A lot of people have expressed their concerns about Gase’s handling of the offense, but it seems pretty universal that Williams was a good hire for the defense. I think I’m a little more skeptical than most. First there’s the ridiculous story that he only let Myles Garrett use 2 pass rush moves. ( https://www.google.com/amp/s/dawgpo...wns-myles-garrett-limited-gregg-williams/amp/) But seeing as we don’t have an elite pass rusher for him to mitigate that’s not really my concern. The thing that has me worried is the fact that the deep safety in his scheme plays in Siberia. Jabrill Peppers, a guy who came into the league with a reputation as an excellent box player, consistently played 25-30 yards off the ball. That’s insane. When asked to explain, Williams essentially just said that he can do whatever he wants I guess the philosophy is to prevent the deep ball and make teams dink and dunk. But in today’s league so much of the passing game takes place within 5-10 yards of the line of scrimmage that you’re essentially conceding to playing 10 vs 11 if you do this. I’d imagine Brady is going to have a fucking field day if Williams doesn’t adapt his gameplan those weeks. Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye are 2 of our most versatile and impactful players on defense. Williams better not neuter them.
I don't think Williams will put Maye in that position. Maye knows how to play the safety position. Peppers still needs to define his role in the NFL.
Perhaps it’s better if Maye plays deep? I know he’s versatile but I think there’s much less chance of injury when he’s the safety valve vs. being in the box. The less contact on him the better IMO.
Both of the safeties will have nice years with a good pass rush this year, they have to cover for inadequate CB play as well.
Agreed. Adams will have a good year no matter what we do, he is that kind of player. Maye is built to be a break on the play in front of you free safety with range, you get the qb rushing,not stepping into throws, throwing off his back foot , maye will feast. Adams is going to be everywhere.
Can't let the durability concerns limit what Maye can do on the field. I see Maye playing all over the field just like Adams. Williams wants to line up his safeties to be versatile and cause confusion for offenses. You may want Maye covering the intermediate part of the field while Adams plays single high. Adams improved last year big time in terms of covering the receivers and tight ends.
My guess is that he did those configurations based on the strengths and weaknesses of the team and players.
I think you may be right. At least I hope so. Jabrill Peppers didn't really have a position, and has a lot to learn about playing safety. Perhaps Williams had him play deep so that he could see how plays develop more quickly, learn more quickly, strengthen his play/formation recognition/analysis skills more quickly, and then make use of his speed/athleticism to make plays.
Yep not concerned New team new players Talk to me in week 9 If his defense sucks I’ll be the first to admit it Corners worry me
That safety is a staple of Williams D, he calls it his "Angel" position. As in guardian angel. He used Harper and then Barron in the role at New Orleans and LA respectively. Those 2 gave him the ability to change instantly from dime to nickel and also to blitz corners as he loves to do. With Maye and Adams, he should be able to do it more effectively than with Peppers.
Though I must admit, I’d rather have Maye playing 25 yards downfield than constantly on the sidelines
Seems like pretty much anyone originating from the Buddy Ryan Coaching Tree is an egomaniacal douchebag.
