Reed Doughty

by Ach on Apr 21, 2008 5:06 PM EDT

What to think about the guy? Overachiever who doesn't have the right combo of speed and suicidal tendencies necessary for safety? Or underrated workhorse who won't quit and who'll put his balls on the line every time?

In Doughty's first real debut, TO torched him in primetime. I still remember the image of Doughty in the right place, but without the skills needed to swat the ball away. After that game, GW switched to what I believe is a Tampa D, with LaRon super deep and Doughty playing in front of him, both in the center of the field. While I'm not exactly a guru in regards to defensive theory, I get the feeling that this was a stopgap measure, because Reed's coverage skills weren't up to snuff, and because LaRon can run faster than a football can be thrown. The end results were satisfying. Reed didn't exactly crush ballcarriers, but he was stout in his 45ish tackles through half a season. However, there is something in me that gets nervous when we only have one deep safety covering all of the field, even if he is a Jolly Green Giant amidst Liliputians.

Cooley says (I could find the reference, but I'm lazy. Look for it on his blog) that Reed is one of the players to watch out for this year. I'd hate to drop another first day pick on a safety, especially when Reed played so well through last season. But the cost was committing to what I've (probably incorrectly) called a Tampa D. Blache may not have the same "crazy scientist" character that GW is credited as having, and that D has some inherent weaknesses against deep balls. If Doughty's pass coverage improves, his stock will rise. But he still doesn't have that prototypical speed and impact that the elite possess. What's your thoughts? Should we have faith in Doughty? or should we maneuver our roster/draft to get a sure thing in our second safety?

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underrated workhorse who won't quit and who'll put his balls on the line every time

That being said I think he needs more playing time before anyone can make an accurate assesment. IF we can obtain a pass rush with our front four, we wont have to worry about him being on an island.

by CptChaosSidekick on Apr 21, 2008 5:23 PM EDT reply actions

A Tampa 2 is more what they had before...

it is so named for the 2 deep safeties that split the deep coverage. It is basically a zone defense, with the two safeties deep, the CBs in the shallow outside, and the outside LBs coming from inside out to get the underneath stuff (slants, in routes). The defense really depends on the safeties being able to run and make plays… but the most important piece is the MLB, who really has to cover most of the middle of the field.

That is the defense that GW envisioned with Landry and Taylor, with Fletcher in the middle. The one deep safety is more of a, you guessed it, Cover 1. Out of that defense, you can play more man and, theoretically, blitz more. (Blitz coverage is almost always man, although it can be done with a zone.)

That’s the basic rundown of the defense. I can get more technical if you want.

Phear T.S.'s Crawdaddies...

by TexSkins on Apr 21, 2008 6:50 PM EDT reply actions