Should Omar Gaither get more playing time

[panthers55]

In reviewing various sites and threads about last week's lost to the Bears I am beginning to believe as several folks have intimated that the problem on defense is actually no longer the DTS but the DEs and linebackers. One stat stood out for me. Of Forte's 205 yards, less than a fourth of them were between the tackles. The overwhelming majority were to the outside and around the ends. In addition the screens, dumpoffs, and short underneath routes are killing us. Seems to me that the linebackers are a big issue with Beason and Davis out for the year.

Some of this isn't news. But what I found interesting is that Pro Football focus graded Gaithers out as the best linebacker on the field last week. Granted he was only in on 26 snaps he made some good plays including a tackle on Forte in the open field to force a 4th down.

He does know McDermott's system having played for him for years in Philly. Who thinks he might get more playing time.

On another note who thinks we come out in a standard 4-3 under/over to stop the run or do we mostly go to a nickel to cut down on the passing and concede the running yards. In the nickel who will be our linebacker besides Anderson?? Thomas or Gaither or someone else??

[Jrock88]

I like him in there against the run. From what I've seen he gets off blocks well, and tackles well. I don't think they've used him too much in passing scenarios. I think they'll continue going with the "linebacker by committee" approach, with Thomas Williams and Anderson playing the sub packages.

[Jackofalltrades]

I'll let Rivera determine that. They have film and knowledge we just don't have to make such a determine.

[panthers55]

I like him in there against the run. From what I've seen he gets off blocks well, and tackles well. I don't think they've used him too much in passing scenarios. I think they'll continue going with the "linebacker by committee" approach, with Thomas Williams and Anderson playing the sub packages.

Under normal circumstances you might figure we would use Gaither on running situations and Williams in passing downs. But given that New Orleans is just as likely to run or pass on each and every down do we go with the nickel and keep Williams in there and get gashed in the running game? Or do we go with Gaithers who is better against the run but would struggle to keep with Sproles out of the backfield. Or would we assign for example Godfrey to go wherever Sproles go and put the linebacker on the tightend which is often the opposite of what you normally do. When Bush was there Davis usually got the assignment but now we have to decide who can keep up with their speed.

[panthers55]

I'll let Rivera determine that. They have film and knowledge we just don't have to make such a determine.

And they will. But as an armchair coach with much less to go on then they have, what would you do. If they do what you say, you are a genius. If they don't no one will make a big deal about it.

[CRA]

In reviewing various sites and threads about last week's lost to the Bears I am beginning to believe as several folks have intimated that the problem on defense is actually no longer the DTS but the DEs and linebackers. One stat stood out for me. Of Forte's 205 yards, less than a fourth of them were between the tackles. The overwhelming majority were to the outside and around the ends. In addition the screens, dumpoffs, and short underneath routes are killing us. Seems to me that the linebackers are a big issue with Beason and Davis out for the year.

Some of this isn't news. But what I found interesting is that Pro Football focus graded Gaithers out as the best linebacker on the field last week. Granted he was only in on 26 snaps he made some good plays including a tackle on Forte in the open field to force a 4th down.

He does know McDermott's system having played for him for years in Philly. Who thinks he might get more playing time.

On another note who thinks we come out in a standard 4-3 under/over to stop the run or do we mostly go to a nickel to cut down on the passing and concede the running yards. In the nickel who will be our linebacker besides Anderson?? Thomas or Gaither or someone else??

yep, Forte didn't run over us b/c our DT stunk....he did it b/c the LBs and S coming up didn't do there jobs.

DT are going to get gashed some but that wasn't why Forte ran wild.

[bababoey]

The problem I have seen alot this year is no one sets the corner in order to force the runner back inside. And it's not 1 persons responibility. On different plays it could be either the linebacker or the DE or the corner depending on the defense. To many times the person responible is sticking his nose inside and trying to make the play instead of holding contain outside and forcing the runner inside to his help. Thats more a coaching problem than anything else. Just saying.

[CRA]

The problem I have seen alot this year is no one sets the corner in order to force the runner back inside. And it's not 1 persons responibility. On different plays it could be either the linebacker or the DE or the corner depending on the defense. To many times the person responible is sticking his nose inside and trying to make the play instead of holding contain outside and forcing the runner inside to his help. Thats more a coaching problem than anything else. Just saying.

and the fact is a new scheme......and they had no offseason and now can rarely put on pads to work on things.....probably doesn't help.

[Jrock88]

I don't like any of our current LB's matching up with Jimmy Graham 1 on 1, hes been Brees' go to guy as of late. Not that I have all the confidence in the world in Godfrey, but he at least has the athleticism to run with Graham. Let the front 7 worry about Sproles, and just hope everyone actually does their job this week.

The loss of Davis is devastating, because he could take away the opposing teams tight end or running back by himself. We don't have anyone who can do that anymore, from what I see. Anderson is good, but he's not great.

[Tarheels23]

Jason Williams was benched for Omar during the 2nd half, so I'm guessing he's the starter going forward.

[Peppers90 NC]

yep, Forte didn't run over us b/c our DT stunk....he did it b/c the LBs and S coming up didn't do there jobs.

DT are going to get gashed some but that wasn't why Forte ran wild.

The only concern or doubt I may have about that, is were the guards free to pull? I watched the game at 3 diff locations so couldnt focus too well. If the guards were pulling on those off tackle/stretch/power plays on the outside, should a DT have occupied them first?

I would assume Gaither will get his share of reps as long as he is performing to the coaches expectations.

[Jrock88]

yea, they were pulling and eating up our linebackers.