Does Size Matter?

I've been thinking about this lately; Does it really make that much of difference in the grand scheme of things?

Take for instance our defensive line. We currently have one, by NFL standards, small defensive end and could possibly end up with another in the draft - Gaines Adams.

I know we've discussed ad nauseum the merrits of drafting one DL as opposed to another, that's not what I'm getting at here.

Is it proven or possible that you can't have a formidable front four with two average size DEs?

Please discuss.

I would think it all depends on the kind of defense you're running. For us, I think we need a bigger line that can clog running lanes so the linebackers are more free to move around.

I think it more about the likeliness that a smaller guy can hold up against the run and bigger OLs. A guy like Freeney is good to go but no one knew coming if he could do it. Most smallish DLmen simply need some girth to get the job done. A few do it with technique and speed but they are much rarer and I believe harder to identify.

in a 3-4 defense it definitly does matter, but in a 4-3 I don't think it is totally necessary. It is always nice to have at least one DL that commands a double team which we do not have, sorry Cornelius Griffin just isn't cutting it. But to prove a point here are a few DL that are on the slim side. Jason Taylor-255lbs, Simeon Rice-268, Aaron Schobel-262 and Leonard Little-263

my ex-gf definitely seems to think so...

innuendo aside, she is a ravens fan and knows a thing or two about football. She has been preaching to me about size on the D-line. That's why Ray-ray was so effective on that defense this year. Most ravens players say that Kelly Gregg was the MVP of that defense and its not surprising why they think that. Sometimes even out of ur D-ends u don't want them to make a play u just want them to not get pancaked (maybe take on a double) so that ur WLB's and SLB's can shoot the gap and make something happen. For this size DEFINITELY helps over quickness

My wife SWEARS to me that size does not matter... man, I hope she is right.

Size on the D line helps in run defense. Speed and quickness help more in pass defense. Balance is the key. You don't want all run stuffers, or all pass rushers. That's why I think we'll be much better on the D line, if we can get one legitimate run stuffer. It will make our D line much more balanced.

Honest: Size Matters!!!!!

Honest: Size Matters!!!!!

Honest to God, Hess. I actually had you in mind when I started this thread. :)

Well, let me tell all you boys the TRUTH. It DOES matter and girth is far more important than length!