Post by Funkytown on Aug 15, 2019 11:09:33 GMT -6
So glad Matt Fries is writing stuff again!
Here is another piece:
MAKING SENSE OF THE 3-TECH BATTLE by Matt Fries
...
Film analysis at the link:
climbingthepocket.com/2019/08/15/making-sense-of-the-3-tech-battle/
Here is another piece:
MAKING SENSE OF THE 3-TECH BATTLE by Matt Fries
The Vikings’ defense did not see much turnover during the 2019 offseason. In fact, only one expected starter, DT Sheldon Richardson, departed from the team during free agency. This left a void at the 3-technique spot, and the Vikings signed Shamar Stephen back from the Seahawks to address this need.
However, Stephen does not profile as a complete fix. While the former 7th round pick has exceeded expectations, he is not a complete player. Stephen is stout against the run, but lacks any ability to get after the quarterback, which is less than ideal for a starting 3t:
Therefore, it’s likely the Vikings will be rotating defensive linemen, subbing out Stephen for better pass rushers when the situation calls for it. The Vikings have two young players, Jalyn Holmes and Hercules Mata’afa, who both put on weight this offseason to compete for this role. With Stephen out for the first preseason game because of injury, Holmes and Mata’afa saw ample playing time. Let’s take a look at their respective performances.
However, Stephen does not profile as a complete fix. While the former 7th round pick has exceeded expectations, he is not a complete player. Stephen is stout against the run, but lacks any ability to get after the quarterback, which is less than ideal for a starting 3t:
Therefore, it’s likely the Vikings will be rotating defensive linemen, subbing out Stephen for better pass rushers when the situation calls for it. The Vikings have two young players, Jalyn Holmes and Hercules Mata’afa, who both put on weight this offseason to compete for this role. With Stephen out for the first preseason game because of injury, Holmes and Mata’afa saw ample playing time. Let’s take a look at their respective performances.
WHAT SHOULD THE VIKINGS DO AT 3-TECH?
While I believe that it may be in the Vikings’ best interest to move Jaleel Johnson to the 3t spot and ask Shamar Stephen to back up Linval Joseph (seriously guys, at least give Jaleel a shot at 3t), the money they paid Stephen and their roles so far clearly indicated that it won’t happen. I think Jaleel could provide some extra pass rush while not being a huge drop off in run defense if he’s not asked to fight double teams all game, but I digress.
With Stephen locked in at the position on run downs, it will be interesting to see what the team decides to do in obvious passing situations. Right now my expectation is that the team will use Jalyn Holmes, who provides better size and theoretically a bit more in run defense while still being a very effective interior pass rusher. In some instances, like third and long, they may put Holmes and Mata’afa on the field at the same time.
If I was calling the shots, I would give consideration to Mata’afa above Holmes. I think Mata’afa provides a bit more in terms of pure pass rush – he is technically advanced, being shorter actually helps with leverage instead of hurting, and his snap anticipation/quickness is a trump card that Holmes doesn’t have.
That’s not to say there’s a huge gap between the two – I think they are pretty close as players right now and don’t have an issue with either playing. This is a battle I will continue to monitor throughout the preseason to see if one player separates himself from the other.
In a 53 man roster projection, I currently have all three of Johnson, Holmes, and Mata’afa making the team. I would add our edge rushers for 9 total defensive linemen, which makes sense because Holmes (and possibly Mata’afa, many projected him to be an edge coming out of college) has the flexibility to kick outside, as that was the role he occupied last season. With 9 players along the DL, the Vikings should have the depth to keep the players fresh and impactful into the fourth quarter of games.
While I believe that it may be in the Vikings’ best interest to move Jaleel Johnson to the 3t spot and ask Shamar Stephen to back up Linval Joseph (seriously guys, at least give Jaleel a shot at 3t), the money they paid Stephen and their roles so far clearly indicated that it won’t happen. I think Jaleel could provide some extra pass rush while not being a huge drop off in run defense if he’s not asked to fight double teams all game, but I digress.
With Stephen locked in at the position on run downs, it will be interesting to see what the team decides to do in obvious passing situations. Right now my expectation is that the team will use Jalyn Holmes, who provides better size and theoretically a bit more in run defense while still being a very effective interior pass rusher. In some instances, like third and long, they may put Holmes and Mata’afa on the field at the same time.
If I was calling the shots, I would give consideration to Mata’afa above Holmes. I think Mata’afa provides a bit more in terms of pure pass rush – he is technically advanced, being shorter actually helps with leverage instead of hurting, and his snap anticipation/quickness is a trump card that Holmes doesn’t have.
That’s not to say there’s a huge gap between the two – I think they are pretty close as players right now and don’t have an issue with either playing. This is a battle I will continue to monitor throughout the preseason to see if one player separates himself from the other.
In a 53 man roster projection, I currently have all three of Johnson, Holmes, and Mata’afa making the team. I would add our edge rushers for 9 total defensive linemen, which makes sense because Holmes (and possibly Mata’afa, many projected him to be an edge coming out of college) has the flexibility to kick outside, as that was the role he occupied last season. With 9 players along the DL, the Vikings should have the depth to keep the players fresh and impactful into the fourth quarter of games.
Film analysis at the link:
climbingthepocket.com/2019/08/15/making-sense-of-the-3-tech-battle/
... and neither is this Chris guy.