[Ace Gunner]

Originally Posted by milkman

Siler was a 7th round pick out of an SEC school.

Belcher was a small school DE that was converted to LB after signing as an UDFA.

In San Diego, the ILBs had a legitimate NT in front of them blowing up blockers, allowing both to make tackles and plays, and Siler has been pretty much the same player since he was drafted, and Stephen Cooper wasn't exactly an all pro.

Belcher has improved in each of his 3 seasons, and without a legitimate NT in front, Belcher has been doing the grunt work, blowing up blocks, allowing DJ to make plays.

It is no coincidence that DJ's play has improved at the same time as Belcher play has improved, and he's become more physical.

And even with the fact that he has done outstnding work just blowing up blockers, he also was second on the team to DJ in tackles.

If we get real legitimate NT in front, Belcher will be blowing shit up.

But either way, Siler isn't the physical player that Belcher is, and this defense needs that physical brand of play from the Mike.

Ya, good post. Belcher is a rangy sideline to sideline type of player, Siler doesn't have that run & hit quickness they get with Belcher.