Does Size Matter?
 

I've been thinking about this lately; Does it really make that much of difference in the grand scheme of things?

Take for instance our defensive line. We currently have one, by NFL standards, small defensive end and could possibly end up with another in the draft - Gaines Adams.

I know we've discussed ad nauseum the merrits of drafting one DL as opposed to another, that's not what I'm getting at here.

Is it proven or possible that you can't have a formidable front four with two average size DEs?

Please discuss.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

I would think it all depends on the kind of defense you're running. For us, I think we need a bigger line that can clog running lanes so the linebackers are more free to move around.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

I think it more about the likeliness that a smaller guy can hold up against the run and bigger OLs. A guy like Freeney is good to go but no one knew coming if he could do it. Most smallish DLmen simply need some girth to get the job done. A few do it with technique and speed but they are much rarer and I believe harder to identify.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

in a 3-4 defense it definitly does matter, but in a 4-3 I don't think it is totally necessary. It is always nice to have at least one DL that commands a double team which we do not have, sorry Cornelius Griffin just isn't cutting it. But to prove a point here are a few DL that are on the slim side. Jason Taylor-255lbs, Simeon Rice-268, Aaron Schobel-262 and Leonard Little-263

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

my ex-gf definitely seems to think so...

innuendo aside, she is a ravens fan and knows a thing or two about football. She has been preaching to me about size on the D-line. That's why Ray-ray was so effective on that defense this year. Most ravens players say that Kelly Gregg was the MVP of that defense and its not surprising why they think that. Sometimes even out of ur D-ends u don't want them to make a play u just want them to not get pancaked (maybe take on a double) so that ur WLB's and SLB's can shoot the gap and make something happen. For this size DEFINITELY helps over quickness

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

My wife SWEARS to me that size does not matter... man, I hope she is right.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

Size on the D line helps in run defense. Speed and quickness help more in pass defense. Balance is the key. You don't want all run stuffers, or all pass rushers. That's why I think we'll be much better on the D line, if we can get one legitimate run stuffer. It will make our D line much more balanced.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

Honest: Size Matters!!!!!

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=hesscl34;296597]Honest: Size Matters!!!!![/quote]

Honest to God, Hess. I actually had you in mind when I started this thread. :)

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

Well, let me tell all you boys the TRUTH. It DOES matter and girth is far more important than length!

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

HAHAH. HESS liiiikes CHOADS! LOL

Seriously, to not hijack this thread. I agree with the above. I think as long as someone can hold the point of attack, that's all that matters. Just because an offensive lineman is four hundred pounds doesn't make them any more effective at BLOCKING someone.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=12thMan;296457]I've been thinking about this lately; Does it really make that much of difference in the grand scheme of things?

Take for instance our defensive line. We currently have one, by NFL standards, small defensive end and could possibly end up with another in the draft - Gaines Adams.

I know we've discussed ad nauseum the merrits of drafting one DL as opposed to another, that's not what I'm getting at here.

Is it proven or possible that you can't have a formidable front four with two average size DEs?

Please discuss.[/quote]

Is Earthquake rubbing off on you? What if I don't wanna discuss? Just kidding.

Gaines Adams had a productive college career. He is the best pass rusher in the draft. He is a better player than the guy at Ark. Does anyone remember Charles Haley? I don't think he weighed 260lb. Some guys can play well at that weight. We can have a good line with two small ends. But we had better have some guys holding down the fort in the middle.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;296610]HAHAH. HESS liiiikes CHOADS! LOL

Seriously, to not hijack this thread. I agree with the above. I think as long as someone can hold the point of attack, that's all that matters. Just because an offensive lineman is four hundred pounds doesn't make them any more effective at BLOCKING someone.[/quote]

Dude, I really thought you were going somewhere when you said, "as long as someone can hold"....then I kept reading!

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

Size is not what ultimately makes the difference. If a 280 lb DT is among the leagues' best run stoppers, it's not like you should not play him because he's small.

However, being small in a big man's game usually puts you at a disadvantage. If you gave me a 260 lb DE and a 285 lb DE and told me nothing else about them, I would be 95% sure that the 285 lb guy would be better against the run.

One of the good things about scouting is that when a relatively small guy does an exceptionally good job holding his ground, it really stands out. These kind of things usually don't tend to go unoticed.

So of course size matters. But its not inconceivable for a good player to overcome his size.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

Dwight Freeney is only 6'1 268

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=TheMalcolmConnection;296610]HAHAH. HESS liiiikes CHOADS! LOL

Seriously, to not hijack this thread. I agree with the above. I think as long as someone can hold the point of attack, that's all that matters. Just because an offensive lineman is four hundred pounds doesn't make them any more effective at BLOCKING someone.[/quote]

hahaaaa

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=NM Redskin;296713]Dwight Freeney is only 6'1 268[/quote]Dwight Freeney also is especially bad at defending the run. He usually takes himself completely out of the play by rushing too far upfield.

If a smaller pass rusher still has the strength to go through a guy, as opposed to going around every time, he can be an effective pass rusher in this league.

If a guy doesn't have the strength to ever go through someone, even the most effective speed rushers can be negated by a smart QB who steps up in the pocket.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;296461]I would think it all depends on the kind of defense you're running. For us, I think we need a bigger line that can clog running lanes so the linebackers are more free to move around.[/quote]
Exactly!

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;296461]I would think it all depends on the kind of defense you're running. For us, I think we need a bigger line that can clog running lanes so the linebackers are more free to move around.[/quote]I think getting the best players always outweighs getting the biggest players, but a player can't be the best if he gets blown off the ball every play.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

Size matters not when talking about DE. There are exceptions of course. If a DE is 5'8" and 230lbs it most certainly does. I do think that a DE has to be at least 6ft/250lbs and quick. Pass rush is all about speed and stamina. In the trenches the first man out of his stance generally wins. As for run stopping abilities, you don't pay DE to be run stoppers. You pay them to rush the passer, slow down the rush and cover against sweeps and reverses.

If Adams is a baller we should by all mean draft him irrespective of his size.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

I think if you have strong linebackers it can take the sting off having a DE who may not be a run stuffer. If your LBs can step up and make tackles near the line of scrimmage you're in good shape. Sacks lead to turnovers and punts. Having good LBs and a 260lb DE who isn't great at run stop but can get 15 sacks- that's fine with me.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

In most cases I think bigger DE are more balanced and successful in all aspects of D play. (run and pass) there are some exceptions, but its not the rule. I would prefer bigger, stronger DE that can win the majority of the front line battles. I think it frees up the LBs and safeties to be more effective in run support and blitzing. If you have a big strong DE than can do both, that limits what the offensive unit can do. Most of the time the team will help that tackle with a TE.

But, I am a strong believer the DE are only as good at the DT. If one of the DT requires a double inside, then the DE should be one on one. I dont think our DT's were getting double teamed too much last year. Joe has regressed and Griff didn't have a stong 06 like he did in 05. I hope he bounces back this year. That will enable to Rookie (Okeye) to play like a beast in the middle.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=hesscl34;296605]Well, let me tell all you boys the TRUTH. It DOES matter and girth is far more important than length![/quote]

I knew where this was headin. Darn....this thread went in the gutter guick.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=skinsfan_nn;296754]I knew where this was headin. Darn....this thread went in the gutter guick.[/quote]

No it did not. It was one silly comment.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=hesscl34;296597]Honest: Size Matters!!!!![/quote]

OK... please be a female... please be female.... please be female....

...not that there's any thing wrong with that...

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=Beer is Food;297499]OK... please be a female... please be female.... please be female....

...not that there's any thing wrong with that...[/quote]

Yes, I'm a female... :cheeky-sm

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

Ole Hessy is as female as it gets baby!

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=hesscl34;297405]No it did not. It was one silly comment.[/quote]\


oh pllllllzzzz

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

Why does everyone get in fights with Hess? Or is it the other way around?

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=FRPLG;297526]Why does everyone get in fights with Hess? Or is it the other way around?[/quote]


Everyone picks on Hess, you know that.

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

Hess-

I hope you don't think I was picking on you. I'm always happy to talk football with Redskinettes. So please don't take offense.

Kind Regards,

Beer is Food
AKA: the guy with a size 12 Boot, tripple E, ... I don't even need flippers when I go snorkelling

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

It's because I'm a woman among men... you all pick on me because I know more about football than some (I said some) of you!! :)

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

[quote=hesscl34;297762]It's because I'm a woman among men... you all pick on me because I know more about football than some (I said some) of you!! :)[/quote]

psh you better have said "some" woman...

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

zOMG i was JK LOLZ !!!!11

Re: Does Size Matter?
 

I think size up fron will help the defense. We spent a lot of money to go out and pick up London Fletcher so adding a big body up front will give us a better return on investment. Fletcher himself is small and if the d line is overpowered, fletcher will have no chance. I think fletcher is a great player and will be maximized if big bodies are in front of him. If we get Adams we also have a preety small DE on the other side with Carter. IF we draft Adams we might only be able to play Adams and Carter together on passing downs. A big body makes the most sense. I like Okoybi but Branch might just be what this defense needs.