I agree 100%. This game isn't going to be about our defense. Face it people ... the Patrots will probably put up 20-something on us. The game will be decided by our offense controlling the ball, making big plays in the passing game, and scoring TD's instead of settling for FG's. We'll probably need to score 30 to win and I feel very good about us doing it.
Definitely not an upgrade. Leonhard was very effective in the run defense. However, I am confident they can overcome that and I really don't think they take a hit in coverage. If anything, having Lowery on the field more often will help that dimension. But don't go saying Smith is better than Leonhard, because on the run-stops he's not even close. He is better at blitzing than Leonhard was, I'll give him that. But overall, Leonhard is definitely better.
You're right in saying that Smith is not better than Leonhard...but he might be better than Jim in run support. It's coverage where he blows.
He definitely isn't good in coverage, I agree. But neither was Jim really. I don't really think they lose THAT much there. I think Jim is MUCH better on run support...Smith is a harder hitter, but Leonhard just has a knack for being in the right place on runs. However, that made him vulnerable to the play-action.
I said it in the draft forum, and I'll say it again here. Losing Leonhard's intangibles is a lot worse than losing his game. I love the guy, but there are definite limitations in him that other teams know too well.
Smith has always been good for run support. His problems have and always will be in coverage, but that is Jims problem as well. Hes really not that much worse than Leonhard is. People just got hard-ons for Jim and are down on Smith because Jims the new Cherbet.
Smith isn't much worse in coverage and run support, but Leonhard is a more reliable tackler and he is smarter on the field, which is why he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Leonhard isn't great in coverage but people like him because he's a reliable and pivotal part of the defense, and people are down on Smith because he gets taken advantage of on what seems like every other play.
Come back to what the whole forum in a tizzy over Jim Leonard's broken leg?No big deal,plug and play!
But in all seriousness, people . . . The New England Cheatriots -- while Bill Bellicheat is coaching the franchize, remain as such -- God forsaken fucking cheaters. Look at his POS offspring in Denver lol. Im so ready to watch this game like Jim is going to watch it --- relaxed and reclined.
The biggest problem I see with the Loss of Jimmy, is the already bad communication in the secondary. For whatever reasons, Pool isn't getting it, so he will not be able to step up, which leaves us with Smith and Dig, possibly Lowery as well. Out of those 3, Smith will give the most complete coverage, but will need help. Against the run, Dig is the man but I'm not sure on his communication skill set. Revis and Cro are going to have to step up and marshal their sides of the field. This is making me uneasy I have to say, especially with our inability to cover TEs already being a problem.
