What Has Happened To Our Run Defense?

[baltravens]

Whether we are in a 3-4 or 4-3 we are getting run upon much more than in recent years. I attribute this to a weaker defensive line playing the run. Players like Gregg, Ngata, and Redding have gotten dominated although Ngata not as much in this area. To compound that our run-stuffing linebacker, McClain, has also been handled more than in the past. Personally, I have seen at times a lack of corner support in our run defense.
Does your take differ?

[ravensdfan]

We put Cody in and held Turner to what? 39 yds? What more do you want?

[kagejb]

Ray gets older, Ellerbe doesn't get as much reps, Gregg and Johnson declined, and a bunch of other reasons. Oh yeah, just in case somebody gets it out of context, I mean to say that Dannel Ellerbe is a butter run stuffer than Jameel McClain, but I still think McClain is the better all around MLB.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='kagejb' timestamp='1290033329' post='543786']
Ray gets older, Ellerbe doesn't get as much reps, Gregg and Johnson declined, and a bunch of other reasons. Oh yeah, just in case somebody gets it out of context, I mean to say that Dannel Ellerbe is a butter run stuffer than Jameel McClain, [b]but I still think McClain is the better all around MLB.[/b]
[/quote]
Even that is debatable.

[berad]

How many times do we need to have this topic? Run defense isn't as dominating as it has been but it showed, in the Atlanta game, that it's getting better. Granted, Atlanta didn't run much but we still shut them down.

[RayZ27]

[quote name='kagejb' timestamp='1290033329' post='543786']
Ray gets older, Ellerbe doesn't get as much reps, Gregg and Johnson declined, and a bunch of other reasons. Oh yeah, just in case somebody gets it out of context, I mean to say that Dannel Ellerbe is a butter run stuffer than Jameel McClain, but I still think McClain is the better all around MLB.
[/quote]
Ellerbe first off gets way too many penalties for [b]STUPID [/b]reasons. That is why I don't like him that much.

[RayZ27]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1290034796' post='543807']
How many times do we need to have this topic? Run defense isn't as dominating as it has been but it showed, in the Atlanta game, that it's getting better. Granted, Atlanta didn't run much but we still shut them down.
[/quote]
Yeah. We have had this topic millions of times.

[baltravens]

[quote name='RayZ27' timestamp='1290035053' post='543811']
Yeah. We have had this topic millions of times.
[/quote]
Sure, but in our forum we get as much insight into the topic as a writer from 'The Sun' could do.

[SoCalRavenFan]

We also seem to go through long periods without getting pressure on the QB.
It seems like teams are finding that if you get the ball out quick you can beat us.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1290032739' post='543779']
We put Cody in and held Turner to what? 39 yds? [b]What more do you want?[/b]
[/quote]

Consistency?

I think Cody will be a fantastic NT for years to come. I'm really hoping he develops into a complete player to anchor our DLine along with Ngata. I'm losing hope for Kruger unfortunately...

I think our run D troubles are a result of poor block-shedding and technique by our linebackers and D-Line (especially Redding, JJ, and McClain). We're getting mauled at times by teams that, a year or two ago, we would've dominated. We need to find another DE who can stop the run, or start putting McKinney in more. We also need to draft a MLB soon to take over for Ray once he retires.

Anyway, I'm hoping that the Atlanta game is a sign that our Run D is getting stronger.

[reediddy]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' timestamp='1290037296' post='543845']
Consistency?

I think Cody will be a fantastic NT for years to come. I'm really hoping he develops into a complete player to anchor our DLine along with Ngata. I'm losing hope for Kruger unfortunately...

I think our run D troubles are a result of poor block-shedding and technique by our linebackers and D-Line (especially Redding, JJ, and McClain). We're getting mauled at times by teams that, a year or two ago, we would've dominated. We need to find another DE who can stop the run, or start putting McKinney in more. We also need to draft a MLB soon to take over for Ray once he retires.

Anyway, I'm hoping that the Atlanta game is a sign that our Run D is getting stronger.
[/quote]

In the games where we have been gashed it's been either 1) poor play by the defensive line or 2) poor tackling, and in some cases both. I think Cody's large presence (LARGE presence) contributed to better D Line play and we shut down Michael Turner, which was relieving to me. It proved we still have the ability to stop the run.

In terms of starting OLB I'm rooting for Ellerbe because he's better against the run. The year that Jameel broke out, he played OLB, and was just destructive off the edge. Bring him in to spell JJ and bring back his playmaking.

[Ed_Reed20]

I honestly believe the run defense has been shored up simply with Cody getting more snaps. His domination against the run in college is proof he can be a difference-maker in the NFL. With some work, he could be the best nose tackle in the league.

Now the pass rush...

[benravens1]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1290038892' post='543866']
I honestly believe the run defense has been shored up simply with Cody getting more snaps. His domination against the run in college is proof he can be a difference-maker in the NFL. With some work, he could be the best nose tackle in the league.

Now the pass rush...
[/quote]

i agree. all he needs is a bit of experiance playing against NFL linemen and he'll be as close to unplayable as he was in college.

and hey with his size and strength he needs 2 guys to block him when it comes to pass rushing too. add in Ngata needing to be double teamed as well and surely atleast 1 of the other guys will have a mismatch somewhere.

[berad]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1290038892' post='543866']
Now the pass rush...
[/quote]

Hm, indeed. Maybe a new topic is in order. By the way, Greg Mattison and Cam Cameron have been under performing, perhaps they need to be called out. Joe Flacco doesn't look very passionate, a thread might need to be made.

Just joking We've talked all of those topics, and more, into the ground and ad nauseum. I'm just looking forward to Sunday, we won't have any more talking to do - just watching.

And I agree with your assessment on Cody. He's a bona fide run-stuffer and can take over the interior of the line. Glad to have him.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1290038892' post='543866']
I honestly believe the run defense has been shored up simply with Cody getting more snaps. His domination against the run in college is proof he can be a difference-maker in the NFL. With some work, he could be the best nose tackle in the league.

Now the pass rush...
[/quote]
Best run stopping NT, he reminds me of Casey Hampton...just Cody is 23.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1290040019' post='543879']
Best run stopping NT, he reminds me of Casey Hampton...just Cody is 23.
[/quote]

8-10 years of Hampton-like production would be fine by me.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1290040692' post='543885']
8-10 years of Hampton-like production would be fine by me.
[/quote]
Ya I'd take that in a second. Itd be nice to have a prototypical 3-4 NT for the first time ever lol

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1290041325' post='543893']
Ya I'd take that in a second. Itd be nice to have a prototypical 3-4 NT for the first time ever lol
[/quote]

Yep.

I've said it before but I'm looking forward to seeing him go against an interior o-line he dominated in pre-season again.

[gabefergy]

What has happened to our run defense? I would like to know where you are going with this b/c it hasnt really been a problem this year. If you take away the Peyton Hillis game, the rush D has been very solid all year. Of course there have been a few big runs here and there, but that is going to happen to any team. I think with Cody seeing more playing time the D is only going to get stronger against the run.

The real concern is the Pass Defense. We dont have cover corners, and good QBs can pick apart our zone schemes. Our pass rush is still underwhelming, even though Suggs is starting to come on. However, 1 pass rusher is not enough to make an impact against good teams. Look at what NE did to Woodley.

[Shammy]

The D is back in the top ten i think theyre gonna tighten it up and move theyre way back into the top 5 ... just like last year we got ran over by benson twice and allowed a couple of other backs gets close to 100yds but then in november throughout we dominated

[rlh445]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1290034796' post='543807']
[b]How many times do we need to have this topic? [/b]Run defense isn't as dominating as it has been but it showed, in the Atlanta game, that it's getting better.
[/quote]

/Thread. Seriously, what a great question. The answer? As many times as it takes for the same people to give the same answer apparently.

[JohnnyBoy8102]

Run D is currently 8th in the NFL.

[justifythegame]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1290032628' post='543776']
Whether we are in a 3-4 or 4-3 we are getting run upon much more than in recent years. I attribute this to a weaker defensive line playing the run. Players like Gregg, Ngata, and Redding have gotten dominated although Ngata not as much in this area. To compound that our run-stuffing linebacker, McClain, has also been handled more than in the past. Personally, I have seen at times a lack of corner support in our run defense.
Does your take differ?
[/quote]

#1 problem is Gregg Mattison. You need to have your best players on the field. With Mattison, there is are no starters, everyone gets in on a rotation. There is no reason why the best player on the Ravens, Haloti Ngata gets taken off the field unless he is fatigued.

Kelly Gregg is not even half the player he used to be, not even last year coming back from near career ending surgery. Cody hardly gets into the lineup. The game is won in the trenches and mattison's scheme isn't helping.

Trevor Pryce was a phenomenal player even at his age. He would've outplayed Redding and Kruger, Pryce not getting into the lineup and then cut was pure agism. Pryce took a huge paycut just to remain a raven this year and no one in their right mind would've cut Pryce for Ken freaking Hamlin.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='justifythegame' timestamp='1290107368' post='544358']
#1 problem is Gregg Mattison. You need to have your best players on the field. With Mattison, there is are no starters, everyone gets in on a rotation. There is no reason why the best player on the Ravens, Haloti Ngata gets taken off the field unless he is fatigued.

Kelly Gregg is not even half the player he used to be, not even last year coming back from near career ending surgery. Cody hardly gets into the lineup. The game is won in the trenches and mattison's scheme isn't helping.
[/quote]
No offense but Marvin Lewis used to sub in and out with the Dline routinely as well. The Titans constantly sub guys in and out in an effort to remain fresh.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='justifythegame' timestamp='1290107368' post='544358']
#1 problem is Gregg Mattison. You need to have your best players on the field. With Mattison, there is are no starters, everyone gets in on a rotation. There is no reason why the best player on the Ravens, Haloti Ngata gets taken off the field unless he is fatigued.

[b]Kelly Gregg is not even half the player he used to be, not even last year coming back from near career ending surgery. Cody hardly gets into the lineup. The game is won in the trenches and mattison's scheme isn't helping.

Trevor Pryce was a phenomenal player even at his age. He would've outplayed Redding and Kruger, Pryce not getting into the lineup and then cut was pure agism. Pryce took a huge paycut just to remain a raven this year and no one in their right mind would've cut Pryce for Ken freaking Hamlin.[/b]
[/quote]

I don't know what games you've been watching but Cody's snaps have been increasing for three games straight.

Pryce [b]WAS[/b] a phenomenal player. Not that Redding or Kruger have stood out but Pryce has done [b]nothing[/b] this season. Zilch, squat, bupkis, nada. His noticeable decline began last year when Edwards was taking snaps from him and it was obvious he was washed up this season.

Put aside your beef with the coaching staff and recognize the moves they've made for what they are.

[RL52TheGreatest]

Our run defense is only gonna get better as Cody gets more playing time and continues to improve. He is a monster in the making and at the very least is gonna eat up blocks so that our other players can get through the line to make plays. I, for one, can't wait to see our defense match up against Peyton Hillis again. Not to discredit him or anything, I love the way he runs the ball and he's a fun player to watch, but I don't think he's gonna have anywhere near a repeat performance with Cody in the lineup.

[Nadkins52]

lets pull a page out of Raheem Morris book... "stats are for losers"

[TSizzle00]

Ravens run defense was rated in the 20s earlier this season. It is now at #8. Thats what happen to the run defense.

[Mick0311]

[quote name='ravensdfan' timestamp='1290032739' post='543779']
We put Cody in and held Turner to what? 39 yds? What more do you want?
[/quote]


That was one game. I think he means so far for the season, which is a valid question.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Mick0311' timestamp='1290184051' post='544950']
That was one game. I think he means so far for the season, which is a valid question.
[/quote]

A number of players have gotten old and Cody wasn't getting consistent snaps because of his surgery.