Originally posted by ajcardfan
BTW, the sack by Suggs came in a 4-3 set with him lined up as a RDE with his hand on the ground. He spun the left tackle around like a top on that play. A guy Pace played earlier this season.
In these last four games, I pray that Pace makes even one play like that.
In retrospect, I too wish the Cards had drafted Suggs. I got caught up in the "Suggs doesn't have the speed" reports. He obviously is fast enough, and has a knack of getting to the passer.
Having said that, if I am not mistaken, Suggs is brought in on "obvious passing downs". His job is to simply rush the passer. He is fortunate that he is on a defense that puts opponents in the occasional "obvious passing situation". He is also fortunate that his team is "in" games, which puts him and his teammates in situations that take advantage of their ability to rush the passer. He would not have been so lucky in AZ. I saw a couple of Suggs' sacks early in the year. He came unblocked, and untouched on a free run to the QB. I am not saying this has been the case on more than a few sacks, but, on those couple of occasions, I think that Pace could have had a sack too. Baltimore's overall defensive talent and scheme has also benefited Suggs.
In defense of Pace, I think that he has a chance to become a good player. It seemed like early in the year, he got the corner a couple of times and came up with nothing. Sometimes, because the Cards DT's don't get penetration, and allow a QB to step up away from DE pressure. I think that Pace plays the run decently. Negatively, he does seem to "velcro" on to offensive linemen. But, the defensive scheming in AZ (like the offensive scheming or lack thereof), seems neanderthalic, and overly predictable at best. This cannot help a player look his best IMO.
Example of boneheaded defensive coaching. Others have mentioned this too. Twice last week, a pre-NFL-busted Thompson got sacks on second down. On a third down (an obvious passing down that most defenses like to take advantage of) goes to the bench. Mind boggling. Whether one likes Thompson or not, he is one of the best defensive players on the Cardinals, and IMO should be on the field on third and long.
I am sure that there have been many such bonehead (IMO) decisions made under this coaching regime. All of which don't put players in a position to make plays.
Hopefully Pace and B. Johnson will develop into good players.
But again, to make as long post short, I kinda wish the Cards would have drafted Suggs.
