Air Force has gone with three down linemen on most plays in recent years, but that could change this year, at least on passing downs.
The Falcons have been toying with the idea of using a fourth down lineman on passing downs. The Falcons would probably have an outside linebacker (Alex Means is seemingly the best candidate) put his hand down on passing downs to play a defensive end spot, especially when the team uses five defensive backs in its nickel package. Another down lineman might give them a little more speed off the edge.
“We’re looking to get our four best pass rushers out there, start with their hand on the dirt, and being able to generate some edge pressure,” coach Troy Calhoun said. “That’s something we’ve worked on extremely hard over the last three-and-a-half weeks.”
Air Force had just 14 sacks last season. The coaches weren’t necessarily displeased with the pass rush, however, but a little creativity could help the Falcons improve that number.
Sounds like a good plan – 4 down lineman who are charging and/or a LB coming in. Getting pressure against some of those big offensive linemen is not easy – especially if you’re playing straight-up.
This year we will really see if Deruyter’s departure hurt us. Last years Defense dropped a bit from 2009, but I think many of us attributed most of it to d-line injuries and no Ben Garland. But the defense did seem less aggressive, and tunovers and sacks dropped quite a bit. Hopefully Wallerstadt can fix it. The run defense has taken alot of criticism, but I’m not too worried about it.