Depth at DE - What are your thoughts?

I think he plays left side period (and will replace the older Ek when Ek moves on). He is strong enough to sop the run, and still agile enough in pass rushing. He is our most complete DE (in my opinion), though Doom will remain the star (which is deserved).

that might just be the case. The league now knows what Denver has been exploiting since Brady came into the league. Rattle his cage and he crumbles. I seriously doubt we put in two pass rushing ends against a team like Jax or SD who mostly run. In this case, I like having strong situational players…it gives us flexibility against run heavy and pass heavy teams.

Pass rushing is the most fun thing to watch on the DL, and the easiest thing for fans to see in terms of instant rewards (tackles, sacks, hurry-ups, etc). For this reason, a lot of folks really want to see 4-3s with two pass rush specialists at a time. It will happen, depending on match-ups, down and distance, and the score board. But for the most part, it is important to plug the strong side with a run stuffing DE. In an indirect way, this even assists the DE on the other side. But you will see plays with rushers off of both sides in every game.

Since I don’t ave an idea yet of what kind of system we’ll be running at DEF, I can’t tell you how we’ll be using the DTs. DEs are easier to predict. Right now I’m guessing we pair a 1 gap and a 2 gap (and remember, that only means the majority of plays. It isn’t an absolute). Denver may want to plug up the middle to give the edge rushers a better shot at the pocket, or they may want to shoot for the pocket with a DT rushing game.

I do think Crowder will be the third best pass rusher, but his time will be limited on the field. I think DRob will be the better rusher, but because Thomas may be trying to demand double teams to free DRob. I think Thomas is the better player, but DRob may get more notice for this reason.

Does the Bronco’s defensive scheme predicate more blitzing from the LBs, and occasionally dropping a DE into pass coverage (another reason to put Moss on the left side IMO)?

Excellent question! Given our speed at DE, and the speed at OLB, one of the MHR University posts I wrote guessed that a zone blitz may be a system we employ. Right now I’m guessing we use either a Lebeau Zone Blitz or a Coyer Show Blitz. I’m leaning towards the Show Blitz, but it could be something entirely different too. More than anything else this reloading season, I’m excited to see what we’ll be running on defense.

I just don’t see him as versatile enough to become a full time dominate DT. I think he could be a situational DT on passing downs, but having him on the edge to help with the run game is where he is most valuable to us. Like HT said, he may be the most complete DE we have on our roster.

btw, I feel alot better about Jarvis Moss now. Thank you! :)

You really must be a Gators fan if you think Moss and Harvey are like Jason Taylor and Derrick Burgess! They’re both quality ends, though Derrick is certainly the more complete player of the two. Moss may have the higher ceiling, but I think Harvey is more polished at the moment and the safer bet overall. I like them both (I’m a Gators fan, too) and don’t mind having either one, really.

I personally like the idea of lining up (left to right) Moss, Crowder, Thomas, and Dumervil together on passing downs.

That’s exactly the way I see it. I think it’d be a very effective combination in that situation.

I personally like the idea of lining up (left to right) Moss, Crowder, Thomas, and Dumervil together on passing downs

One option of having Crowder play DT, with his size and speed, is having him stunt with Thomas (or Robertson). I’m thinking against a spread or single back formation. Possibly have both DTs play 2 technique, with Crowder stunting around Thomas. Thomas takes the C and RG out of the equation to block Crowder, leaving only the LG. This forces the LG to make a decision: let Crowder shoot the A gap (highly doubt unless the HB stays in to block) or block Crowder, which leaves the LT one-on-one with DOOM with no inside support. DOOM is excellent at using his hands to create separation. Even if the LT is quick enough to close the outside, DOOM can get inside frequently with his hand technique. This leaves every LB and the secondary in coverage. Isn’t a solid pass rush with just our four down linemen what we’ve been looking for?

Well, I guess I just got ahead of myself on this one!

You typically back up a DE with the same skill set. There is more running on the strong side, and more bodies to get through. Add in the idea that most QBs have a blind side to the left, and you really want the pass rushers on that weak side.

For that reason, I like Moss to rotate (or at least to spell) Doom. On the other side, Ekuban is the big run stuffer. Crowder is great to bring in as a rotation to keep Ek fresh. Crowder likely won’t wear down unless he gets stuck on the field during a no huddle. Eng is a good third for rotation. If a change of pace is needed (two rushers) I still prefer Doom and Crowder together, instead of pairing up Doom and Moss (though it should happen rarely).

I totally agree calvinandhobbes – Crowder could wreak serious havoc on the interior line on passing downs, and maybe even just slide over from the DE on those downs. Moss really isn’t suited right now to be anything but a specialist—and I cannot see Ek coming off the Achille’s injury or Engelberger starting at this point. In short, I will not be surprised at all if Crowder comes out of camp as the #1 LDE. I like to think he would still have some involvement as a situational DT, but am guessing that might be a bit much to throw at a young guy (Anyone know how common/crazy this is – the DT/DE hybrid?)

As someone pointed out, never count out Engelberger – he always ends up in the mix.

When I saw the B-roncs @ SF in the preseason last year (for full disclosure – I live in SF, but only follow the 49ers for the humor) and I thought Crowder was one of the most impressive players on the field (along with Hamza and Cargile, incidentally). He got consistent push and seemed like he had the motor going, even in a half-full Candlestick. He got a sack in the early 2nd quarter against some starters and, granted it was against the most porous offensive line around, looked good doing it.

I do like the idea of Moss saving the energy for clear rushing downs, and maybe getting some other work in in the other areas where his length and athleticism can be of value – kick coverage, kick blocking package, etc.