For some reason -- the CS is TERRIFIED of the big play. And I dont mind if they protect against it most of the time -- but they way they set up rhodes -- 75% of the plays -- I could be out there and it would make no difference.
Abram Elam That's the problem, and the solution isn't on the roster. There is a reason why Rhodes is so far off the ball all the time. We're essentially playing a high school style defense, since Elam cannot play in space. Elam plays close to the line, rarely, if ever being given the responsibility of a deep-middle zone. As such, Rhodes is often the only deep safety man, and with a huge weakness being our 2nd CB spot, he is forced to play that 'last line of defense' role all the time. What we need is someone who is at least decent at playing a deep zone to play next to Rhodes. Then we can get back to letting him jump shorter routes, play closer to the line, blitz and make all sorts of plays. Elam has done a lot of good things blitzing and playing the run, but his complete lack of ability in deep pass coverage has completely marginalized Rhodes.
