Building a defense to stop Lamar and Mahomes

[akiliMVP 883]

These guys are who we have to compete with in the AFC for the next 10-15 years. If you can't beat them you won't compete for a Super Bowl. We have to build a defense to stop/slow them down. How do you do it?

 

Defensive line: Pass rush really doesn't affect them. Nick Bosa had about as dominating a performance as possible in the Super Bowl and Mahomes still won. He evades pressure and makes magic happen down field. Jackson was one of if not the least sacked QB in the league because he can run away from everyone. Not to say it's not important, but you need to be able to put pressure on the QB with just the 4 down lineman with the other 7 dropping in coverage.

 

What we have: DE Dunlap, DE Hubbard, DT Atkins, DT Billings

 

What we need: More depth at end and a better pass rusher at DT opposite Geno. Must add through free agency or mid round pick.

 

Draft - DT Davon Hamilton, OSU; DT Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina; DT James Lynch, Baylor; DE Jonathan Greenard, Florida; DE Alex Highsmith, Charlotte

 

Free Agency - DT Javon Hargrave, DT Jarran Reed, DT/DE Derek Wolfe

 

Cornerback: Most teams are playing nickel all game to defeat these spread out offenses. Corner is extremely important. You need guys who can stick with these fast receivers while Jackson and Mahomes are running around in the pocket. You also need corners who can tackle on the perimeter QB runs and screens these teams like to run.

 

What we have: Kirkpatrick, Jackson, Dennard (free agent) Webb and Phillips

 

What we need: Better talent for starting spots. Round 2 or 3 at least. Free agency is too expensive for high level corners.

 

Draft - Jeff Gladney, TCU; Noah Igbinoghne, Auburn; Jaylon Johnson, Utah, AJ Terrell, Clemson

 

Linebacker: It's becoming less important because most of them can't cover well enough to make an every down impact. The era of the big run stopping backers is over. You need guys who can fly sideline to sideline and cover backs and tight ends. LBs are becoming safety hybrids. Lighter guys who can cover and hit. Neither of these teams throw to the backs much, but both love their tight ends.

 

What we have: Pratt and Vigil (free agent)

 

What we need: Speedy guy to replace Vigil and much better depth. You can find a starting upgrade in round 2 or 3. LBs are also not usually expensive free agent finds.

 

Draft - Patrick Queen, LSU; Akeem Davis Gather, Appalachian State; Troy Dye, Oregon

 

Free agency - Matthew Judon, Jamie Collins

 

Safety: Safety is making a resurgence in today's NFL. They are playing all over the field. Used to rush the QB, cover the slot and defending the run in the box. This is especially important vs Jackson and Mahomes. They are replacing the slower linebackers. Adding athletes who can cover make it to the edge to defend the run.

 

What we have: Bates and Williams

 

What we need: A much better athlete than Williams as a starter. Free agency is an excellent tool to find a new starter. There is a lot of talent and usually at a good value.

 

Draft - Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne; Terrell Burgess, Utah; Antoine Winfield Jr

 

Free agency - Devin McCourty, Jimmie Ward, Karl Joseph

[thezerawkid 310]

It might be this: building an offense that can possess the ball 35+ minutes per game and put up some serious points when needed.

[akiliMVP 883]

10 minutes ago, thezerawkid said:

It might be this: building an offense that can possess the ball 35+ minutes per game and put up some serious points when needed.

Yeah I was going to add all that at the end but forgot! Keeping the ball out of their hands may be the best solution

[thezerawkid 310]

47 minutes ago, akiliMVP said:

Yeah I was going to add all that at the end but forgot! Keeping the ball out of their hands may be the best solution

Lol, I know, my man. 
 

Great, detailed write up, btw.

[|SF2| 3,917]

All you need to do is hire this guy to take care of them.  Cut the hamstring!

 

[|High School Harry| 2,780]

The defense to stop Lemur Jackson has already been built and is in place.

In Pittsburgh.

I doubt Lemur makes it out of the first Pittsburgh game without being crippled for life

with one, if not both, knees shredded.

[spicoli 361]

This was a great read....thanks for posting!

[akiliMVP 883]

5 hours ago, High School Harry said:

The defense to stop Lemur Jackson has already been built and is in place.

In Pittsburgh.

I doubt Lemur makes it out of the first Pittsburgh game without being crippled for life

with one, if not both, knees shredded.

That's a good point. Draft the dirtiest players and hope for the best. Is Greg Williams available to coach the D?