Hightower vs Woolfe

mke1010 · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 1166

Woolfe has looked very ordinary since week one. On the other hand, Hightower continues to look impressive for the Pats week in week out. Seeing some of our issues at linebacker, I am beginning to worry we may have fluffed the pick when we passed on Hightower for Woolfe.
Based on what we have seen of our defense thus far, is it a stretch to assume Hightower would be making more of an impact than Woolfe? Am I way off base?

dbronx42 · Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Posts: 3862 Location: Mile High 303

At least spell Derek Wolfe's name right if your going to question a draft pick after 4 games. Laughing

Especially when he's been a good player for the Broncos. Has 10 tackles, 2 stuffs, and 1 sack so far this year. Derek has been a big factor as to why our run defense looks a lot better in 2012.
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mke1010 · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 1166

lomaxgr · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2012 4:56 am Post subject:

I think it is clear that he hasn't been the pass rusher we expected he would be as a DT in our Nickel package. I thought yesterday was his best game as a pro on first watch. It was clear that we needed to stop McFadden and containing the edge against a ZBS is always vital, and Derek appeared to do a very good job at that yesterday.

I am a tad concerned at how many snaps he is playing (came into the game playing 80%), and I think he is going to start losing snaps to Robert Ayers soon who has actually been impressing in his limited chances so far this year.
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AKRNA · Joined: 28 May 2008 Posts: 4434

I think it's way to early to tell. He's been JDR's favorite toy and pretty effective at occupying blockers and disrupting schemes.

Do keep in mind our overall DL play has vastly improved from last year and I think you need to look at he and Unrein as a big part of that. Very quick for such large men. Just imagine how good they'll be once they learn to play the game. Very Happy

mke1010 · Joined: 08 Mar 2008 Posts: 1166

elwayfan07 · Joined: 13 Nov 2005 Posts: 4857 Location: Pensacola FL

I think there are a few things to keep in mind,

1. The LB has always been much easier to come in and have an immediate impact. That is one reason why we may be more impressed with Hightower.

2. Scheme- While he hasn't racked up sacks and hurries, he has done a great job setting the edge in this defense. He is very stout and though his impact isn't directly seen through sacks, pressures etc. He has played a nice part. He is playing the role similar to that of what Paul Spicer played in Jacksonville under JDR bigger size DE that can create a little push and allow others to make plays. In JDR's scheme the LB's should be making all the plays. (except our LB's are not that good)

3. Completely different note. I really have been thoroughly impressed with Mitch Unrein. His improvement has been huge. I know some of it probably has to do with the scheme. However, he has really done a great job of getting push
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AKRNA · Joined: 28 May 2008 Posts: 4434

I think JDR deserves a lot of credit here. he's really using the abilities of Unrein and Wolfe well. We seem to be attacking gaps in the OL rather than being reactive. Takes the OL out of their scheme.

Thats the kind of thing Bunkley and Thomas couldn't do. Just weren't quick enough.

I think by the end of the year we'll have Jackson more involved also. These guys are all similar. 6'5" 300+- strong but very very quick for men that large. Not a Stroud / Henderson combination in size, but disruptive in their speed and quickness.

PS: sure wish I could see this from other than a sideline cam. Grew up watching from the highest level of the 2nd deck at Mile High. Much different game from up there.

ToastedOats · Joined: 24 Feb 2006 Posts: 2940

Wolfe doesn't need to get 10 sacks to be considered dominate. He stops the run, commands double teams (although not all the time), and is constantly working to get to the QB. He is more valuable to Denver because of the position he plays.

Did anyone else think Brooking was all over the field? He was heads and shoulders better than Mays IMO.

AnAngryAmerican · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 17524 Location: Loveland, CO

I originally didn't like the pick but I have to say I was wrong. Wolfe has been impressive so far. He's not racking up huge sack numbers but, as lomaxgr said, he's playing his role nicely.

I've never understood the Hightower love. He's a good player in a 3-4 but I'm not sure he has the athleticism to be an every-down MIKE in a 4-3.
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AntiSuperstar · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 4341

Way too early to tell. Personally if I was going to pick another defensive player it would probably involve trading down to get Jerel Worthy, who I think is going to be a better player. But whatever, you can do this for any year.

Why did we trade up for Alphonso Smith when we could have had Jason Pierre Paul with that pick? Why did we draft Zane Beadles when we could have had Carlos Dunlap?
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Donut · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 11530

Russell2Bailey · Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2012 5:24 pm Post subject:

I think our standards for the DT position get worse every year. Kevin Vickerson would be a #3 at best DT on another team. Unrein probably wouldn't even be on most rosters. Justin Bannan is also a joke.
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AntiSuperstar · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Posts: 4341

elliot878 · Joined: 03 Feb 2007 Posts: 9565 Location: Connecticut

Wolfes been fine so far if you ask me, and he seems to have a knack for showing up in big spots. Lets keep in mind as a few have said, the left end spot in this scheme is more about setting the edge in the run game, and occupying blockers so Von is more effective. So far Wolfe's been fine at this.

Sure I'd like to see more of a pass rush from him, especially in nickel situations. I'll just be happy our first pick earned a starting job right off the bat, and has shown no signs of being a bust.
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