This Defense was definately more aggressive, no doubt about it.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20091116/PKR01/311160144/1058/After-further-review--Breaking-down-tape-of-the-win-over-the-Cowboys
With Dallas all but abandoning the run, Capers sent five or more rushers on 18 of 47 snaps (38.3 percent) and a blitz pattern with one of seven inside linebackers or defensive backs on 28 snaps (59.6 percent). Perhaps the most surprisingly effective blitzer was dime CB Jarrett Bush, who came five times and had two pressures, one of them off a nifty spin against Choice.
"evad04" wrote:
Not exactly sure why it took Capers so long to bring out the aggressive gameplan but I hope to God he sticks with it. I mean just think about, I would say that during the CIN and both MIN games, this Defense was everything but aggressive. It seemed like we stayed back in coverage more often then sending 3 or 4 guys at the QB, clearly that killed us.
"packfan4" wrote:
Part of the explanation is in the first sentence from that Press-Gazette snippet. The Cowboys inexplicably abandoned the run. They had a few successful runs very early in the game. After we shut it down a little bit they just abandoned it. Don't expect San Francisco to do the same -- they'll lean on the run against Green Bay. They like to run the ball, play good defense and keep it close. I think there's a way to be a pressure run-stopping defense -- but note that Capers [successful] approach to AP involved less blitzing (and huge games from Favre, unfortunately).
If we can be good on first and second down against the run on Sunday then I'd hope we're aggressive on some third downs. Just call a smart game. We even got pressure on a few four-man pass rushes against the 'Girls. Guys just have to show up and make some plays.
Good luck getting through on this argument..
Dj vu... been here on this discussion.. if you nonstop blitz you create natural running lanes by disrupting the balance of the defense. In the Viking games, Capers blatantly took away the run by keeping the Backers at their depth until they read pass, then they dropped into coverages.. run first, then defend the pass.
If you wait to read the run, then blitz you are going to be late to the party.. Capers scheme dictated to the Vikes, beat us through the air.. not grind us on the ground.
The Cowboys by their alignment assisted Capers in dialing up the pressure.. it is adjusting to what the offense is doing and can potentially do.
It is clear to me, Capers has more confidence in the pass defense of this team than the ability of the front seven to stay in their pass rush lanes to close off run with pass blitzes called.. With the three corners we put on the field.. I agree if you let them press. Part of that lack of confidence IMO is the limited rotation depth that we currently have on the defensive line.. talented 4 guys.. but beyond those four.. we take a step down..
IMO, with guys like AP, Barber and maybe Gore this weekend, you take that threat away from the team.. if you don't you will find your defense getting worn down late in game to finish.
Goes back to the defense stuffing the run thread.. a truly special defense can focus on one aspect of the offense take it away and still be effective in the other phases.. where we are hamstrung a little is rotational depth on the d line, linebackers up to last week that were a little undisciplined in their blitz lanes, and the ability to create pressure without multiple backer blitzes or DB blitzes.
Overall, I think we are a solid defense that is getting better at the scheme and is a few players away from being special. Right now, we have to compensate from some of our weaknesses, and that is focus on the run first, frustrate the offense and get them into a passing mode then bring pressure.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"