Well Big Joe is gone

[JWsleep]

Hey--we've got to get younger, and the D last year was VERY bad, so it's not surprising that they go with some new blood. Both Marshall and Big Joe were great stories--real Gibbs-type skins--but the number just weren't there for those guys. We've got decent younger guys at both DT and LB, so I think it's the right move.

That being said, the young guys have to step up! Having a healthy Griff is good for whoever is next to him, and London will help all the LBs, so I am optimistic.

But cheers to both Marshall and Big Joe for these last few years--Salavea especially was a great story and a fun guy to listen to.

[Beemnseven]

Wasn't Joe Salave'a brought in as a stop-gap measure when Brandon Noble went down? Turns out he was a pleasant surprise for a time, but Salave'a was never going to be a long term answer at this position.

After last year's dreadful showing along the D-line, I don't understand why anyone could believe Salave'a deserved an automatic spot on the roster this season.

[dall-assblows]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

Wasn't Joe Salave'a brought in as a stop-gap measure when Brandon Noble went down? Turns out he was a pleasant surprise for a time, but Salave'a was never going to be a long term answer at this position.

After last year's dreadful showing along the D-line, I don't understand why anyone could believe Salave'a deserved an automatic spot on the roster this season.

he was injured for the majority of last year. hense the starting of golston.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by dall-assblows

he was injured for the majority of last year. hense the starting of golston.

Yep. Which is why he never should have been counted on as a long term answer at DT, and really, it shouldn't be a shocker that he isn't here now.

[70Chip]

I understand the move, but I can't help but think there will be some goalline stand this year where he could have been mighty useful. I hope we don't get gutted up the middle. Golston is aggressive and he makes plays, but he also can be pushed around at times. Joe was very difficult to move. He could be stymied but it usually happened right where he stood.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

I understand the move, but I can't help but think there will be some goalline stand this year where he could have been mighty useful. I hope we don't get gutted up the middle. Golston is aggressive and he makes plays, but he also can be pushed around at times. Joe was very difficult to move. He could be stymied but it usually happened right where he stood.

It's really not hard at all to replace a run stuffer like Joe. After all, it's not like his skill set was ever in high demand.

I am however worried that we do not have that replacement on the roster.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

It's really not hard at all to replace a run stuffer like Joe. After all, it's not like his skill set was ever in high demand.

I am however worried that we do not have that replacement on the roster.

I have to believe that Golston beefed up in the offseason to be able to play the run, as well as the pass. Between Golston and Montgomery, I think we may have enough run-stoppers if those two play as well as the coaching staff thinks they can.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I have to believe that Golston beefed up in the offseason to be able to play the run, as well as the pass. Between Golston and Montgomery, I think we may have enough run-stoppers if those two play as well as the coaching staff thinks they can.

Golston obviously relies on his speed moves to be successful. Not sure how much a weight gain will help him if he's still trying to penetrate as opposed to stalemate. If anything, seems that added weight make make him a step slower...

For the record, I think a DT who can get through the OL is a lot more valuable than one who is big strong and takes up space, not only against the run, but against the pass. Golston was not that good against the run last year, and I really think this weight gain will only hurt his game.

However, the experience he has added over the offseason should more than nullify this effect. I just think he would have been better playing at a more "natural" weight. Assuming of course that he was told to gain weight by the coaches.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Golston obviously relies on his speed moves to be successful. Not sure how much a weight gain will help him if he's still trying to penetrate as opposed to stalemate. If anything, seems that added weight make make him a step slower...

For the record, I think a DT who can get through the OL is a lot more valuable than one who is big strong and takes up space, not only against the run, but against the pass. Golston was not that good against the run last year, and I really think this weight gain will only hurt his game.

However, the experience he has added over the offseason should more than nullify this effect. I just think he would have been better playing at a more "natural" weight. Assuming of course that he was told to gain weight by the coaches.

There is, however, more to playing DT than speed. The best DTs either possess dominant speed/agility/acceleration, dominant strength, or both. Golston had good speed and acceleration, but I simply can't believe that he had the requisite size/strength at under 290 pounds. I distinctly recall seeing him get pushed off the line by bigger O-linemen. I am sure the added weight will slow him down a bit, but, hopefully, it will give him better leverage/strength and a better overall speed/strength balance.