The Conditioning of Star and KK- Is this going to be a longtime issue?

[Matthias]

Of course yall know me and my point of emphasis about starting Short along with Lotulelei.  However whether they start or not, we all have noticed Rivera shuffles his DTs like a deck of cards.  I don't only want to see them start, but I also like to see them take most of the defensive snaps.  Both guys are good at defending the run, and both can be a force in rushing the passer, particularly with Short.  As bad as our defense has been this year, and with our best D-lineman sitting at home, I want the rest of our best D-lineman out there on the field earning their check.

 

So I've asked the question on why does KK not start and why does Rivera shuffle at that spot so much? (Doesn't matter what down it is)  The answer I've received from many here concerning KK is conditioning.  That he doesn't conserve his energy well.  When it comes to Star, I remember when we drafted him, Rivera said they wanted to limit his snaps throughout the season or something to that effect.  It's season two for these guys, and it seems this is still the case.  Should we expect this to be the case for their careers?  If so, how much money should we spend on these guys when their contracts are up, if they can't even handle a full work load every game?  If by a miracle's chance a guy like Gerald McCoy enter the free agent market, should we go after him, and let Star and KK shuffle playing beside him?  What are everyone's thoughts concerning this because I'm kind of annoyed not seeing KK out there on most of the defensive snaps. (Keep in mind this is because he could be our best defensive lineman right now.  Of course CJ may be getting healthier and will start making his usually noise.)

[OneBadCat]

I'll give Ron a call this afternoon and he'll get right on it.

[csx]

The difference between McCoy and Short is 6.8 snaps a game. Short is 18th in the league for snaps taken at DT. I think the issue of his playing time is blown out of proportion.

[xerxes]

I don't think it's conditioning. I believe the coaching staff has a philosophical belief that DTs should be rotated frequently. Going back to 2012, they've never had a DT take more than 67 percent of snaps (Dwan Edwards). 

 

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/snapcounts

 

 

[Matthias]

I don't think it's conditioning. I believe the coaching staff has a philosophical belief that DTs should be rotated frequently. Going back to 2012, they've never had a DT take more than 67 percent of snaps (Dwan Edwards). 

 

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/snapcounts

 

You're right this could be the philosophy.  Though I do know Rivera wanted to limit Star's snaps his rookie year.  I think that has continued onto his second year.  The chart here says Short takes the most snaps after Dwan.  Ultimately I just want to see the guy who has the best skills, playing on the field.  If those guys are Star and KK, I should see them more than I see the other guys.

[KendrickPanther]

I don't have a problem at all with our DT rotation. It is completely logical and reasonable. Dwan Edwards has made several plays this season. Colin Cole has made a few too.

 

It would make more sense to scrutinize who is playing DE for us.

[The Huddler]

We are rotating fresh players without a drop off in talent. Thats a win for the panthers my friend.

It has nothing to do with something they "cant" do. Dont be silly

[Matthias]

Dwan has been good, not great.  He's come in and made some nifty, consistent moves at the end of games.  Joined in a couple of half sacks and so on, but I haven't seen him outright beat his man.  I haven't seen him explode into the backfield at any time.  He's more of your consistent, "little hits add up" type of guy.  If I had a guy who could blow guys up, I would rather they take more snaps.  I do think there is a drop off when KK and Star are not on the field.

[Ship]

I think it's mainly the philosophy of keeping a healthy rotation. I wouldn't be surprised if we add another talented dt in free agency or in the draft to be ready for losing dwan or Colin.

[ed bell]

I'd say the law of diminishing returns is at the root of it. Maybe what they require out of the DT's is too much of a load to increase their snap count.

[propagandamachine]

How long do you think a car engine would last if it's driven at 300 miles an hr all the time.

Incase you're wondering - this is why de Angelo Williams is still on our team.

[Luck's neckbeard]

Star is still playing great, btw....

Star is getting double teamed and game planned against. On most of the plays where Short buries the runner or is charging the QB, Star is wrestling 2+ linemen.

[Jump Zone]

Keep rotating DL to keep them fresh, simple enough.

[panthers1234]

Dude it's not realistic for 2 DTs to play the entire game. You are going to get tired because your basically sprinting at the QB doing everything you can to push thru the line. If you keep them in the entire game they are going to collapse in the 2nd half of the game. Basically, you get alot of 4th quarter loses like back in 2011. The DT's just won't have the energy to push thru the line or run block as well. It is not about the conditioning at all really.

 

If you ever play hockey or a position like DT you have to constantly rotate because you will get tired. Keep in mind also that a DT is 300+  lbs so they will wear down say compared to a 200lb WR.