:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9772679/gyi0062274953.0.jpg)
The Belichick Way - Bill Barnwell
Other under-the-radar moves that I appreciated: Oakland signing Pat Sims to an undisclosed deal, the Chargers bringing in Chad Rinehart from the Bills to serve as a possible replacement for Louis Vasquez, and San Francisco signing Glenn Dorsey in the hopes of revitalizing the stagnant career of the former fifth overall pick.
Word of Muth: Free Agent Interior Linemen - Ben Muth
Like Levitre, Vasquez is a better pass blocker than a run blocker at this point in his career. He’s not a terrible run blocker, and has come a long way since being part of Mike Leach’s run game embargo at Texas Tech. He generates good initial movement in the running game, but doesn’t use his hands particularly well as he’s doing it. It’s all helmet and shoulder pads. As a result, defensive linemen often grab Vasquez as he’s trying to escape to the second level and prevent him from making those blocks. (Even if he does get a clean release, he can struggle against linebackers.)
3-4 and 4-3 concepts more about personnel than defensive fronts - Greg Cosell
There are many misconceptions about defensive fronts in the NFL, and those false impressions frequently arise from a very simple component. When most see 3 players with one hand on the ground, in three-point stances, and four players standing up, in two-point stances, they automatically assume it’s a 3-4 defense. It’s a logical conclusion, yet it’s not always the right one. In fact, more often than not in today’s NFL, it’s the wrong assumption. The number of players in two- and three-point stances is not the defining feature of defensive fronts.
Free Agency Roundup: Day 3 - Ricky Henne
There was just one transaction on day three of free agency for the San Diego Chargers, but it was a big one by signing coveted cornerback Derek Cox.
Cox happy to be a Charger, at last - Michael Gehlken (paywall)
"I got three hours of sleep," said Cox, who canceled a Thursday visit with the Saints to sign. "It came down to I had to trust my gut and say, 'What people made me feel important and feel like I'd be of value?'"
Coaches film: Derek Cox - Tom Krasovic (paywall)
The Chargers list Cox at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, and he plays that big in coverage. He will provide a physical presence against Broncos jumbos receivers such as Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.