Sheldon talks about JJ's D

[MURP]

Everything they said about this scheme is true: It takes a lot of time to learn and it is very complicated. The terminology is kind of difficult and I don't think that any rookie can come in and catch on to the scheme right away.

"I thought I was a smart guy until I was introduced to the scheme. Then I took a look at what Jim wanted me doing. I knew right away that I would have to really apply myself and be patient to digest it all. The verbiage and the rotations of the defense are challenging, and Jim is always changing parts of the defense to go against the offenses that we'll see. When you combine those things, it's dificult to learn.

"There is not a true meaning to his defense. The scheme is predicated upon what the offense is doing. Say we call a certain coverage that tells us to roll to the 'X' receiver. Well, in one game we may do that. Then in another game we can call the same coverage and roll to the 'Y' receiver. When you are first learning the defense, you may always think you're hearing 'Roll, roll, roll' but then in the game something completely different is required from the same call.

"We run a lot of blitzes and they change constantly. We have a strong-side blitz, let's say, and there are times we run that from the weak side. You have to understand what Jim is trying to accomplish against an offense and read that offense the same way he does to fully understand and execute the scheme.

"The scheme works because, and this may sound strange, it's hard to learn and it keeps guys' attention 100 percent of the time. We're all tuned in together. We understand what Jim wants us to do against a certain offense. Nobody ever gets bored learning the defense because it's always different. It demands 100 percent of your concentration.

"We like to play downhill. We like to attack the line of scrimmage. That's something that interests me very much. I like that mentality. Once I got here, I knew why the Eagles drafted me. They believed that the skills they saw in me fit what they ask a cornerback to do.

"Some corners would rather just be cover guys. I like to mix it up a little bit, be physical, make some tackles and support the run defense. I think this scheme fit me better than the schemes I had seen around the league.

"In college, I was basically a Cover 1 and Cover 3 guy. I wasn't asked to come up on run support very often. I was generally tackling only wide receivers after they caught a pass. The Eagles saw in me, during my career there and in the post-season workouts, the skills that would fit this defense.

"I truly believe the scheme is a great one and that the defense will be back on track this year. Our problems last year were not the result of a poor scheme; we made too many mental mistakes -- two guys running through the same gap knocking each other off, things like that -- and we also got our butts whipped too much. When Jim creates a one-on-one matchup, he expects us to win that battle. He matches you up on a guy that he thinks you can beat. If you don't win that battle, it's unacceptable.

"One thing I know about Jim and about this defense: We're going to come after you and try to attack what Jim believes is the offense's weaknesses. We're preparing to bounce back. Having so many guys in the scheme together is going to be a big plus for us this season."

The whole rookie thing is comforting in that maybe McCoy can be a good player this year.  Also discomforting because the chance of a rookie LB coming in and being a stud on this D doesnt have much chance.  whether it be Ryans, Greenway or whomever.   

Also like that he straight up said they got their buts kicked.  Too much arrogance coming off that super bowl and not enough off season preperation.  If these guys have any drive in them they should be busting their asses right now and come out of the gate in Houston frothing to kick some butt.   

[PhillyGirl]

It takes a crap-ass effort and season to make them realize how bad they played.

Glad they do. Can't wait to see them rebound.

PS...Sheldon Brown = one of the definite leaders of this team

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Our problems last year were not the result of a poor scheme; we made too many mental mistakes -- two guys running through the same gap knocking each other off, things like that -- and we also got our butts whipped too much.

I can't buy into that 100%.  Most of the guys who struggled the most last year (Adams, Dhani, Kearse, M. Lewis, and Lito) all should have taken a bigger step towards understanding the defense than they had in 2004... but they all took a step back.  If the scheme is one that takes a while to learn, they all should have played better in 2005 than 2004, or at least they shouldn't have taken big steps back.

[reese125]

makes you realize even more that the Eagles wont  bring anyone in unless they have some kind of feel for the system-offensive or defensive- because its really that hard. All this fan push for the FA LB's were nonsense when you know the true reason...

[reese125]

Our problems last year were not the result of a poor scheme; we made too many mental mistakes -- two guys running through the same gap knocking each other off, things like that -- and we also got our butts whipped too much.

I can't buy into that 100%.  Most of the guys who struggled the most last year (Adams, Dhani, Kearse, M. Lewis, and Lito) all should have taken a bigger step towards understanding the defense than they had in 2004... but they all took a step back.  If the scheme is one that takes a while to learn, they all should have played better in 2005 than 2004, or at least they shouldn't have taken big steps back.

I dont think it was much of taking a step back as it was more of the other teams exploiting their weakness. Not having any pressure up front was the big reason this happened. Dhani and Adams arent fast/good enough to hold off receivers.

Obviously, the more years you have JJ's scheme the easier it gets, not more complex.  They were exploited

[ice grillin you]

the front seven sucks...thats why the defense struggled last year

[mussa]

maybe we will see that new attitude defense that never showed up last year

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

maybe we will see that new attitude defense that never showed up last year

The problem is that it did show up.  Some guys over-pursued and tried too hard to make big plays by being out of position, and the other ones just kind of treaded water because they had no idea what the hell was going on.

[mussa]

the d-line needs a new attitude. fargers couldn't get through water last year.  I think Howard is going to help alot this year.  It def is going to mean success for either Kearse or him.  If Kearse or Howard both have less than 10 sacks next year, I'll be very surprised.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

It won't matter, because Trent Cole is going to have 18.5 sacks.

[Phanatic]

Key to this defense is pressure. As soon as the D-Line started sucking the wheels came off. The LBs were exploited, DBs sucked and it all just fell to pieces. The most frustrating thing was watching them totally shut down LaDainian Tomlinson one week, and then totally give it up to Jake plummer and the Broncos for 49 points the next week.

That KC game was an awesome comeback but that first half the D played like total shtein. One of the best games/comebacks I've ever attended or will probably attend in my life time and it was wasted on a shtein season like that.

I do like the fact that they are focusing on the D-Line to improve the D. Not sure if they're going to accomplish what they set out to but the effort is appreciated. I think the LBs will play better if the pressure is there and everything will come together if they can accomplish what they are trying to do.

JJs defense needs to have all the pieces in place to work. Lots of missing players on the field last year. I mean they were on the field. I could see them but they were MIA. That caused the guys that actually showed up to play to go over board and miss shtein.

[reese125]

yeah,  but you know what scares me is the the Eagles never rotated their corners. I saw Sheldon, but I dont know what Sheppard was doing last year, other than getting smoked by every other receiver for a TD. He's making me believe that his Pro Bowl appearance was an abiration based off the production of the DL that year. He needs to adjust his play and prove that he is that player that can make things happen even when the D-line breaks down.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Both Mike Lewis and Lito took a lot of odd risks in coverage last year and got burned.  Dawkins even did so on occasion, too.  However, MOST of those plays were by design... the blitz was supposed to get there within a certain amount of time, and the DB's internal clock goes that far and then freelances.  The blitz got picked up more often than not.  I even saw plays where the Eagles send 6 guys that were blocked by 5 guys.  And I'm not kidding.

[reese125]

Both Mike Lewis and Lito took a lot of odd risks in coverage last year and got burned.  Dawkins even did so on occasion, too.  However, MOST of those plays were by design... the blitz was supposed to get there within a certain amount of time, and the DB's internal clock goes that far and then freelances.  The blitz got picked up more often than not.  I even saw plays where the Eagles send 6 guys that were blocked by 5 guys.  And I'm not kidding.

Yeah but you know what Patt, Im watching Lito get burnt on simple post and slant routes by the Terry Glenn's and Kennisons of the world. Not saying their bad receivers, but these were plays that were made by the quarterback on a 3-step or 5-step drop. Its not like the quarterback was river dancing back there with his Ipod on...you know?

I do agree with what you said (in bold)--that did happen alot-especially with no pressure upfront

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

Yeah, I'm actually of the belief that Lito is the best nickel back in the NFL.  He should be playing nickel and be returning kicks and punts for the team.  I honestly feel he's better suited for that role, because he has the tendency to make the big play, but he is not disciplined to match up on the other team's #1 all game.

Flame suit on.