McCullers

[Litos]

Albert Haynesworth would like a word with you.

you are so wrong, Haynesworth is 6´6". So there's no way a 6´7" can be good at Nose Tackle

(sarcasm above)

 

[t-man]

Every time he was in they ran the ball to the other side. If he can get in shape, he's going to help our linebackers get pressure.

Joe

 

[STEELERS R GR8]

He looked good when he was in there, but his snaps were pretty limited. I think Steelers Depot reported that he was on the field for 9 snaps. His role will remain pretty limited for awhile...he doesn't know what he's doing really (scheme-wise) but he did a good job of occupying blockers. He will get exposed if he plays too many snaps. McClendon was playing well prior to his injury, he doesn't need to be replaced.

I agree he needs to learn but I disagree that McClendon don't need to be replaced. He is not a NT so on just 9 snap McCullers pushed the center straight back one monster time that is more the Mclendon has done the last two seasons. We haven't had a push like that since Casey has been gone. I am not dumping on McClendon I am just saying he is hurting us as a 3-4 NT. He might be fine as one of our ends just not as our NT. Is McCullers the answer not sure but worth a shot giving him a chance, if the NT can get push it sets things up for our lb's.

 

[freak]

he can't be cut block because he is always engage with double team

 

[TDX27]

I saw his first 3 snaps in particular. The first 2 were runs and he face planted the lineman in front of him and then followed the RB. The third play was a pass and he pushed the center straight back. He didn't get to the QB but he would have. It didn't look like the center could stop backpedaling. I definitely want to see him dress and get some snaps in each game.

 

[keslerclan]

It's too early to tell anything about McCullers with just 9 snaps, IMO. On the other hand, Thomas has enough evidence on tape to determine he is not a player.

As far as McLendon goes, he MIGHT be our best DL right now, based on his production. He is/was on pace to match Casey's production in his early years. Casey did NOT fare as well with "outside zone" teams BECAUSE he could be 'single blocked' into a "legal" cut-block. He HATED this. McClendon is MUCH better moving laterally with the zone blocking schemes BUT is not as dominant as a stationary NT. Thomas is AWFUL as a stationary NT and worse when asked to move laterally as he often loses his feet and takes out other defenders.

Keisel, as much as I hate to admit it, is our least productive DL right now. Playing over 60% of our defensive plays...he has just 4 total stops.

Heyward, playing on 86% of our defensive plays...has 22 stops, 3 sacks and 2 stuffs.
McLendon playing on only 35% of our plays...has 14 stops, 1 sack and 3 stuffs.

I realize it is the DL's job to absorb "double teams" to allow the linebackers to make the tackles BUT our linebackers do a fair job of taking themselves out of plays...especially against a "stretch zone".
McClendon is taking on 2 blockers about 30% of the time which is less than Casey during his 'prime' but about average for when the "zone" BS started with him around 2008.

Our LBs have NOT been as disciplined as we were in the past and are 'filling' too fast allowing cut-backs. In the past, Farrior and Foote 'shadowed' the RB more without committing until he committed himself to turning upfield.

If anything, we need to get Thomas OFF the field and let Tuitt take the LDE spot from Heyward which will put him at RDE. Deisel can still "spell" Heyward and Thomas can spell Tuitt although it might be better to have McClendon slide over to spell Tuitt and have McCullers take the NT in this case. McLendon is just too good a player to have him off the field when Thomas is allowed to stay.

Ideally, McCullers can become the NT splitting time w McLendon instead of Thomas and either Tuitt can handle the LDE/RDE spot with Heyward opposite or McClendon can stay on the field and slide out.

McCullers is a MUCH better stationary NT than anyone we have BUT he has never shown the ability to move laterally with outside 'stretch-zone' types of plays even in college. IF he can get conditioned enough to stay on the field, I am all for it if it gets Thomas off the field for now. I am NOT ready to anoint him as the NT of the future til I see some more evidence than 9 plays. FWIW

 

[Hines57]

McClendon going down did two things, it moved Thomas inside and lets Tuitt stay on the field. I hope Tuitt keeps that spot when McClendon comes back and McCullers can take the NT spot from McClendon. This guy is a big son of a *****. He just needs to gobble up space for us. We don't need him to make plays. He takes up space and clogs the middle and he's a keeper for me. He isn't going to get moved often with his size.

 

[Joey Porters Taint]

Hellz yeah! 1st and goal from the 2? Bring in the big fella, I bet he would love to get a TD. And would a safety or LB even try to stop him?

He's too tall. Not to mention he isn't fast. But yeah in your madden world put him at rb

 

[F83]

Should dress every game the rest of the way, the scout that recommended Cam to Dumbbert should be fired, however if it were dumbert its time he goes and seriously ask someone like Cohwer to be just GM.

 

[keslerclan]

The other thing I noticed is we ran every play but 2 on the opening possession out of the 4-3 w Troy @ LB. Call it what you want but it is a 4-3 front w essentially 3 LBs (counting Troy).

The first 2 plays we ran out of our 'base' 3-4 was with Thomas on the field at NT. The 1st play, he got mauled and Foster ran for 39 yards. The second was the next play, an 11-yard 'dump' to the RB for a TD. FWIW

The sub-package seemed to do okay in slowing the run game down BUT we still gave up passes. I just HATE having Troy too close to the LOS as he is usually crushed quickly and rendered ineffective. Spence over-pursued or was held early on but managed to keep himself clean better as the game wore on. Timmons started to be more patient too which enabled us to negate their typical run plays later on as well.

 

[Tibs]

Dude, you're way off.

I watched him every play he was in.

1) He was never moved, even by double teams.

2) He shed cut blocks to stay in plays. This was the big question, could he stay vertical. For the most part he did.

3) No running play went through his gap. They ran stretch off tackle, but when McCullers came in and tied up blockers, our LBs got to the edge quicker.

Cam Thomas was routinely blown of the ball. McCullers wasn't, not a single time.

Totally agree. McCullers as of right now is heads and tails our best option at NT, regardless of his height.

 

[Superman]

he just needs to be more aware of the ball location. that one play where he pushed the C back 4500 yards, Fitzpatrick strolled right by him.

 

[Idioteque]

Albert Haynesworth would like a word with you.

Not a 3-4 nose tackle. All-Pro in a 4-3, though

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20101029/nfl-notebook-redskins-haynesworth-admits-3-4-defense-not-for-him

 

[Superman]

Not a 3-4 nose tackle. All-Pro in a 4-3, though

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20101029/nfl-notebook-redskins-haynesworth-admits-3-4-defense-not-for-him

that wasn't the argument. thanks for not noticing.
I believe John Henderson played some NT in some 3-4 as well as Marcus Stroud. Yet, I know, I know, never in 10 seasons did either of them ever slip inside to play NT, at all, on any play ever in the course of their career or there would be a website with videos and spreadsheets and charts and all kinds of fancy **** on them totally negating any assumption that they ever played a single snap in their lifetime as a NT in the 3-4. ever. my bad.

 

[SteelerAl]

I have no idea why so many want to put this talented but extremely raw and clueless (in terms of knowing the defense and having a mature understanding of technique) rookie in a position to fail and lose confidence. He will serve us best in small doses. Same thing with our young WR Bryant: do you want to start him, have him run the wrong route 60% of the time and have him return to the clumsy, bumbling fool we saw in the preseason? Isn't it better to just let him do a couple things well on a limited basis while he gains experience and confidence?

 

[Steelerfan]

I'm just glad the organization has changed its "rookies don't play" philosophy. Its refreshing to see.

 

[Idioteque]

that wasn't the argument. thanks for not noticing.

Oh, that's my bad. This is what I read:

He will never be a true NT because of his height and inability to get leverage but he would be a monster DT in a 4-3.

Albert Haynesworth would like a word with you. SPREADSHEETS SPREADHSEETS JIZZ KOBE SPREADSHEET!!!!

Weirdly, I took that to mean "Uh, wait, Albert Haynesworth was a true NT!" Clearly, I was wrong. I realize that now as the goalposts have been moved to mean "Maybe, hypothetically, some of those guys played a snap a game at 3-4 nose, who knows!!" and new players have been added to the equation.

It's Randall Cobb all over again. Take your time with this one; God knows you need it to copy/paste **** someone else wrote.

 

[Idioteque]

Here's an article from 2012 documenting that Henderson had NEVER played 3-4 nose. He was a situational player in the ONLY season one of his teams played any 3-4.

http://raidernationtimes.com/article.php?id=6084

And here's one accurately describing Stroud as a 3-4 END, not nose.

http://musketfire.com/2011/06/29/patriots-vince-wilfork-ranked-among-the-best-3-4-nose-tackles/

It was a cute try, bringing up the three DTs you've heard of, but sadly none of them panned out. It's back to the copy/paste mines, I guess.

Translation: Spreadsheet jizz jizz jizz spreadsheet Kobe Kobe spreadsheet

 

[FordFairLane]

I think Big MacCullers play warrants more snaps against the Colts. I would try to phase Thomas out and have McCullers spell McLendon a few times or move McLendon over to DE opposite of Heyward and let McCullers eat up blockers in the middle. That should give Heyward and or McLendon one-on-ones and hopefully allow our LB's to shoot gaps and make plays.

 

[Superman]

LMAO. what a ******* tool. whine about me posting a couple of ******* articles in the goddamn offseason and here you are posting... ready? links to articles. such a goddamn grandiose self-fellating fuckhead about ****.

well, if I can post a ******* link, ma'am...

here's one where Henderson was going to KC to play... NT
http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2010/4/26/1445034/report-dt-john-henderson-visiting

and here's a goddamn link with Henderson saying he COULD play NT:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...rson-confirms-hell-visit-chiefs-on-wednesday/

and here's Marcus Stroud saying he could, too, you know ... a ******* link:
http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/foru...says-he-can-play-nose-in-a-3-4-scheme.122013/


but, never, ever in the even remotest part of his entire career did Big John EVER, EVER, EVER move from end to inside. NEVER did it, per you. He never came up the middle on any defensive play, at all, ever. He always played against the T/G, because once he got too far inside his strength and power were negated by some odd force in the middle of the field that rendered him a 3-foot tall eunuch.

Which is precisely what you are. a 3-foot tall eunuch troll.

You don't come on the board after a win, but are sure here to preach about game play and clock management and routes and ... all kinds of **** that you simply do not see since you'd have to watch a game (which you've admitted you do not do, for one reason or another). The only reason you're here, on this board, is to argue. You don't discuss ****. Just argue. You must have been waiting and waiting for me to post something so you could jump on it, all while sitting around in your mother's basement in your Superman pajamas pounding your refresh button just waiting and waiting ... ******* troll.

and "none of them panned out"
L.M.F.A.O. that Henderson and Stroud "didn't pan out"
really?

******* eunuch troll

 

[Bigappleyinzer]

Damn Supe, lol.


Superman out here throwing virtual hooks:

 

[Idioteque]

LMAO. what a ******* tool. whine about me posting a couple of ******* articles in the goddamn offseason and here you are posting... ready? links to articles.

No. The issue with you is that copy/paste is all you have. You know jackshit otherwise, you can't follow the game at all, so you rely on NFL.com to provide your opinions.

such a goddamn grandiose self-fellating fuckhead about ****.

Goddamn dude. Are you trembling right now? I really didn't mean to break your brain.

well, if I can post a ******* link, ma'am...

here's one where Henderson was going to KC to play... NT
http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2010/4/26/1445034/report-dt-john-henderson-visiting

Did he sign there and play NT? No. So this is actually an article about Henderson NOT playing NT. Check.

Instead, he signed on with the 4-3 Raiders, played there for two years, then was cut as they switched to a.. wait for it.. 3-4 defense.

and here's a goddamn link with Henderson saying he COULD play NT:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...rson-confirms-hell-visit-chiefs-on-wednesday/

and here's Marcus Stroud saying he could, too, you know ... a ******* link:
http://fantasyknuckleheads.com/foru...says-he-can-play-nose-in-a-3-4-scheme.122013/

Oh. Articles in which a guy says he can do something. Well, I'm convinced.

You told me Henderson DID play NT. The only time he ever did, he was a part-timer and cut immediately. An odd example when you're trying to pussywhine that tall guys can be GOOD 3-4 NTs. Henderson was a GREAT -3 DT who, in a way, had his career ended early by the 3-4.

You told me Haynesworth DID play 3-4 NT and excel at it. The only time he did, he was run off the team and admitted publicly that he couldn't play the position. Yikes.

You told me Stroud DID play 3-4 NT. When I pointed out he was an end, not a tackle, you dug up a free agency article where he states he thinks he maybe could someday, maybe, play tackle. God, I feel the truth slapping me around violently.

You've tried with three different DTs - again, probably the only three non-Steelers you've heard of - and all of them failed. Like I said, it's Randall Cobb all over again.

but, never, ever in the even remotest part of his entire career did Big John EVER, EVER, EVER move from end to inside. NEVER did it, per you. He never came up the middle on any defensive play, at all, ever. He always played against the T/G, because once he got too far inside his strength and power were negated by some odd force in the middle of the field that rendered him a 3-foot tall eunuch.

Needless to say, you're not following along here.

A NT does more than just line up near the middle. A NT is a DT who - I'll slow down a bit here - absorbs interior blocking as his primary, if not entire, job description and rarely, if ever, shoots the gap. This was never Henderson's game, nor Haynesworth's, nor Stroud's. In fact, it was their inability to do that job that bumped them out of their jobs. The fact that you think all a NT does is line up near the center.. well, it speaks volumes.

Like ultra-deep threat Randall Cobb.

You don't come on the board after a win, but are sure here to preach about game play and clock management and routes and ... all kinds of **** that you simply do not see since you'd have to watch a game (which you've admitted you do not do, for one reason or another). The only reason you're here, on this board, is to argue. You don't discuss ****. Just argue. You must have been waiting and waiting for me to post something so you could jump on it, all while sitting around in your mother's basement in your Superman pajamas pounding your refresh button just waiting and waiting ... ******* troll.

I gave a pretty tame response to your incalculably stupid "Haynesworth wuz a awsum knows tackle!!"

And look at the reaction I cause when I post. Look at the reaction when you're proven wrong.

and "none of them panned out"
L.M.F.A.O. that Henderson and Stroud "didn't pan out"
really?

"panned out" for your "argument".. panned out as 3-4 NTs.. dinglenut.

Spreadsheet spreadsheet spreadsheet Kobe

 

[Superman]

if allowed to refute my point, ma'am, I started by saying Haynesworth wanted to have a word with JJ about his statement.
You then felt the need to interject.
of course, you know WHY Haynesworth didn't want to play NT, right?
of course you do. no, it was not because he was a consummate team player and was putting the team's needs ahead of his own. mike shanahan, who i would be led to believe knows more about football than you or i combined, wanted him at nt. wonder why?
regardless, i'm tired of your over-the-top bullshit posts, so...

haynesworth wanted to stay at DT since it was the only position he was comfortable with. he didnt want to be the guy to plug holes, allowing LBs to get to the QB. he wanted to get to the QB, and play in the backfield. oddly, when he was traded to the patriots, they rolled out a hybrid 3-4 defense. imagine that.

my point regarding henderson and stroud...
both very well could have done that. easily. the two were phenomenal athletes. especially henderson. he could have played ANY position on the line, and most likely any position but center on offense. just how i feel about the dude from seeing him play with my own eyes. He played DE since he was better suited at it, considering his size and ability.

McCullers is in the same mold. He has an enormous wealth of ability. While he may not be a 5-10 stump, a 6'7" tree could possibly be just as good, as long as he takes up blockers. I think even you can agree with that statement.

 

[Idioteque]

of course, you know WHY Haynesworth didn't want to play NT, right?
of course you do. no, it was not because he was a consummate team player and was putting the team's needs ahead of his own. mike shanahan, who i would be led to believe knows more about football than you or i combined, wanted him at nt. wonder why?

"I'm not good enough to play the 3-4," Haynesworth said Thursday.

"Trying to get him to do the 3-4 stuff was trying to get a square peg into a round hole," Haslett said.

regardless, i'm tired of your over-the-top bullshit posts, so...

Oh, which one was over the top and/or bullshit?

oddly, when he was traded to the patriots, they rolled out a hybrid 3-4 defense. imagine that.

?? They had already run the 3-4 for years. My God, they ran it against us in the ******* 2004 playoffs.

And Haynesworth was cut a few games into the season after playing limited snaps, so....

my point regarding henderson and stroud...
both very well could have done that. easily. the two were phenomenal athletes. especially henderson. he could have played ANY position on the line, and most likely any position but center on offense. just how i feel about the dude from seeing him play with my own eyes. He played DE since he was better suited at it, considering his size and ability.

..right, and when Henderson was asked to try NT in the NFL, he failed in both opportunities and was cut.

McCullers is in the same mold. He has an enormous wealth of ability. While he may not be a 5-10 stump, a 6'7" tree could possibly be just as good, as long as he takes up blockers. I think even you can agree with that statement.

Perhaps. But a 3-4 nose's job is to use leverage. Since most NFL Cs and Gs are several inches shorter than him, I wonder about his ability to stay low. He had MAJOR issues with that in college, too.

Like in the cases of Haynesworth, Henderson, and Stroud - these were three excellent DTs who were thoroughly incapable of playing 3-4 NT. I don't think that's a coincidence. Just sliding a DT over to NT is like just sliding a WR over to TE.

 

[SteelBuckeye]

Interesting debate. I Googled Dan McCullers 3-4 Nose Tackle and read up on some of the pre-draft scouting reports on him. Most identified him as a natural 3-4 nose tackle because of his ability to clog the middle and command a double team. Most also stated that it would be incumbent on him to improve his ability to get lower and maintain leverage. There were more good and bad attributes of course. But what they all basically pointed to was a "prospect" who is best suited to be a 3-4 NT, but would need good coaching and to show a good work ethic to reach his potential.

I kinda think that's about what NFL teams thought also given his draft position. I know that this is the position taken by some on the board earlier (can't remember names; and I wasn't one of them, as I had no opinion at the time. Viewed the pick as another one of our "throw away" picks).