There is considerable talk coming out of Green Bay that the Packers are watching film on how “not” to tackle Ben Roethlisberger.
Just as Rex Ryan put together a hi-lite reel of some of Hines Wards biggest hits to “anger up the blood” in the immortal words of Satchel Paige, the Jets defensive players, so too has Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers done likewise in glossing up some Big Ben runs. All in an effort to show his storm troopers improper sack attempts and why they were improper.
The Packer perscription for pulverizing Ben is;
1. Hit Ben between the chest and thighs.
2. Wrap both arms fully around Ben.
3. Throw full weight on Ben hanging on until the turf or a whistle calls off the dogs.
Notice the chest/torso area being targeted. Staying away from the head and knee shots in the highest rated game of the year which also will bring the most scrutiny by the referees sounds logical. Good so far.
Notice that stripping the ball is not one of the key pointers. To strip the ball, you gott’a let go with one of the arms, or at the very least be busy with one of them which will detract from the emphasis on dropping their full weight on Ben.
Apparently Capers is emphasizing to his pass rushers to get a bodylock around Ben tighter than Saran wrap on a super model trying to drop a quick 10 pounds before a photo shoot to sackerate the Roethlisberger.
Capers wants full attention on bringing down the quarterback that the Packers have likened to tackling a running back or a lineman.
The Pack are also talking about controlled aggression pass rushes (bull rushing), keeping the QB in front of you and compressing the pocket like the trash compactor Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and the 7′ hairball with feet, Chewbacca found themselves in.
This in all likelihood would mean that the outside rushers might wann’a shave their angles to Ben not choosing to ride wide and backdoor Ben, rely more on DE-DT twists with the ends going first, and verboten to be sure are spin moves which blind a pass rusher temporarily because they lose sight of their target.
In other words, it’s all about making Ben a statue and have him throw from a spot. Not to let his creative “mojo by movement” kick in and cause breakdowns in the secondary.
It reminds me of the movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. While attempting to go straight and lay low on the bank robbing, Sundance is auditioning for a job as a payroll guard. Unable to impress with his shooting skills while standing still, Sundance asks, “Can i move? I’m better when i move.”
You can move Ben. You’re better when you move.
