Missed tackles, dropped passes. Yes. Those were a big part of what went wrong last season. And yes, stats are oversimplifying. But I can't help it. I like playing with numbers. [grin1]

If we had a #1 need though, it would be a pass rush from up the middle. This would take some pressure off of CM3 and take some time off the QB's internal clock, and indirectly improve tackling as ball carriers won't be hitting their strides when Packers defenders are going for the tackle.

Now let's look at 2010 Playoff games.
We beat the Eagles 21-16 in the WC game. Bishop, CM3, and Erik Walden each record a sack.

2nd game - Falcons. CM3 gets two sacks, and BJ Raji, CJ Wilson, and Woody get one each.

CG - da Bears. Cullen Jenkins and CM3 share a sack while Sam Shields gets a whole sack.

SB - surprisingly the only of the 4 games where we lost the sack battle. Zombo got our only sack. However, we won the turnover battle. Jarrett Bush and Nick Collins each get a pick (Collins went for 7 points) while Bishop and T Williams each recover a fumble.

Fast forward one year. The Giants. Michael Boley and Osi Umenyiora get two sacks each. Brad Jones records our only sack. Eli Manning has enough time in the pocket to pick apart the secondary. We lose.

So yes, I agree with you all that we have more faults than just sacking the opposing QB. However, I'd say our #1 offseason priority is to get someone from up the middle who can get to the opposing QB and it's not even close when it comes to offseason priorities.

Originally Posted by: zombieslayer 

Lose tthe turnover battle, lose the game.
Especially when the ratio is -2 or more.
And.. when The offense gives up the ball inside their own 35 and inside their 5 yd line.

Hate to make it so simple, but it is what it is.

Originally Posted by: buckeyepackfan 

Let me simplify that ... the 6 turnovers that we we're missing are the 6 turnovers caused by Collins ... and if not more. Losing Burnett in 2010 didn't affect us because he was a rookie and Collins was extremely well. Peprah replacing Burnett is more effective then him replacing Collins. The day Collins went down, the defense went down. Collins not only help in the passing game but is a great asset in the running game as well. Let's hope he is 100% when he comes or else look for another mediocre performence by the defense this year ... unless we get a good safety and a good enough pass rush.

Originally Posted by: shield4life 

Let me simplify that ... the 6 turnovers that we we're missing are the 6 turnovers caused by Collins ... and if not more. Losing Burnett in 2010 didn't affect us because he was a rookie and Collins was extremely well. Peprah replacing Burnett is more effective then him replacing Collins. The day Collins went down, the defense went down. Collins not only help in the passing game but is a great asset in the running game as well. Let's hope he is 100% when he comes or else look for another mediocre performence by the defense this year ... unless we get a good safety and a good enough pass rush.

Originally Posted by: shield4life 

Lose tthe turnover battle, lose the game.
Especially when the ratio is -2 or more.
And.. when The offense gives up the ball inside their own 35 and inside their 5 yd line.

Hate to make it so simple, but it is what it is.

Originally Posted by: buckeyepackfan