's almost sad to see all these awesome pieces like Kam, Jones, and Bodden go to waste because we can't control the line of scrimmage.

So the burning question in my mind is:

What do the Browns do at NT this offseason?

The NT spot is as big a mess as center. We cannot go into the 2007 season expecting much of anything from Big Ted, not that he's been good anyway. Our other DTs are little more than filler, and should be AT MOST relief in a rotation.

The NT has and will always be the key to a successful 3-4. Ask Casey Hampton and Jamaal Williams who the key to their team's defense is and they'll smile - because they know it's them.

I don't know what the hell Phil has up his sleeve but it better be something to address the single most important position in the defense.

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Re: Nose Tackle 07

It is such a tough predicament. The offensive line and defensive line are definitely two big issues with our team. Our offensive line may be more important if we want our offense to give our quarterback a chance to make a play, while our defense usually "bends but doesn't break". However, look how much our defensive line has actually killed us this season.

Carson Palmer has torched us twice because we can't get to him. Roethlisberger was able to rally on us because we couldn't get to him. Green had his way with us last week, but we miraculously escaped.

One of the positions needs to be addressed in free agency, and one in the draft. Alvin McKinley needs to go, he's not really worth it (nothing against him, but he's no star player). I was hoping the Browns would take Marcus McNeil in the draft back in April, and I'm really regretting it now. It's so tough where we should get our guys though - draft or free agency? So many draft picks are busts, but our free agents either get hurt right away or cost too much.

Ironically, we tried to upgrade both positions probably the most beyond any other position heading into this season. Ted Washington was the temporary plug to bring things together for our young linebackers, while LeCharles Bentley, Kevin Shaffer, and Bob Hallen were going to improve upon Droughns 1,200 yard season.

by Chris Pokorny on Dec 6, 2006 9:09 PM EST reply actions

Re: Nose Tackle 07

See what I mean about the defensive line?

by danvail on Dec 8, 2006 9:47 AM EST reply actions

Re: Nose Tackle 07

lol, without doubt. However, on the same note, we had zero run blocking. Maybe if we sign Steinbach from the Bengals and get Bentley healthy, we should focus on drafting a defensive line.

Last night, if our defensive line could've gotten even half the run support the Steelers had, we would've forced a lot more punts, which would've kept the game at least close.

by Chris Pokorny on Dec 8, 2006 9:59 AM EST reply actions

Re: Nose Tackle 07

I swear, if in the offseason all we do is sign a couple high end linemen, O or D, and spend all our draft picks on the same I'll be happy. I wouldn't care if any of the other holes are filled, so long as we showed a commitment to getting BOTH the lines fixed.

by danvail on Dec 8, 2006 1:32 PM EST reply actions