The BEST of Billy-Ball, thus far this year:
1. The scheme of moving DRC to RCB to shut down that side (and avoid Toler being picked on relentlessly) and having Toler play aggressive underneath at LCB with a FS shaded to Toler's side giving help over the top.
2. The blitz schemes...not only on sure passing downs but on run blitzes on 2nd and long when the nickel package is in (the adjustment they made after the Rams were getting good yards rushing on 2nd and longs when the Cardinals were sending in their nickel packages early).
3. Using EVERYONE on blitzes...safeties, CBs, LBers...the opponents never know who is rushing and who is covering.
4. Improved coverage and safety play (credit Donnie Henderson).
5. Switching DRC over to LCB late in games to confuse the QBs and throw them off plan and balance.
6. Getting aggressive and productive play from Paris Lenon and Daryl Washington...in an area that appeared to be a major question mark.
7. Getting improved nickel and dime FS play from Matt Ware and Rashad Johnson.
The WORST of Billy-Ball thus far this year:
1. Players taking a game off versus the Falcons.
2. Veterans such as Wilson and Rhodes incurring stupid penalties...and acting petulant and out of control.
3. Starting a token player at NT when they have had ample time to develop beefier, stronger options in Williams and Watson. The worst of which is what teams have now been able to do to Darnell Dockett, vis-a-vis double and triple teaming him without any fear. In light of this as well, the coaches should start to move Dockett around like the Vikingns once did with John Randle...so the opponents won't know going into each play where Dockett will be and thus confusing the o-line's blocking assigments on each play...which can often lead to breakdowns and swift penetration for others in which to blow up plays for monster losses.
4. Taking the pedal off the medal on 4th downs...players stopping still in their pass rushes and cover men going into a fog. While the coaches weren't expecting DRC to be 8 yards away from his man on 4th down...or arm barring his man deep the next play, these situations have to be coached out in practice so these types of blown coverages don't happen. It's as much on the coaches as the players to have them well prepared.
5. Playing Haggans and Porter virtually the entire game...weakening them on passing downs to where they are not getting any serious pressure off the edge. At this rate---at their age---they are going to either get hurt or hit a wall. There has to be a rotation---especially so Porter can have his legs for when the team needs him most rushing the edge. The coaches have not been able to get much out of their depth, as Will Davis did not rush well in pre-season and Cody Brown, Stevie Baggs and Mark Washington were all cut. Waiver wire pickup, Cyril Obiozor wasn't an immediate answer either and is now on the PS. Will Alex Hall be a factor or just another deactivation?
6. Not developing a good 4 man rush. The talent is there this year...but again the 4 man rush has not been anywhere near effective as it should be.
7. Asking Adrian Wilson to cover good TEs...not only because he hasn't been able to do it for a few years now...but, technique-wise, reducing his ability to cover the TE by asking him to shadow him from behind...which as Zach Miller saw, all he had to do was wait until Wilson looked back and then go opposite of him, leaving him in no man's land. It would seem that more conventional press coverage with a player like Matt Ware...or more conventional three yard cushion and react to the ball coverage with Kerry Rhodes would be much more effective. Even an occasional double team may discourage the tight end over the middle passes. This week it's Antonio Gates...next week it's Jeremy Shockey (who beat Wilson on one good leg)...the following week John Carlson...and then Kellen Winslow, Jr. Will Davis find a way to shore up this issue?
