[Nick]

Originally Posted by MikeB1603

Very nice article Nick. It's easy to fault Fisher by looking at the opposing team's receiver's numbers and placing the blame on the cornerback, but that is just plain ignorance to the strategy of football and how at times it isn't as simple as just covering a man straight up. I would say that all the criticism that Fisher has recieved this year belongs to the defensive line, which you and many others have pointed out here on the forums. Haslett is forced to call for a blitz way more than a team ought to because the pressure is not getting there from the line. And as the old saying goes, you live by the blitz, you die by the blitz, and so far this season that holds very true for the Rams.

Great post, Mike. Lack of pressure by the front four is a big concern, and even when we bring the blitz we have problems getting to the QB then as well. You put it very well - you live by the blitz, you die by the blitz. Especially when you play good teams like Seattle who have very good quarterbacks capable of making adjustments at the line.

Originally Posted by viper

Man, I'm getting tired just watching you work so hard, Nick.

Well, it pays off when people can come into a thread like this with an open mind, view the evidence, view the conclusions, and see if they make sense. I appreciate you (as well as others) approaching this topic with a willingness to listen to what the other side sees.

Originally Posted by viper

This one is where I and I think many others here have the biggest problem with Fisher's play. I want him to turn and look for the ball, because, in his case, if he doesn't, they usually catch it. If they are gonna catch it anyway, then dang it turn and look for the ball!

But, it sounds like you are saying this is the best way to cover it. That DB's are taught to cover it that way. Is that true? Is that how DB's are taught? Either way I respect your opinion that it is a good way to cover in that instance. I'd just prefer that he looked for the ball is all, even with the chance he may lose a step on the opponent. Again, he may not if it's a quick glance.

Well for one, I understand the thoughts behind wanting him to turn around and look for the ball. I think there are certain situations where that is a must. I'm just not sure man coverage with little or no safety help while your back is to the quarterback is an instance where you want to take your eyes off of the receiver and potentially give him the chance to gain separation.

There have been a number of instances where we've had a DB locked in solid to good coverage with a receiver, the ball is thrown, the DB looks back, and in doing so loses position on the receiver and the guy makes a catch. Tye Hill did it on Branch's first TD and did it against Green Bay on Jennings' long TD reception. Fakhir Brown did it at least once against Mike Williams versus Detroit.

That's not to say it's not a good strategy. As I mentioned earlier, I think there are definitely situations where you can and should look to make a play on the ball. But based on what I see on the field, I've seen quite a few DBs give up plays in what appears to be man coverage by trying to turn and locate the ball, because in doing so they're giving up position to the receiver. You say it's the strategy you'd prefer even if there's the chance that he loses a step. I'd contend that if you're the only guy capable of defending the pass, the last thing you want to do is lose a step and let the receiver get position.

Originally Posted by Goldenfleece

You're right, it's not that bad--at least it could be a whole lot worse--but I'm not sure I'd call it solid. I'd rate him as a pretty average no. 2 CB, but rather below average if compared to the best CBs on each team.

I personally consider "solid," "average," and "okay" to be around the same level of play. Perhaps I should have clarified that sooner. I see it as a classification for a player who is doing some good stuff but is also making the occasional mistake and there's no real imbalance to push him toward good or bad. Kind of in the middle, I guess. Hope that clarifies.

Originally Posted by STLRAMSFAN

I would like to see that play because in the past I rarely if ever remember him delivering a hit to a WR at the point of the catch.

Fourth quarter, about 56 seconds left. It's not an earth shattering Jacked Up hit, but it stops the receiver and prevents him from gaining additional yards. To me, that's a good hit.

Originally Posted by STLRAMSFAN

The one long gain he stopped was icing on the cake that is not something that he should be doing week in and out. His primary focus is not on stopping long gains after blown coverage. I do not judge him on that I judge him on how he plays the guy he is covering.

The long gain wasn't on the guy he was covering. You say his primary focus is not on stopping long gains, so would you rather he just stand there and check his shoelaces?

As I said in my post, it was Chavous who let Hackett get by him for the big gain. Fisher chased Hackett down the field and delivered another good hit to bring him down.

How can you say you don't judge him on something like this? The guy hustles down field to bring down a guy that wasn't his responsibility. He deserves credit for that kind of effort and ability to finish off a play someone else allowed.