A Study On Rotational DTs - Why Kyle Love's Injury Matters

[Saca312]

Very good read. @RoaringRiot's Riot Report does it again with another deep look into the job of a rotational DT. 

Lots of stuff I even learned from here. 

https://theriotreport.com/why-kyle-loves-injury-matters/

Just an excerpt. Understand there's always more in the link provided, so everyone take a look.

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Although more commonly associated with 3-4 defensive schemes, 4-3 schemes also rely on defensive linesmen being able to anchor against the run, thereby allowing the linebackers to make plays. On the following play, the Buccaneers look to use two blockers to move Love (#77) back to create space for the running back.

While strength is obviously important, what separates Love from some other defenders is his ability to play with consistently good leverage. By getting lower than his blocker, Love is able to hold his ground and allow his fellow defenders to make plays. By comparison, on the next play, Soliai (#90) doesn’t get low enough and is easily driven back by #62.

By consistently forcing double teams, Love prevents blockers being able to get to the second level as quickly as might otherwise happen. This in turn opens up space for second-level defenders to make plays, as with Shaq Thompson below.

Here, the center is forced to aid the guard in blocking Love and is unable to get to Thompson in time to prevent the tackle. However, such plays are only possible if the offense feels it necessary to use two blockers on Love.

Very good stuff. Kyle Love being injured is bigger than some assume. We definitely need him and Butler to come back soon and healthy.

[Saca312]

Article also mentions a tid-bit on Crume, and why his play still isn't on the same level as Love has consistently shown.

[RoaringRiot]

Thanks @Saca312. Yes Vincent is killing it. Glad that you two are putting out some "smart" pieces that we can all learn from. Good poo. 

[Hogmolliesmaht]

Honestly, I thought this was already obvious to everybody. All you had to do was watch the drop off in the run defense as soon as the starters came out and there was no Butler or Love to run with the two's.

[TheSpecialJuan]

Great stuff. thanks for posting.

[RoaringRiot]

9 minutes ago, Hogmolliesmaht said:

Honestly, I thought this was already obvious to everybody. All you had to do was watch the drop off in the run defense as soon as the starters came out and there was no Butler or Love to run with the two's.

Sure if you look at it as simple as a "we didn't play as well when he's been hurt" level. The article actually shows you what Love does well and why he's important. Definitely some good analysis. 

[Hogmolliesmaht]

6 minutes ago, RoaringRiot said:

Sure if you look at it as simple as a "we didn't play as well when he's been hurt" level. The article actually shows you what Love does well and why he's important. Definitely some good analysis. 

Yeah, I do appreciate the analysis. We need Love and Butler back in there ASAP.