Wells vs. Hampton
By PackerAaron
Good point over at the GBPG regarding one of the key matchups for tomorrow's game:
When scouts talk about the keys to playing a 3-4 defense, they almost always start with a nose tackle like Casey Hampton. The Steelers’ man in the middle is perhaps the prototypical nose tackle in this scheme. He’s massive, listed at 325 pounds, but he’s probably more like 350. The ninth-year veteran has made four Pro Bowls, including the last three years running. Though Scott Wells surely will get help from guards Josh Sitton and Daryn Colledge, the Packers’ center will have to neutralize Hampton if the Packers are to have any success up the middle.
Wells won't win this with strength, but I expect him to be able to take care of Wells much the same way he neutralized Shaun Rogers earlier this season in Cleveland. Wells, for all his limitations, seems to have the same knack as Tauscher had in his prime of knowing just how to use a defenders' momentum combined with his own leverage to ride the defender out of the play or at least shield him from the run-action. Yes, as they indicate above, he'll be getting help. But there will be times when he's charged with taking Hampton one-on-one and I expect Wells to win more often than he loses.
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Comments (4)
December 19, 2009 at 10:07 am
For all the Ted bashing that has gone on, one of his best moves was one he didn't make. Many were calling for Scott Wells to be traded during the pre-season, but Ted kept the veteran center. Since Spitz went down, Wells has done a good job of maintaining his position. For all the attention paid to the addition of Taucher, the addition of the experienced Wells has also led to improved play by the o-line.
December 19, 2009 at 11:22 am
Vs. a massive pro bowler NT like hampton... This is where the inside zone plays could potentially suffer with a back like ryan grant, who has shown he's not the most nimble back when hitting the hole or making his cut.
With a more agile RB, Wells can afford to come away with a slight diversion of Hamptons' intended path (or his anchoring, for that matter) as the RB can capitalize and react with a quick cut to wherever that minute crease opens. I don't see Grant being able to take as much advantage of the situation.
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I think you'll end up seeing the outside/stretch right zone plays in the run game, forcing Hampton to pursue and getwinded, giving Wells the opportunity to use his Speed/Agility advantage against Casey by cutting him in pursuit instead of trying to hold him up and seal him off. This could be a good day for the Fullbacks to prove their worth, as I imagine they will have a fair number of meetings with Mr. Harrison coming just inside or around Tauscher to attempt to seal the edge.
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Then again, I do think that Sitton and Wells could effectively double hampton, with Wells releasing to the next level. Sitton should have the strength to keep an already-moving behemoth like Hampton in motion. I guess I could see McCarthy establishing the run up the gut (he seems to like to prove he can attack a run D's strength), but ultimately the majority of yards on the ground come off tackle.
December 19, 2009 at 11:27 am
Wells will have to play well tomorrow with his intelligence rather than strength. Hopefully that will be enough.
December 19, 2009 at 01:00 pm
Without Aaron Smith, Colledge will constantly double team either Hampton or James Harrison. I expect more the first, with either a back or a TE chipping or staying to help block Harrison...