Who is really valuable on the defense?

[Preacherman0]

Couple of things on last night's game:

-We can talk about how much this defense needs Troy and Harrison; but the guy who matters most is Woodley. He makes a huge difference in playing the run, the pass, all the way around. OLB with the strength to play like a DE and the speed/skill to rush and play the pass. Defense looked completely different when he settled in and got it rolling.

-Harrison is not healthy. Would like to see the scheme get him rushing up the middle or dropping into coverage; and possibly get Wallace rushing off the edge a bit more. I don't believe that Harrison's knee will give him the torque or leverage that he needs to come off the edge.  It will be easier for him to play if he doesn't have to take that low-to-the-ground corner.  Plus, Wallace's speed is an asset coming from the outside, but his size is a liability when he comes up the middle.

-Wallace has lost about 8 million dollars this season. Ben should stop griping about Haley and start griping at Wallace for costing him 31-37 for 300+ yards and 2 TDs. I don't care if the ball was tipped, you have to concentrate and make that catch in the EZ.

-I am a fan of Tomlin. However, the lack of fire and discipline on this team is becoming infuriating. You can't do the kind of things that the Steelers did in the first half and win. That lack of discipline has cost us down the stretch in every single loss.

[scballersc]

Couple of things on last night's game:

-We can talk about how much this defense needs Troy and Harrison; but the guy who matters most is Woodley. He makes a huge difference in playing the run, the pass, all the way around. OLB with the strength to play like a DE and the speed/skill to rush and play the pass. Defense looked completely different when he settled in and got it rolling.

-Harrison is not healthy. Would like to see the scheme get him rushing up the middle or dropping into coverage; and possibly get Wallace rushing off the edge a bit more. I don't believe that Harrison's knee will give him the torque or leverage that he needs to come off the edge.  It will be easier for him to play if he doesn't have to take that low-to-the-ground corner.  Plus, Wallace's speed is an asset coming from the outside, but his size is a liability when he comes up the middle.

-

Woodley had himself a game last night.  And I agree that this year, our success will depend moreso on him than on Nagging Injury 1 and Nagging Injury 2. 

But otherwise, this season, I have not been impressed with Woodley.  IMO Ryan Clark has been the best player on the defense, followed closely by Timmons.  No one else on the defensive side of the ball deserves consideration for team Defensive MVP.

[Preacherman0]

But otherwise, this season, I have not been impressed with Woodley. 

Isn't this kind of his MO, though? Slow starts, stronger as the season goes on?

I hope so, because I'm not convinced that Troy is ever going to see the field this season. At least not for more than a game here and there.

[Big Virgil]

I thought Ziggy had a darn good game too.  I think one play he pretty much ran down Dalton from behind.  I was suprised at his speed. 

[aj_law]

I thought Ziggy had a darn good game too.  I think one play he pretty much ran down Dalton from behind.  I was suprised at his speed. 

Gingers lack breakaway speed.

[jonzr]

They were getting pretty good pressure I thought, but Dalton was getting rid of the ball in about 1.5 secs.

[jasonic]

I think they're not as bad a group as they've played.  Just need some confidence and hopefully this win will give it to them.  Ike played great, he should just be assigned the #1 guy and blanket him, seems to play his best in that capacity.  Lewis had some great plays and Woodley came to life.  Farrior and Foote are hanging in there and then Harrison is only going to get better.  Unfortunately, I think Troy is going to be out for good, maybe have to retire.

[SCacalaki]

Ryan Clark is the best and most consistent player on defense this year.  Game in, game out, he has been a guy to hit hard and provide good coverage.

[pensodyssey]

Ryan Clark is the best and most consistent player on defense this year.  Game in, game out, he has been a guy to hit hard and provide good coverage.

Couldn't agree more.  It's time Ryan Clark received his due as the best free agent signing in the last 10.. 15.. years?  Kevin Greene?  Who else? 

I actually posted angrily on Smizik's blog because he called Clark "a journeyman". 

[msdmnr2002]

Ryan Clark is the best and most consistent player on defense this year.  Game in, game out, he has been a guy to hit hard and provide good coverage.

Gotta figure if he could play in Denver we win playoff game and season opener.