Olshansky goes to Dallas - AFC West - ESPN

Igor Olshansky re-unites with his former defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in Dallas. The Chargers made no attempt to retain Olshansky, amid rumors that certain teammates questioned his attitude.

about 1 year ago 'Eaters 4 comments 0 recs |

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4 year, $18M

The former Chargers defensive end agreed today to a four-year, $18 million deal with $8 million virtually guaranteed.

From Acee’s bolts blog

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Mar 7, 2009 6:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hey guys, what are your parting thoughts on Igor? He was a pretty high draft pick with decent production, an I’m hoping he consistently fills the gap left by Chris Canty, an serious talent with very limited focus and motivation. Please tell me what to expect. Thanks.

by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Mar 7, 2009 12:52 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

enegmatic?

His first few years he looked like he was going to be very good. The power complement to Castillo’s finesse. I think he really took a step backwards once Wade left. Still played well, but really ceased to be an impact player. I’m not sure if he was not used correctly (as Igor has said) or if there was some other hangup Igor had with the post-Wade defensive staff/philosophy.

Some had said he wasn’t trying as hard this year because he didn’t want to get injured for free agency. I’m not sure that makes a lot of sense, seems to me like he would have been better off trying harder and getting more attention and therefore more money in free agency. So I’m not sure why his play appeared to drop off. A new team and back playing under Wade will probably improve things for him this year.

As a Charger fan, the main reason I’m a little bothered by losing Igor is that I’m not sure we have a good replacement. I think this means we need to spend a first day or so pick on a replacement for him. And we have plenty of other places I’d rather spend that high pick.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Mar 7, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs

Excellent comments, but....

Olshansky’s best year was 2007, the first year that Wade was gone. That year he had 3.5 sacks, an interception, 3 passes defensed (knockdowns at the line I’m assuming), 2 forced fumbles and was involved in 48 tackles. That was the only year that I’d even categorize Igor as being “good”. Every year before and since I could describe as “subpar” or “adequate” at best.

All you ask from your 3 defensive linemen in the 3-4 is that they push the line. Jamal does it consistently, Castillo does it inconsistently and Igor seems to just not move forward or backwards. He’s not going to push the offensive line and blow up the play, but he’s probably not going to be blown up himself and have a huge hole in that part of the line. He’s average and there shouldn’t be much of a drop-off to Jaques Cesaire.

So, to answer the initial question, my parting thoughts are that Igor is a good hole-filler if you didn’t have anyone else could could start there but he’s certainly not going to be the factor in taking Dallas to the superbowl.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Mar 8, 2009 6:49 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs