Next year I think he can be at the point where he could look really good in spot starts if an ILB were to go down. Not sure if it'd be the same at OLB since it's a harder position to play.
He's a very good role player and I like what I have seen from him but I don't think he has the talent to be a top-flight edge pass rusher.
I will agree with this part, as Manning and Brady can do a number against some of the best defenses. The reason I would not label our defense "elite" just yet would be because of those 4rth qtr meltdowns we had against some "average" teams. On paper we have some great stats, but a couple of those "L's" say other wise. As far as Westerman, I think he will be a solid player for us, but we need and elite pass rusher and a #2 CB who can play all year. You add Jenkins back in the mix, then I think we will have the stats and "W's" that can back up that "elite" status.
I don't agree... the whole point of this D is to create pressure by mis-matching the numbers of players opposing Os are expecting.
How can you be elite when you give up game winning drives to Chad henne, Matt Ryan, and David garrard? Pure comedy.
the point is, it is easier to get mismatches with only 5 people when you have better pass rushers instead of having to send the house to get pressure, when you blitz less you have more guys in coverage.
I think you're getting hung up on "this D". As personnel changes, so will the makeup of our defensive schemes. What was successful for us this year, may not be successful for us again, as teams begin to game plan for our heavy blitzes with quick slants, roll-outs, screens, etc. We need a native edge rusher.
I am looking forward to see how Westerman develops, and if there is anyone who will help him along the way, it's Rex.
yeah i understand the concept of sending more guys than the other team can block, but we still need to be able to apply pressure without sending the extra guy... it will make a world of difference against a guy like manning.
I think he deserves the chance--Bryan Thomas never gets around the edge to the QB--he's pretty good against the run, but he gives little pass rush. Until they develop outside pressure from BOTH SIDES they'll never reach the super bowl.
meeh... REx D survived half a decade in baltimore and has brought great success this year... wh change it? If it has soo much success the system clearly must have something to do with it...
the system is great, but the system can be even better if we don't need to send 5-6 guys at the qb. first and second down would be coverage downs and then when we got to third down rex could go absolutely wild with his blitzes... and i'm sure most qbs will be shitting their pants on third and ten knowing we are sending extra guys when he has already had people in his face without the blitz.
