Interesting take on our DTs

[CRA]

myself included, but as a fanbase it seems we grade McClain as playing much better than Fua.

Pro Football Focus however had an interesting take on our DTs in a recent article. They of course our the website that claims to evaluate every snap......

Carolina Panthers: Both Terrell McClain and Sione Fua were defensive tackles picked in the third round. However Fua has nine stops and an above average run defense rating, while McClain has just three, and has by far the lowest rating among defensive tackles.

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/10/13/32-teams-32-observations-6/

[jtnc]

McClain doesn't seem like a run stopper, he's more built for pass.

[xtheronx]

McClain will improve .. He'll be an above average DT when looking back on his career in the future .. he's underrated IMO

[SnowPanther]

I've loved what I've seen out of Fua so far. For two third round rookies to be starting at both interior linemen position and we aren't last in run defense says something about the scheme and talent these two have. McClain can get better though, unfortunately I don't think he'll be in the starting position next year though to show it consistently.

[Cat'sGrowl]

Naanee has more catches than LaFell. That doesn't make Naanee the better receiver. Fua just isn't getting a push. I know two of those tackles (or one and a half) came last week when Fua got driven so far back into the linebackers, that when the RB got to the second level, Fua just happened to be there in the clog to get the stop. I'm gonna go ahead and assume that isn't the first time it's happened, either. Eerily similar to the Nick Hayden coverage joke..

[Xrated]

We need DT help PERIOD.

[Catalyst]

I'm not a fan of that site. They're a little too up their own asses there and seem to think they know it all. I'm not saying they don't know anything or don't have good info on the site, but I think their grading scale is flawed.

[Proudiddy]

Whoever came up with this in the chat, please claim it, but it was the greatest acronym ever:

FUA = F*cked up again.

Stats don't tell me anything. He gets blown up at the point of attack and I've never seen McClain get knocked straight off his feet with a block or done so where he falls into other players and takes them out of the play as well. This happened with Fua several times so far.

I know they're rookies and there is going to be bumps along the way, but I haven't been impressed with Fua so far. McClain gets pressure up the middle, whereas it feels like Fua just falls and ends up being where the runner is somewhere in the 2nd level.

[klumme]

Fua make a tackle = luck

McClain make a tackle = future HOF

:rolleyes:

[nosuchthingasapanther]

profootballfocus.com is fine when it comes to playing with offensive stats, but it completely sucks on the defensive side of the ball.

there are just too many factors outside of stats that determine how good a defensive player really is.

both mcclain and fua will be nothing more than decent/rotational depth when all is said and done...unfortunately, they'll be starters for the panthers

[TruCatzFan]

It doesn't surprise me that the Samoan is better at all.

[Zod]

Comparing UT to NT like its apples to apples.

Genius.

[panthers55]

In our scheme the NT is more of a run stopper than a penetrator. While we use an attacking style, the NT is primarily supposed to take up 2 blockers and stuff the run up the middle. That keeps offensive lineman off the mike and allows him to roam and make plays. The problem with Fua and McClain is that they can't sustain their positions and maintain gap integrity. When they get knocked to either side it leaves a big gap and typically a fullback to block the Mike. That leaves no one but a safety or corner to bring down the running back.

So to assume that Fua will pressure the QB or bust up running plays is expecting too much just yet. In a year when he develops his NFL body in a full offseason conditioning and weightlifiting program we might see a different player. Until then, expect issues.

As for McClain, he will be okay down the road. He is still figuring things out. The lack of an offseason really hurt both these guys. He needs to develop better strength as well as better hand technique and quickness.

[raleigh-panther]

...what is the saying about 'putting lipstick on a pig'.

Panthers front 7 is not good right now and no stats are going to help it.

QBs have all day to find receivers and runners, well, they run at will.

The stat that tells the tale of the Defense this year is pretty simple, 3rd down conversions...doesn't matter if its 3rd and 1 or 3rd and 21 there simply isn't much for offenses to be concerned about.

The help for this is not on this team at the moment and we all know this.