Just a thought. In the long term, it's an obvious no. I just mean in the interim(first game or two)..and while I don't believe that'll be the case, you think there's a possibility he'll be out of sync with the rest of the defense? I know he's been practicing with them but not getting all the first team snaps has to make a difference as well as not playing at game speed. I'm sure it will also change things from a schematic standpoint since pace can both rush the passer and play in coverage, meaning other players will do different things then they've been accustomed to. Just interesting to see how it will have a ripple effect down the entire defense, since ryan is more about playing to his players strengths as opposed to belichick/mangini (plug the player in to the role based on the scheme) Fortunately it's against the dolphins with henne at the helm, so if there's any kinks or time needed to get in sync, it won't really have a dramatic impact.
While I expect him to maybe be off a step or 2 I dont see any downside. He had a strong preseason, he showed us that he has a good grasp at what Rex wants done, and its gonna be a good upgrade over VG.
I don't see how there is. The defense is playing well but the spot he'll be occupying is one of the weakest points. Gholston isn't ready (not sure if he ever will be). Pace is only going to make this team better.
He actually has not been practicing with them since the season started. He was banned from the facility as part of the suspension. Today is his first day back.
Last year Pace was great at covering the flats and attacking the QB. this defense is built for him to excel. long as hes been keeping in shape he should be fine. our defense should be ALOT better.
thanks for the correction. wasn't positive if i was right or not, just vaguely remembered reading something about it. but yeah, that's what i was alluding to (him not being with the team)
I see Pace as a total upside and I expect him to come in and contribute right out of the box. While Gholston was servicable; he didn't exactly light it up, but at the end of a quarter of the season we are 3-1 against some tough teams so I suppose there was some contribution, but he was not a standout by any means.
The downside... let's see. Well, instead of teams running straight at #50, they'll be running straight at Bryan Thomas and he'll meet more incentives on his overpaid contract? I think Pace will have a quicker start than you probably expect. He's a very talented player, and I think he's going to be a murderer in this scheme.
downside? not at all. he's the best pass rusher on the team, and if he is winded or anything gholston can come in and give him a breather. gholston's not been anything special, but the team has survived all season with him and he can at least give guys a breather.
the only thing that i could see as a downside is the offense won't have good looking stats with the defense giving them short fields all game.
Calvin Pace can be the Terrell Suggs of this defense. Our pass rush has been great this year but we haven't had anybody that can really finish the rushes with sacks...enter Calvin Pace
zero downside he is a beast and extremely quick and agile. His presence alone with influence others. I can't wait to see the three headed monster in Scott, Harris and Pace. Best LB core in the league.
