Our Issues Start with the Lines

[*SHRacerX*]

(02-28-2017, 04:04 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: Gone are the days when our defensive line could get consistent pressure on the QB from the Front 4 alone. This makes us have to blitz with LB's who aside from Burfict aren't good pass rushers. It also makes us play more zone and exposes our safeties who aren't good in pass coverage.

On offense, our line isn't good at pass protecting. It is also equally poor in run blocking. Imagine if we could run the ball for a healthy average against good teams...

To be honest, with the $15 million cap space available number...even if we can retain Whitworth...I struggle to see how we can improve both lines. In the draft we may get a DE or LB...but we have a lot of needs.

Billings isn't going to be a guy who pressures the QB. He will be more of a run plugger.

I hear what you are saying about the front four not getting pressure without blitzing, and they hardly ever blitz.

However, I think the addition of a Soloman Thomas or Derek Barnett gives them the missing piece in that front four.  That, plus Billings, who helps the line get pressure be drawing double teams.  There simply isn't one guy that can stop him mono a mono, and that will help free up the rest of the line.  

The offensive side is a bit more challenging with the potential for two vacancies, but I think it is almost a done deal that Whit will be here at least two more years, and that allows Zeitler to be replaced by a second rounder like Feeney, Lamp, or Biswonty.  The rushing offense will also get a significant boost with a new RB pushing Hill and Sexy for playing time.  

Without Ced O out there, the line was at least solid.  With Fisher at RT at the end of the year, I thought they did pretty damn well and that was without Boling in the last week who played with a torn rotator cuff all season.  

FWIW, I hope Eflein is still there in the 3rd and they can get him, too.