Here is an interesting statistical ranking of the safeties relating to tackling efficiency which ranks safeties based on total snaps, total attempts, total misses to calculate a tackle efficiency. 88 players were ranked.
I was not surprised that Jon McGraw (#85 out of 88!!) and Donald Washington (#81) were included in the bottom 20 ranking, but I was surprised Kendrick Lewis (#73) was as well. Three safeties playing enough to rank in the bottom for tackling efficiency is not good at all...no matter how you look at it. And I have to believe that Sabby Piscatelli just missed out on playing enough snaps to be ranked!
When considering McGraw's ranking, it makes it even more amazing that he has received as much playing time because while his lack of overall athleticism was pretty much a known quantity in pass coverage, his experience and understanding of the defense was touted as a reason he received as much playing time as he did. He was used as the "jack" safety (near the line of scrimmage) supposedly because of his tackling ability. This analysis seems to indicate the opposite. And I do distinctly remember him taking several very poor angles in run defense when playing essentially an additional linebacker role (specifically against San Diego).
IMO, the guy has completely outlived his usefullness on the roster. If his experience is soo valuable, we need to consider replacing some of our coaches...because we can't afford to use roster spots on "coaches" like McGraw. McGraw's liabilities are well known, but his supposed strengths appear to be weaknesses now as well.
Washington doesn't surprise me for the simple fact that like Sabby Piscatelli, he looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. Both have the physical measureables, but don't have a good enough understanding of technique and don't seem to have the necessary instincts to put themselves in the right place at the right time.
Lewis I am a little more confused about. I know he has alot of supporters, but I can't help but think that with Berry out of the equation, he is the best out of the worst when it comes to our safeties. I am not saying he is horrible, but maybe compared to guys like McGraw, Washington, Piscatelli, etc., he looks alot more complete than he really is. While I don't think we should replace him, I do wonder if some of his weaknesses (lack of closing speed, etc.) are going largely unnoticed because most of us are cursing the other safeties when they are making obvious miscues.
Thoughts?
2011 Tackling: The Safeties | ProFootballFocus.com
Bookmarks