At The Conference Quarter Pole - Analyze A Unit.

Offense, defense, special teams, coaching.

Take one unit (DBs, LBs, etc.) or one side of the ball.


I'll start with the Defensive Line.

Watching this group - and then Michael Sam documentary game highlights - only underscored what I see as the greatest difference between the 2013-14 defense and this one: speed off the edge. This group is great at penetration, but currently lacks the lightning speed at DE that consistently disrupt QB timing to create sacks and turnovers. It's not meant as a knock as much as an observation.

Charles Harris body type precludes him from being in the cat quick mold of Ray, Sam or Golden, but he plays with a relentless style that makes him great in pursuit against the run and very good as a pass rusher.

I'm guessing the lack of consistent pressure off the other edge is an outgrowth of their youth and that over time the Walter Brady's, Nate Howard's, and Marcel Frazier's will develop into the type of DLineZoo ends we've become accustomed to.

Agree? Disagree? Set me straight or analyze another unit.