A closer look at the DE market

Discussion in 'Tennessee Titans and NFL Talk' started by Titans Insider, May 3, 2013.

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  1. Titans Insider

    Titans Insider Titans News

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    The Titans had not made plans to bring defensive end Dwight Freeney in for a visit as of Thursday night.

    That’s not to say it won’t happen at some point, though, because it’s clear the team is still at least browsing the market at that position. As colleague Jim Wyatt has reported, the Titans had defensive end Israel Idonije in for a visit earlier in the week and defensive end John Abraham is visiting today.

    Which of the confirmed visitors – Abraham and Idonije – might be more likely to wind up with the Titans?

    That depends on whether the Titans decide they want more of a pure edge pass rusher (Abraham) or more of an all-round defensive end (Idonije).

    Abraham is turning 35 in a few days, but he was still a disruptive force for Atlanta last year, registering 10 sacks, seven passes break-ups and six forced fumbles in addition to his 35 tackles. The 6-4, 263-pound Abraham is clearly just a pass-rush specialist, but it certainly has to tempt the Titans that he has averaged 11 sacks for the past three seasons. Tennessee had moderate pass-rush success from the defensive end spot last year, with Derrick Morgan getting 6.5 sacks and Kamerion Wimbley 6.0.

    The 6-6, 275-pound Idonije has the capability of being on the field more for the Titans and playing in more situations. He’s averaged 13 more tackles per year than Abraham the last three seasons and he’s also averaged about seven sacks a year for the past three seasons. At 32 years old – 33 in November – Idonije isn’t as long in the tooth as Abraham either, but did the Titans already fill his potential role with the addition of Ropati Pitoitua?

    As for the 32 year-old Freeney, if he does eventually pay a visit to Nashville at some point, he obviously fits the same mold as Abraham. The 6-1, 268-pound Freeney pretty much defines pass-rush specialist at this stage in his career, but he wasn’t nearly as productive as Abraham was last year, posting five sacks – his lowest figure since 2007 — and just 12 tackles (career low) in 14 games. In Freeney’s defense, he played out of his accustomed position in Indianapolis’ new 3-4 system last year, so it’s possible he could boost his numbers with a return to a 4-3 defense.

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    Source: Titans Insider
     
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  2. peterm211

    peterm211 Starter

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    I think Freeney's lack of production was due to the new system. I think if he goes back to a 4-3 he'll get back to being a double digit sack guy.
     
  3. J Falk

    J Falk Starter

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    I still want Idonije or Abraham. I wanted one of them from the beginning of free agency. I'm more than surprised that none of these guys have signed yet. If we get one of these guys it will probably be the best offseason I've ever had the pleasure of being a part of as a fan. Heck, it might already be the best offseason I've ever been a part of without one of these guys.

    Webster is my idol.
     
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  4. Brew City

    Brew City Case Race Champion

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    Just watched the first Colts game again and man was Freeney a non factor. He was lined up against Mike Otto the whole game and I don't even think he had a QB pressure. MIKE FREAKING OTTO. Only plays he made in the run game were run right at him. You can say it was the system, but all did was pass rush. Really system doesn't matter when you're doing the same thing in both. He had his hand down on most plays as well so you can't say that either. Please no Freeney. My #1 choice would be Abraham. He's old but still gets to the QB pretty well. We have 1 very good end in run defense in Morgan and Wimbley is no slouch either. Wouldn't mind Idonije, but Abraham is my guy.
     
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  5. peterm211

    peterm211 Starter

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    To be honest I wouldn't mind bringing in any of the three FAs. Out of all of them though I like what Freeney brings to the table. The man has a Super Bowl ring and a lot of play off experience under his belt. That experience and winning attitude will blend in well with our young D-line. He may not be young be he's not that old either. I think he'll do well with a change of scenery and a 4-3 scheme.
     
  6. Brew City

    Brew City Case Race Champion

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    Abraham has plenty of playoff experience as well. How many years in a row have the Falcons been in the playoffs. He's been a part of winning franchise for at least the last 4-5 years or whenever it was that Ryan was drafted. He was a leader on that defense as well. The only difference between them is Abraham has showed he still has it in the tank with his performance over the past couple of years. In the NFL you don't pay a veteran any kind of money because you "hope" or "think" that he can still play. You pay the guy that has proven it. I think you're caught up in the name of Freeney because he dominated the league and especially us for so many years. Names don't win championships though, performances do. You are entitled to your own opinion though. Just trying to get my point across.
     
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  7. Thaddeus43

    Thaddeus43 Sunshiner President

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    Wow ... I honestly didn't know that Freeny was the youngest of the 3. I thought he was older than 32. (and I thought Idonije was younger).

    I would honestly be happy with any 1 of the 3.
     
  8. CinciREborn

    CinciREborn Camp Fodder

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    Out of the 3 if be pulled towards Abraham because of last years production. Production is really all there is to go by. If one was brought in though it can only be stop gap. Titans need some young pass rushers. IMO the pass rush is what separate good Ds from bad Ds in the NFL and it is the foundation of an elite d.
     
  9. Finnebosch

    Finnebosch I am vengeance.

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    I'd sign Idoniji because he is a prefect fit for a swing end based on our roster. If you watch his tape you'll see that he is a great run stuffer that can still produce pressure on the QB which basically makes him Derrick Morgan. Idoniji can also spell Wimbley on running downs which will boost his play throughout the year.

    Idoniji can also rush the passer from the UT position which would essentially free up Klug's spot on the roster and let's us do a lot of things on the front seven including using sset like the Giants where we can rush Idoniji inside and bring Ayers down to DE.
     
  10. xpmar9x

    xpmar9x The Real Slim Shady

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    Just sign another defensive end already, would'ya?
     
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