Unit Analysis - Defensive tackles

5-19-06 Sporting News.

NFC
Panthers - A-
Bears - A-
Lions - B+
Vikings - B+
Redskins - B+ Cornelius Griffin is an elite player, and Joe Salav'a has an especially high motor.
Cardinals - B
Eagles - B The addition of first-round draft pick Brodrick Bunkley strengthens this position.
49ers - B
Seahawks - B
Green Bay - B-
Rams - B-
Tampa Bay - B-
Falcons - C+
Cowboys - C Jason Ferguson is a solid pro, but his backups are unproven.
Saints - C
Giants - C- First round bust William Joseph is the headliner of this group, which says it all

AFC
Jacksonville - A
New England - A
Steelers - A
Chargers - A
Bengals - B
Texans - B
Colts - B
Titans - B
Browns - B-
Broncos - B-
Bills - C+
Dolphins - C+
Jets - C+
Ravens - C
Raiders - C
Kanas City - D+

I am not a proffesional NFL scout or anything like that but I think that Sporting News graded this position very lightly. Just about every team in the NFL has B or better rated Defensive Tackles? I just dont buy it...

i really like both our tackles.all you have to do is look at our run defense the last couple of seasons,which has been very good

i really like both our tackles.all you have to do is look at our run defense the last couple of seasons,which has been very good

it was great in 2004, where the longest run we gave up was like 25 yards. In 2005, it was probably a weak point of our defense, at least i look at it like that. I mean, look how many long runs we gave up last year. There was like 3 in the san diego game, at least two over 50 in the first n.y. game, and we also gave up two long runs to tatum bell in the denver game, both for t.d.'s. we can really improve our run defense.

The only problem of our defense over the past two years is turnovers, though it got MUCH better during our run last year. THe d-line is very important in putting on that pressure and we have been weak in that area. Our players were not horrible but Daniels and Wynn on the line on the end next to Joe Salave'a wasn't going to scare anyone. Joe has always been pretty good but hasn't got enough recognition so I like that we got a B+ in the middle. The major problem has been DE for the past couple seasons and that is why eeryone wanted lavar to play there. Daniels REALLY REALLY REALLY stepped it up at the end so lets hope that continues.

With the addittion of Carter I think we have made something that was amazing truly scary, can't beat us. The defense was missing that ONE THING and I think Carter can be that one thing. I really think that grif and Carter will play just under pro bowl quality or even at pro bowl quality because griffin has been doing that. The rest of the defense is perfectly sound but the quality of players is not entirely deep.

The D-line is what stepped it up last year. The dominating D that we played against the bucs was led by the line. I think this year we are going to be insane if we have the solid play by daniels and carter on the end. I am not worried about the tackles too much.

it was great in 2004, where the longest run we gave up was like 25 yards. In 2005, it was probably a weak point of our defense, at least i look at it like that. I mean, look how many long runs we gave up last year. There was like 3 in the san diego game, at least two over 50 in the first n.y. game, and we also gave up two long runs to tatum bell in the denver game, both for t.d.'s. we can really improve our run defense.

we4 had a lot of injuries and warrick holdman was starting for us :( the front 7 work against the run, not just the DL... the runs up the middle are more on the DTs and MLB.

I think any rating system that only goes from 75-100 is a joke... they don't even define how they're getting their ratings. How much do quality backups matter? (we didn't have any last year, now we have wynn) etc...

I agree the D Tackles in stopping the run was not the issue. Those long runs were mainly a linebacker being out of position missing the tackle and bad angles by the safety coming up to make the play. D-Line after the first half of the season, but even then for the majority of the game we stuffed every play and breakdown on 1 or 2 plays. We should know our defense is based on strict assignments and discipline if one person missess the job or out of position it could be painful as a good back will take it to the house.

Our D line is solid, but we can always use more depth. I think the DE position will be much stronger this year. I hope McInTosh learns fast so he can play some on the outside.

Speaking of Bunkley, have you seen the guy lift? That's the biggest man I've ever seen.

i think bunkley is the best DT this year. I would have rather seen ngata fall to the eagles than him :/

The dude doesn't have a gun show, he has a freakin' RPG show.