Gregg should be Pro-Bowler
One Raven whose performance should not be overlooked in this season of discontent is defensive tackle Kelly Gregg. In a position that is not an impact position, Gregg was an impact player yesterday. He had 11 tackles, all of them counted as unassisted, and a sack.
The performance was representative of the way he's played all season. The stats on NFL.com have him with 72 tackles -- 50 solos, 22 assists -- and three sacks. The Ravens' other defensive tackle, Haloti Ngata, is also having an outstanding year -- 39 solos, 19 assists, two sacks.
In a season during which numerous Ravens who were counted on have been sidelined, the two of them have been productive and durable, and you never hear a peep out of them. The Pro Bowl voting is announced tomorrow and if Gregg's name isn't on there, there should be a recount.
Photo credit: David Hobby/Sun
Comments
Why is it, only the trouble makers get the headlines and the public awareness about them?
Ones that get the job done every single day, dont run their mouth to the media and talk trash on the field, go unnoticed?
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Seems to be the way ... hopefully, in this case, Gregg will get noticed for the Pro Bowl.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Captain Jack | December 17, 2007 11:13 AM
I think the media has been talking enough about Gregg this year to get him to the pro-bowl. He is an outstanding person as well as player.
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Absolutely.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Jason | December 17, 2007 2:05 PM
Sorry but I disagree.
I think that Kelly Gregg is a heck of a tackle, but his game is all about stopping the run.
I believe to make it to the Pro Bowl you need to do everything a tackle should, including pressuring the QB.
Stopping the run means nothing if opponents can keep making 3rd and 8 all day by passing.
Posted by: Ed D | December 17, 2007 2:44 PM
If it weren't for those two Big Boys up front, Ray Lew wouldn't have the freedom to run around and drag down running backs. I played DT myself (in high school) and it's definitely an under-appreciated position
Posted by: Anonymous | December 17, 2007 4:17 PM
Ed D- You need to look at some game tape- specifically the part where 92 and 97 are constantly penetrating into the backfield and getting hands on opponents Q's. THey may not come away with the sack as often as you would like, but they are flushing the QB's right into the arms of other tacklers. This system is designed to create team tackle situations, not just solo stops.
Posted by: Mather | December 17, 2007 4:56 PM
Mather
I have to disagree with you. I have seen little pocket collapse from the inside all year.
First off Gregg is usually sent to the sidelines on obvious passing situations. Next, with so few sacks as a team, your statement "but they are flushing the QB's right into the arms of other tacklers" can't be too accurate.
The defensive backfield problems have been ascerbated by the lack of consistent pressure upfront. Last year they got that from Pryce. This year, with him being injured, no one has stepped up...including Gregg.
Look, I love the guy but he's not a pass rusher. If he was, he's be in on 3rd down. I just think a pro-bowler should be good at all aspects of his position.
Posted by: Ed D | December 17, 2007 9:44 PM