RUBIN AT 3 TECH?

[Riffer X]

What do you guys think? By all accounts, Taylor seems like the prototype for the one tech, and we all thought Rubin was firmly entrenched there. This could mean the Browns see Rubin as the three tech going forward, and he just may be able to do it as we build from the inside out.

They may see Rubin as a guy who can get up field when allowed to play one gap, and they may just be right.

[BernietheKid]

Here is what Sobo had to say about Taylor:

Upon further review, particularly the Texas Bowl, Taylor’s hands were much better upon further review. He continually controlled offensive linemen. He shot his hands and he hustled throughout the entire game.

Second, Taylor has been labeled as a pure two-gap performer. That’s the furthest thing from the truth after watching him in person. He was continually shooting gaps and has the needed athleticism to be a 3-technique in the Browns new four man front. Physically, his potential play and size remind scouts of former Brown Shaun Rogers.

As Cleveland transitions into said scheme, one only has to look at history to see the type of defense new coordinator Dick Jauron prefers. Ted Washington and Keith Traylor were mammoth interior defenders which were impossible to budge as Chicago jumped out to a 13-3 record during the 2002 season. Taylor’s size has already been mentioned, but he will pair with one of the best interior defenders in the NFL, the 335-pound Ahytba Rubin.

Cleveland is making a concerted effort to stop the run and allowing its young and talented secondary to make plays when opposing teams are put in obvious passing situations.

[Greythan]

Again, Bernie with the nice links.

I love Rubin and especially his motor. It sounds like Taylor has at least an above-average motor for a widebody. Two active, 330#+ DT's securing the middle of the line? Check. Flat out something you HAVE to have to field an effective 4-3. Frees you your linebackers. Frees you up to put athletic, lighter DE's (think: Bernard) next to the DT's.

Good stuff.

[Enigmatic Evil]

I really like the outlook of our D-line with this move. There was a lot of uncertainty about our D, especially with the front seven and now with one pick I think we've given that some assurance. I like that this may give Ruben some more flexibility to be a beast on the line and I think that after last year we all saw the potential that he has for that. I think we still need a DE prospect and a LB but we've got some picks to make plays with that.

[Sez.EJ]

Taylor: The next michael dean perry!!! Hopefully with a longer career.

[Vegasdogg]

What I saw (and Eric Mangini said it several times) of Rubin was a non-stop motor, a DL chasing plays down field, a player who can be disputive. He played in a 3-4 at Nose, but was he really asked to do much outside of taking up space? He made some nice plays in the run game with penetrations, so I think he can slice through the line, is strong enough to play a 3-technique, and play well along side Taylor. I don't worry about Rubin.

[Brown Warrior]

LOVE Rubin. Dude tackled more WRs than any NT ever.

[Riffer X]

Originally Posted by Riffer X

What do you guys think? By all accounts, Taylor seems like the prototype for the one tech, and we all thought Rubin was firmly entrenched there. This could mean the Browns see Rubin as the three tech going forward, and he just may be able to do it as we build from the inside out.

They may see Rubin as a guy who can get up field when allowed to play one gap, and they may just be right.

Isn't this the way it appears to be going right now?

I heard Rubin was being used at the 3 tech mostly.

[BernietheKid]

Originally Posted by Riffer X

Isn't this the way it appears to be going right now?

I heard Rubin was being used at the 3 tech mostly.

Good call! I believe Taylor said that Rubin and he were going to switch off between the left and right spots, but it appears that Rubin is most line up at the three technique. It also makes sense since he dropped 15 lbs. from last year.

Now Rubin is weighing in at 315 lbs, and it should make him faster.

[YtownBacker]

Shurmur answered a few questions from reporters about how he'll use Rubin and Taylor. Long story short is that Rubin has been working mostly at the 3 technique. Rubin was also interviewed about him coming into camp at a lighter 315. He also stated that the coaches wanted him to come in lighter and quicker so he can penetrate. Rubin said that most people don't realize that he has the quickness to penetrate because he has always played in a two gap system here.

Nice to know there's a plan.

[Riffer X]

It made too much sense Berns. Rubin was playing nose and two gap, but the guy was all over the place. You just have to think they wanted to see what he could bring as a one gap three tech, especially with Taylor there to keep people off him. Showing up lighter shows his commitment, so we may see him be very formidable there.

[Brown Warrior]

Yeah, I love this. Rubin can move.