Lamont Thompson is just the worst Free Safety in our team, we will be better with Vinny Fuller in there.

Please post your comments

Did you watch the game? LT was not the main problem in our secondary. Try Hill or PacMan bighting on every play action. The plays you are calling poor plays on his part don't you ask yourself why our FS is covering the #1 WR on the Jets. Where are our CBs on those plays?

Yeah, I agree that #28 & #21 have got to step it up. Wrong or right, it's why I pressed so hard for them to sign Ty Law this off-season. I hate #21 so much, I was ALL for the signing of Law.


Wasn't it HE who was burned on that play where Hope made that big hit by the endzone in the 4th? I think it was ... BIG PLAY .. but anyway, the guy made a good catch. Hope rang his bell pretty good. Did all he could to pick up the toast ... but the dude held on.

I was pleased with Hope's play, btw.

21 & 28 suck! They'll be getting burned all season long.

LT hasn't done anything significant in a long time. This season I haven't seen anything from hill, and the expectations are higher. Those two need to pick it up, especially LT. Why we got rid of tank and lance and kept him, I'll never understand. He does a great job of running near receivers, and then after they make a first down, or cross the five, he hits them. It's great, what a strategy.

Let's not forget that Hill did have a pick and a nice return called back on a bad call.

Let's not forget that Hill did have a pick and a nice return called back on a bad call.
but all of hill's picks are tipped, the WR falls down or are thrown right to him. it's not like he's making great plays in coverage.

True that, and Pac got burned on a play-action.

Our secondary has potential, but so far including the pre-season, we've been shockingly awful.

Let's not forget that Hill did have a pick and a nice return called back on a bad call.

I am a Titans fan but rules are rules that was PI. You can not run through a guy to get a ball. The player has a right to his position. Go around him or what ever but you can not just bowl a guy over to get the ball. I was pissed at first until I saw the replay.

but all of hill's picks are tipped, the WR falls down or are thrown right to him. it's not like he's making great plays in coverage.

So were Ty Laws last year.

So were Ty Laws last year.
i know, i was against the signing of law too. im pro hill because he's younger and can still develope, but i havent finished my kool aid yet.

Lamont isn't a bad safety. He is still having to clean up Rey's shortcomings and mistakes. I have learned a lot about "actual" defensive schemes and (I'm apologinzing in advance, Gunny) but Hill is struggling. He is allowing receivers to turn back and catch the ball.

Receivers should NOT get so deep into the backfield that safeties are having to run them down.

hill is garbage, lamont is garbage, were drafting a griffin or that nd #9 safety boxer guy next year to replace lamont, cause hill still has time to improve, but i wouldnt mind seeing finnegan at hills spot, he looked like he did pretty good that game and i think it was him that caused pennington to fumble

man, i should threaten to take away my vince sig if i read another Hill is garbage post. :brow:

ok, hes alright, but lamont has gotta go

ahh blackmail, gotta love it.

I am a Titans fan but rules are rules that was PI. You can not run through a guy to get a ball. The player has a right to his position. Go around him or what ever but you can not just bowl a guy over to get the ball. I was pissed at first until I saw the replay.

There was PI, but with or without the PI, the ball would have been tipped. Sirmon got the tip and was in front of all of the PI action. It's not Hill's fault that (whoever that was) someone made a dumb play.

man, i should threaten to take away my vince sig if i read another Hill is garbage post. :brow:


Hill is a big time pile of garbage :brow:

...damn

i know the d gave up some big plays but thats what happens when your offense cant stay on the field. they are exhausted by the 4th. i would rather see vince go 3 for 4 and a pick with a possibility of a run, than 5 for 15 and a pick with a possibility of 10 yard sack. and sorry for being longwinded but i went to every home game a tx last year and he is good. i dont care what people say about playing to quickly they be like tim couch (ex). but then there is big ben who just has it. you have it you have it and vince has it. choice is let play this year get rookie mistakes over. come out next year kicking a@#

what does Vince have to do with Lamont?

D had two stops in the 4th

Same ole story with Jimbelina "death of 1,000 cuts" Schwartzie in that they allowed the game winning drive late in the 4th. D was not tired they were just ineffective late because their DC is an estrogen junky.

When Albert went down in the 4th, I told my pal Tommy Three Thumbs to watch. Al would sit on the ground for a while. Then get up and walk off. Then return the next play.

He does this all the time when he's tired and needs a breather. He didnt' even limp when he walked off. The next play he's back in and raising his arms up to fire up the crowd.

It's hilarious...

Lamont isn't a bad safety.
yeah he is. he wouldnt have been cut after one year from the one of the worst teams in the league if he was worth a damn.

he's had three good plays since he's been with the titans. his big hits in the last two minutes of the panthers games a few years ago. and his INT for a TD against the phins in '04.

When Albert went down in the 4th, I told my pal Tommy Three Thumbs to watch. Al would sit on the ground for a while. Then get up and walk off. Then return the next play.

He does this all the time when he's tired and needs a breather. He didnt' even limp when he walked off. The next play he's back in and raising his arms up to fire up the crowd.

It's hilarious...


all true, the really sad part is the play he took off was the 3rd and 1 on the game winning drive.

D had two stops in the 4th

Same ole story with Jimbelina "death of 1,000 cuts" Schwartzie in that they allowed the game winning drive late in the 4th. D was not tired they were just ineffective late because their DC is an estrogen junky.
Help me understand...

If Schwartz is to blame for Hill biting on a fake which resulted in the Jets big gain after two straight three-and-outs. Is he to blame for the Finnegan blitz which gave the offense the ball on the Jets one?

Help me understand...

If Schwartz is to blame for Hill biting on a fake which resulted in the Jets big gain after two straight three-and-outs. Is he to blame for the Finnegan blitz which gave the offense the ball on the Jets one?
he's to blame for not seeing that blitzing an immolble qb works.

Help me understand...

If Schwartz is to blame for Hill biting on a fake which resulted in the Jets big gain after two straight three-and-outs. Is he to blame for the Finnegan blitz which gave the offense the ball on the Jets one?
The answer is in this thread...

http://www.gotitans.com/goForum/showpost.php?p=200068&postcount=14

:)

yes he is on both points. I would say the other CB was plenty guilty of falling for play action fakes also.

Schwartz should blitz as many as necessary in order to create havoc in the backfield. When the QB is under pressure good things happen. When the QB is not challenged in the backfield, as Schwartz choose to NOT blitz for the bulk of the game, then the pathetic secondary will be exposed. Joe Montana - I mean Chad Pennington - really spread the ball around as he had 4-5 seconds on most throws because dehr Schwartzie refused to send enough men into the backfield to do any harm.



Now specifically on the game winning late 4th quarter drive. Had them on 3rd and 1 and Haynesworth took himself out for that ONE play - arrugh. ( I still blame Schwartz for that anyways) Does AH make a difference on that play? I don't know they went wide and the midget CB Jones almost broke it up, almost, almost... Then Hill bites on a double move and Hope's big hit on Coles does not seperate the man from the ball. ( I still blame Schwartz for having Hill in the game at that time ) Game winning TD was thrown perfectly in part because it was second and goal from the 12 and Schwartz was in full "death of 1,000 cuts" no pressure mode so Pennington throws a perfect pass for the winner.

Raise your hand if you were not absoutly positive the JETS were gonna score on that drive. I thought so.

Raise your hand if you were not absoutly postive the Titans were incapable of answering. Just as I thought.

Raise your hand if you were not absoutly positive the JETS were gonna score on that drive. I thought so.

i had no doubt they were going to score. i HOPED it would be a field goal.

but from that great movie Grumpier Old Men, "Crap in one hand, wish in the other and see which one fills up first."

Help me understand...

If Schwartz is to blame for Hill biting on a fake which resulted in the Jets big gain after two straight three-and-outs. Is he to blame for the Finnegan blitz which gave the offense the ball on the Jets one?

There was bad play by individualy defenders, that you can't blame Schwartz for and the blitz was a good call (although I wouldn't be surprised if Finnegan wasn't supposed to blitz but did so anyway :brow:).

However repeatedly through the game we saw too little pressure on the quarterback and too big cushions for the receivers and generally poor coverage. Once in a while that can be attributed to bad play by the players, but this consistently it has to be the scheming.

Once in a while that can be attributed to bad play by the players, but this consistently it has to be the scheming.
Gotcha.

So Schwartz is responsible when our front four can't get pressure on Pennington for stretches at a time?

Gotcha.

So Schwartz is responsible when our front four can't get pressure on Pennington for stretches at a time?

Yes. At the very least he's responsible for not calling any blitzes to help the front 4 get pressure. You can't always rely on your 4 linemen to get pressure, just like you can't rely on your dbacks to have coverage if there is no pressure.

Yes. At the very least he's responsible for not calling any blitzes to help the front 4 get pressure. You can't always rely on your 4 linemen to get pressure, just like you can't rely on your dbacks to have coverage if there is no pressure.
I saw a number of blitzes Sunday. Some worked. Some didn't. I suppose those that did are due to players making plays and those that didn't are due to Schwartz. ;)

BTW, if the Titans front four can't get pressure without the blitz, they'll never be a top defense.

you guys are right, lets have DONNIE NICKEY as our #1, how could we be so stupid, or heres a better idea, lets move pac man to saftey


:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

I saw a number of blitzes Sunday. Some worked. Some didn't. I suppose those that did are due to players making plays and those that didn't are due to Schwartz. ;)

BTW, if the Titans front four can't get pressure without the blitz, they'll never be a top defense.

No, if a blitz works I credit Schwartz for calling it and the player for executing it, if it doesn't work it depends on the situation whether it's Schwartz fault for calling a wrong blitz or if it's bad execution by the player.

And name me 5 teams that get consistent pressure without blitzing? Atlanta and Jacksonville were on my list until injuries, I honestly don't know who else.

No, if a blitz works I credit Schwartz for calling it and the player for executing it, if it doesn't work it depends on the situation whether it's Schwartz fault for calling a wrong blitz or if it's bad execution by the player.

And name me 5 teams that get consistent pressure without blitzing? Atlanta and Jacksonville were on my list until injuries, I honestly don't know who else.
atlanta, jacksonville, carolina and tampa bay. im sure there are a few others.

No, if a blitz works I credit Schwartz for calling it and the player for executing it, if it doesn't work it depends on the situation whether it's Schwartz fault for calling a wrong blitz or if it's bad execution by the player.
I see a lot of situations where the Titans are in the perfect defense and a player melts down and the finger gets pointed at Schwartz.

Play a game with me here. Give me any big play from last week you feel was Schwartz's fault for calling the wrong scheme.

And name me 5 teams that get consistent pressure without blitzing? Atlanta and Jacksonville were on my list until injuries, I honestly don't know who else.
Every top pass defense has a DL that can get pressure without bringing a blitz.

Play a game with me here. Give me any big play from last week you feel was Schwartz's fault for calling the wrong scheme.


I don't have the game on tape so I can't tell you exactly when it happened, but no a couple of their redzone visits our cornerbacks gave 5-7 yards cushions to receivers with the ball at the 5!!! As another poster pointed out, we're lucky they didn't just audible to a quickslant for an easy 6! That is one example of bad scheming. Also I believe we should have blitzed Pennington a lot more than we did, certainly Bulluck and Thornton should be able to get pressure on the edges, but I didn't see it.


Every top pass defense has a DL that can get pressure without bringing a blitz.

You still didn't name me 5 teams that can consistently bring pressure with only the front 4.

but no a couple of their redzone visits our cornerbacks gave 5-7 yards cushions to receivers with the ball at the 5!!! As another poster pointed out, we're lucky they didn't just audible to a quickslant for an easy 6! That is one example of bad scheming
:wave:

I don't have the game on tape so I can't tell you exactly when it happened, but no a couple of their redzone visits our cornerbacks gave 5-7 yards cushions to receivers with the ball at the 5!!!
I never saw our corners do that. Are you basing this on your own observations or what you read in a forum?

I do notice a lot of cushion at times but that points more to the talent/experience of our corners who are trying to give themselves an advantage to keep from getting burned.

Also I believe we should have blitzed Pennington a lot more than we did, certainly Bulluck and Thornton should be able to get pressure on the edges, but I didn't see it.
Where? When? Be specific. There were blitzes. Some got some pressure on him. Some didn't and Pennington burned for for it.

You still didn't name me 5 teams that can consistently bring pressure with only the front 4.
Every 4-3 team who has a top pass defense generates consistent pressure without the blitz. Why do you think the best DEs get paid top dollar and are so highly coveted?

I never saw our corners do that. Are you basing this on your own observations or what you read in a forum?
i was the one who posted that, and believe me, it happened.


I do notice a lot of cushion at times but that points more to the talent/experience of our corners who are trying to give themselves an advantage to keep from getting burned.


im going to have to disagree with you there. pacman LOVES press coverage, and he's very good at it. when they were "just playing football" in the preseason he was in press coverage non-stop. i dont think it's a coincidence that he had a much better preseason than game one.

I'm not saying they never press but I also see situations where they play off the LOS. It's usually due to a situation where the opponent needs a big gainer and the likelihood of a short pass is less.

As good as Rolle was, I remember him playing off the LOS often. It didn't seem to point to bad scheme then.

In the case you mention, I'm throwing the BS flag on that one if you are referring to one of the first two Jets TDs. There was never a "5-7 yard cushion" when the Jets were on the 10.

In the case you mention, I'm throwing the BS flag on that one if you are referring to one of the first two Jets TDs. There was never a "5-7 yard cushion" when the Jets were on the 10.

They didn't score on the particular play/drive I'm referring to, in fact I'm pretty sure it was one of the shanked FG drives. Actually I believe it was at the beginning of the 4th quarter to be exact where the Jets have 1st and 4 on the Titans 4 yard line. Our CB's were lined up about 1 yard deep in the endzone.
I noticed one other play in our redzone where they were backed up 5-7 yards, but I can't remember when exactly or what the outcome was.

I merely referenced bigtitan53279 to illustrate I wasn't the only one who noticed this.

They didn't score on the particular play/drive I'm referring to
So how is this bad scheme? ;)

In the case you mention, I'm throwing the BS flag on that one if you are referring to one of the first two Jets TDs. There was never a "5-7 yard cushion" when the Jets were on the 10.
IIRC, it was on the drive that ferguson held laboy. i think cotchery caught a td, but it was nulified.

IIRC, it was on the drive that ferguson held laboy. i think cotchery caught a td, but it was nulified.

3-2-TEN2 (14:29) C.Pennington pass short right to J.Cotchery for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN NULLIFIED by Penalty. PENALTY on NYJ-D.Ferguson, Offensive Holding, 10 yards, enforced at TEN 2 - No Play.

^-- that was the drive I was talking about too

Okay, if the ball was at the 2, then you could very well have seen a corner standing in the endzone at the snap. That's not 5-7 yards.

Okay, if the ball was at the 2, then you could very well have seen a corner standing in the endzone at the snap. That's not 5-7 yards.

On the previous play it was 1st and 4 from the Titans 4, Jeff (why am I repeating myself?) and that was where they had a 5 yard cushion well into the endzone. The fact that they score on a pass on the very next play, just shows we weren't capable of stopping their passing even in such a tight space (if it wasn't for a holding by D'Brick).

So how is this bad scheme? ;)
Very bad. In any scheme the defenders are at a disadvantage because they are reacting to the play whereas the offensive players know what's going to happen.

Too much zone always gives WR a bigger cushion to further put the DB at a disadvantage. Why do our DB's often line up at LOS & start backpedalling before they even bump the WR.

Man coverage disrupts routes & puts it on the WR to beat his man fair & square.

We show blitz plenty of times then drop out of it. Play the 46D with a high percentage of blitzes from all angles then occasionally dropping out of it is clever & confusing. Do it as often as Schwartz does & it pays off to gamble that we aren't actually coming.

The jets last TD drive we had nothing to lose by going after them. Better to get burned trying to kill a drive cold than giving them yards through zone coverage.

Schwartz is like a boxer without a knockout punch. Lots of fancy footwork & jabs but his scheme doesn't put the other team away.

The ball was on the two when it was snapped. No way was a CB 5 - 7 yards off the LOS.

You continue to point to a poor scheme on a play the Jets didn't even score on. You have no way of knowing if Pennington even gets the pass away if LaBoy isn't held. Now why would I find that pretty shaky evidence? I'd think if poor scheme was such a factor, you could name a dozen such plays that resulted in much more production by the Jets.

Oh, and as for the importance of getting pressure from your 4-3, check out some of the DL players on these top defenses:

Panthers
Bucs
Colts
Jacksonville
Eagles
Giants
Ravens
Bears

You'll find players who are in the top 10 in sacks and Pro Bowlers down the line. These teams still blitz but they are effective in getting pressure without it. If they were dependent on the blitz to get pressure, they'd not be top defenses.

Eagles

Ravens

the ravens and eagles blitz like crazy

The jets last TD drive we had nothing to lose by going after them. Better to get burned trying to kill a drive cold than giving them yards through zone coverage.
It's getting silly, guys. The Titans had just blitzed and got a fumble on the Jets previous possession. The Jets were three and out the possession before that. Then you blame Schwartz for Hill biting on a fake that cost them a 38-yard gain on the game-winning drive?

I give up. Blame Collins for the offense. Blame Schwartz for the defense.

I give up. Blame Collins for the offense. Blame Schwartz for the defense.
FINALLY :))

Then you blame Schwartz for Hill biting on a fake that cost them a 38-yard gain on the game-winning drive?
.
i dont blame schwartz for hill's mistake. i blame him for being the coordinator of a defense that continually gives up game winning drives at the end of games when we desperately need a stop.

we've had different players. we've had different opponents and we've even added a few new position coaches while he's been here. the only constant is schwartz.

The ball was on the two when it was snapped. No way was a CB 5 - 7 yards off the LOS.


No, for the THIRD time, on a play from the Titans 4 yard line, the CB's were standing in the endzone, that's a 5 yard cushion!!


You continue to point to a poor scheme on a play the Jets didn't even score on. You have no way of knowing if Pennington even gets the pass away if LaBoy isn't held. Now why would I find that pretty shaky evidence? I'd think if poor scheme was such a factor, you could name a dozen such plays that resulted in much more production by the Jets.


True, but you can't for sure otherwise either. And I feel the Jets had significant production to point towards scheming issues.



Oh, and as for the importance of getting pressure from your 4-3, check out some of the DL players on these top defenses:

Panthers
Bucs
Colts
Jacksonville
Eagles
Giants
Ravens
Bears


Of that list I'll give you Panthers, Bucs, Jags and Bears. The Giants have 2 good DE's but their line as such is nothing special, the Raven's and Eagle's are not unknown to bringing the blitz often and the Colts defensive line is only good because their offence puts up large numbers forcing opposing teams to pass often.


You'll find players who are in the top 10 in sacks and Pro Bowlers down the line. These teams still blitz but they are effective in getting pressure without it. If they were dependent on the blitz to get pressure, they'd not be top defenses.

We have KVB, Albert Haynesworth, Randy Starks and Robaire Smith, who other teams would love to have. Our only weakspot is Laboy and even he's not that bad.

we've had different players. we've had different opponents and we've even added a few new position coaches while he's been here. the only constant is schwartz.
And bad defenses.

Unless you count '02 and '03. :brow:

the ravens (and eagles) blitz like crazy

maybe thats why the Ravens shut-out Tampa Bay

And bad defenses.

Unless you count '02 and '03. :brow:
i didnt have nfl sunday ticket for the '02 season, so i cant comment for that year.

i still dont think that '03 defense was all that great. a lot of teams were passing in the second half because a 28-13 deficit.

And I feel the Jets had significant production to point towards scheming issues.
And all you can come up with as an example is a play where the corners were playing four yards off the LOS on a down where the Jets needed four yards in order to score? How would you have felt about the technique if McCareins fought off a jam and caught one in the corner of the endzone?


Of that list I'll give you Panthers, Bucs, Jags and Bears. The Giants have 2 good DE's but their line as such is nothing special, the Raven's and Eagle's are not unknown to bringing the blitz often and the Colts defensive line is only good because their offence puts up large numbers forcing opposing teams to pass often.
The Eagles and Ravens get it done with their DL more than most. Freeney would be a stud on any team.

We have KVB, Albert Haynesworth, Randy Starks and Robaire Smith, who other teams would love to have. Our only weakspot is Laboy and even he's not that bad.
Yet, with the exception of KVB and Hayesworth for stretches, we didn't get much pressure on Pennington all game long. What does that tell you?

What a blitz often does is leave holes in the secondary. Pennington, and his short drops, made the reads and burned the Titans a few times when a blitz didn't get to him by hitting something quick in the vacated areas.

Bottom line, blitzing is effective if used strategically. The Titans do use it more than I think you give them credit for. But the pressure the DL gets so that a couple of them require double teams just makes the blitz that much more effective.

maybe thats why the Ravens shut-out Tampa Bay

No maybe about it. Simms had zero time in the pocket. NFL Access broke down the game last night if anyone saw it.

They also did a spot on how McNabb dismantled the Cows this weekend too.

How would you have felt about the technique if McCareins fought off a jam and caught one in the corner of the endzone?


That would have been either bad ply by our corner or great play by McCareins. Playing him soft allowing him to break across the middle for an easy catch would be bad scheme.


The Eagles and Ravens get it done with their DL more than most. Freeney would be a stud on any team.


Quick, name the starting D-line for the Eagles and Ravens without looking it up. KVB would be a stud on any team, so would Haynesworth (when healthy).


Yet, with the exception of KVB and Hayesworth for stretches, we didn't get much pressure on Pennington all game long. What does that tell you?


That our defensive line either suck, considering they got schoold by 2 rooks or that they're given bad assignments. In either case, you can't just stand by and go "oh well, they're not getting pressure, maybe next game".


What a blitz often does is leave holes in the secondary. Pennington, and his short drops, made the reads and burned the Titans a few times when a blitz didn't get to him by hitting something quick in the vacated areas.


Did you borrow that paragraph from Jim "You can't blitz Manning" Schwartz? The best defences in this league have always used a variety of blitzes, Eagles blitzes alot, Patriots blitzes a lot, Steelers blitzes a lot, Redskins blitzes a lot, so do the Ravens and while I don't follow the Bears much, I'd be surprised if they don't blitz regularly.


Bottom line, blitzing is effective if used strategically. The Titans do use it more than I think you give them credit for. But the pressure the DL gets so that a couple of them require double teams just makes the blitz that much more effective.

Well, considering that aside from 1 play by Finnegan, we didn't accomplish anything with these blitzes, they're not being used in a strategically sound way.

This is a damn fine argument:grrhee:

That would have been either bad ply by our corner or great play by McCareins. Playing him soft allowing him to break across the middle for an easy catch would be bad scheme.
So, in your mind, it is ALWAYS better to jam the WR in that situation even though our #1 corner is six inches shorter and 40 pounds lighter than some of the more physical receivers he covers?

KVB would be a stud on any team, so would Haynesworth (when healthy).
"When healthy" is the key there, isn't it? And KVB is about all we've got to hang our hat on as a consistent pass rusher. I think our lack of pressure on opposing QBs with our front four says it all. You, yourself, said we needed to blitz more to get pressure because our front four can't get it done. So I think we are agreement on our DL. The solution is where we differ. I see some serious scheme flaws by overusing the blitz.

Did you borrow that paragraph from Jim "You can't blitz Manning" Schwartz? The best defences in this league have always used a variety of blitzes, Eagles blitzes alot, Patriots blitzes a lot, Steelers blitzes a lot, Redskins blitzes a lot, so do the Ravens and while I don't follow the Bears much, I'd be surprised if they don't blitz regularly.
And the Titans do as well. The difference is the top teams also get it done with only their front four too and are more effective because they have players on their DL who will beat a one-on-one matchup more often.

© Jim Schwartz. All Right Reserved.

Well, considering that aside from 1 play by Finnegan, we didn't accomplish anything with these blitzes, they're not being used in a strategically sound way.
C'mon, man. It's only sound scheme if player executes it properly? All Schwartz can do is put his players in position to make plays. Yet he gets blame for when Hill can't make a read or bites on a fake.

I haven't watched the game again (I'd rather poke myself in the eye with a fork) but I remember a number of blitzes by all three LBs at different points in the game. Just because they didn't get to Pennington doesn't mean they were not strategically sound.

I think I get your position here though. If a blitz doesn't work, Schwartz gets the blame because he didn't get pressure AND he left a hole for the QB to hit a receiver for a easy, big play. If he doesn't blitz, he's a pansy.

So, in your mind, it is ALWAYS better to jam the WR in that situation even though our #1 corner is six inches shorter and 40 pounds lighter than some of the more physical receivers he covers?


No, if it's 3rd and long or any other situation were short yardage isn't crucial, it perfectly fine to give a cushion. This situation wasn't one of them.


"When healthy" is the key there, isn't it? And KVB is about all we've got to hang our hat on as a consistent pass rusher. I think our lack of pressure on opposing QBs with our front four says it all. You, yourself, said we needed to blitz more to get pressure because our front four can't get it done. So I think we are agreement on our DL. The solution is where we differ. I see some serious scheme flaws by overusing the blitz.


I never said to overuse it, but I think Schwartz isn't using it enough. As I said, besides Finnegan I didn't see a single blitz that put any pressure on Pennington, didn't even come close. Even if the player doesn't get there, at least collapsing the pocket should be possible.





C'mon, man. It's only sound scheme if player executes it properly? All Schwartz can do is put his players in position to make plays. Yet he gets blame for when Hill can't make a read or bites on a fake.


I don't blame Schwartz for Hill getting burnt on the long pass, where Hope put a lick on the receiver. That was purely bad CB play. I would also give credit to Schwartz if he called a blitz, but the player missed the tackle.


I think I get your position here though. If a blitz doesn't work, Schwartz gets the blame because he didn't get pressure AND he left a hole for the QB to hit a receiver for a easy, big play. If he doesn't blitz, he's a pansy.

If our blitzes never work we have severe problems on our D. Especially against the Jets I refuse to believe that their 5 offensive linemen can consistently beat our 4 defensive linemen + 1 linebacker 1 to 1. Their line is not that good, and included 2 rookies for crying out loud.

But this all goes back to the talent versus coaching discussion. You believe we don't have talent on defence and I believe our talent is being misused.

It wont happen without an injury....we have too much money invested in him

No, if it's 3rd and long or any other situation were short yardage isn't crucial, it perfectly fine to give a cushion. This situation wasn't one of them.
Riiiiiiight.

I never said to overuse it, but I think Schwartz isn't using it enough. As I said, besides Finnegan I didn't see a single blitz that put any pressure on Pennington, didn't even come close. Even if the player doesn't get there, at least collapsing the pocket should be possible.
In other words, if the blitz isn't effective, give em more!

But this all goes back to the talent versus coaching discussion. You believe we don't have talent on defence and I believe our talent is being misused.
I believe in '04 and '05, we had less talent and experience. Combined, that isn't a good thing. We bring in some help and the rest of the guys mature and I think we'll see a much better defense this season.

Schwartz should have the horses to do some things on defense he hasn't done since '03 when the Titans D was pretty good. If it doesn't happen, then it won't matter because he, along the defensive position coaches, will likely be gone.

In other words, if the blitz isn't effective, give em more!


Would you rather give up on it and just let opposing QB's shred our secondary to pieces?


Schwartz should have the horses to do some things on defense he hasn't done since '03 when the Titans D was pretty good.

Like some other posters here, I'm starting to question whether the defence was really that good in 2002/2003 or if it was a result of a much better offence forcing the other teams be 1 dimensional.

Would you rather give up on it and just let opposing QB's shred our secondary to pieces?
It's poor scheming in my book if you repeat errors. I don't abandon the blitz but I also don't overuse it for the sake of doing it if is isn't successful.

I think the Titans will actually do more against the young Rivers. Pennington has been around and was finding those holes.

Regardless, if the Titans front four can't get a push, LT will eat them alive and we'll make Rivers look like the second-coming of Dan Fouts.


Like some other posters here, I'm starting to question whether the defence was really that good in 2002/2003 or if it was a result of a much better offence forcing the other teams be 1 dimensional.
Revisionist history?

No doubt a powerful offense helped the defense in those seasons. You can do a lot with a 14-point lead. But I remember a number of games that opposing offenses tried to establish the run early and couldn't. Look back to what that D did to some of the top rushers in the game. They never got anything going the first quarter and later had to abandon the run as the Titans have had to do the last two seasons.

They shut down Jamal Lewis in the playoffs and he was the league's top rusher that season.

And, to look at this a little differently, the pass defense gave up much more than they probably would have if the Titans didn't have as big a lead as they did in many games. Schwartz went to that "soft prevent" which allowed opponents to dink and dunk down the field as the DBs kept the play in front of them. The result is the opposing QB piled up a lot of yards late but the Titans won the games.

Hill is a good nickel back but not starter material. Let's face the facts. And Pacman is at about the same level. Not to sound rhetorical, but we had a shot at Antrel Rolle and did not take it. Our GM's intuitions are starting to be like Bengals GM Mike Brown's were in the 90s (drafting Akili Smith over Champ Bailey, Daunte Culpepper, Ricky Williams, Brian Urlacher, etc.)

Not to sound rhetorical, but we had a shot at Antrel Rolle and did not take it

And Rolle has done what exactly to make you think he's better? The most spectacular event for Rolle so far in the NFL was his injury.

I bame Schwartz, and to a greater extent Fisher, for playing Sirmon and Thompson ahead of Tullock and Fuller. Not only are they better, IMO, but they are our future, just like Vince.