Tuesday, April 7, 2009

More on the D-Line Shift

The (semi-questionable) move to place Graves at DE has been scrutinized by many, but here is a good article by Darryl Slater at the Richmond Times-Dispatch with more clarification on the move. I like the focus on Demetrius Taylor, who is one of my favorites. Enjoy, and here is an exerpt:

"He's got to be more of a playmaker for us, not just a guy who's winning his gap," Wiles said of Taylor, who made 12 tackles last season, though defensive tackles don't post gaudy stats (Graves had 26 tackles). "And I'm putting him in a position to make more plays."

Taylor still vividly remembers the moment last spring when he knew he'd found his home at tackle. He lined up in the "two technique" against left guard Nick Marshman, so Taylor's helmet was aligned with Marshman's inside shoulder. When the ball was snapped, Taylor was able to handle Marshman's "cut-off block," as he stepped right to impede Taylor's path. "I just felt right," Taylor said.

No comments: