Everette Brown

I haven't watched the Steelers game yet, but from what I've seen in the first 3 preseason games, Brown and Norwood were getting manhandled. In fact, our whole DL unit looks like they need to get stronger. I saw a lot of both DTs shooting gaps and taking the path of least resistence. I understand that's generally the role of the 3-technique, but I thought the 0 technique guy was more read-and-shed. Am I wrong about that? Whatever the reason, I saw huge holes being opened up (especially in CIN) in the middle of the line and saw our ends get crushed against the run.

From what I've heard, JW's knees are shot. Olshansky is a 3-4 DE, who lines up on the outside shade of the OT and usually is responsible for covering the B and C gaps (I think). I'd be surprised if he had the strength to play on the nose for us, but it would be interesting to see if he could play the 3 technique.

 

You're correct, and even the 3 isn't quite so freelance in most systems, but it seemed like McDermott was less concerned with gap control in Philadelphia. That wasn't a major focus of Johnson before him either. This approach is almost the diametric opposite of Fox's old "be sound, play your responsibilites, then make a play if you get the opportunity" style.