9ers @ Hawks Preview By Doug Farrar

by John Morgan on Sep 12, 2008 10:23 AM PDT

Doug Farrar tackles 9ers/Hawks with his sophisticated statistical breakdown. As always, Farrar's work come Field Gulls approved. We don't always agree, but I never read an argument of his that I don't respect.

Both he and I key in on pass rush determining this week's contest, but where I think Seattle must blitz to win, he thinks the front four bears responsibility. We also disagree about Seattle's pass protection. A unit I think very hard to evaluate in light of news Rob Sims played much of last week's contest with a torn pec. I think we can both agree, in just week two, this game has the unnerving feeling of a must win.

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Hey John

Whats your take on how blitz happy the NFL was in week 1? Do you think its something thats going to continue?

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 12, 2008 10:36 AM PDT reply actions

I know you asked John but...

It would make sense that teams blitzed a lot in week 1 because Offenses are typically behind the Defenses at this time of the year. The offenses are adjusting to new plays, new formations, and the best way to capitalize on that is pressure. That’s why I believe there will be a lot of blitzing taking place early in the season.

Also, everyone saw how the Giants stopped the BEST OFFENSE EVER in the Super Bowl by putting Brady on his ass. Most teams don’t have a front 4 that can consistently pressure the quarterback, so they have to blitz linebackers. Maybe we’re seeing a new trend because of that, or maybe I’m full of BS!

I should be on my fifth weenie smoothie by now! You know how many I've had? Zero...

by Badical Turbo Radness on Sep 12, 2008 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions

I think I get what you're saying here.

Early in the season, offenses haven’t quite gelled yet. Same reason John Madden seems to think that offensive coordinators should run bootleg passes 50 billion times in the first three or so games.

Bootleg, bootleg, bootleg.

by BrianL on Sep 12, 2008 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

I love the bootleg :)

You may gain some yards on the ground, but eventually Lofa will end up biting you in the ass.

by Scruffy Lefty on Sep 12, 2008 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions

Until I see the trend last at least two weeks, I reserve opinion.

Though I guess any tactic will be used until it loses effectiveness.

by John Morgan on Sep 12, 2008 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Interesting

His comment about this not being a Holmgren offense, and it being a Ruskell offense all the way.

I should be on my fifth weenie smoothie by now! You know how many I've had? Zero...

by Badical Turbo Radness on Sep 12, 2008 10:59 AM PDT reply actions

Nightmare

I had a nightmare last night. I dreamed that i had to hide Holmy from the police. He had murdered Ruskell. He told me the last straw was Ruskell trading Matt, Charlie and Seneca to get Forsett back. Please tell me the nightmare is over.

by Funballad on Sep 12, 2008 1:19 PM PDT reply actions