Warrior General Games

You guys gave me great information on the Power Rusher thread. Now I just wanted to delve into a different type of build. Can an power/agility based DE prevent some normal speed rusher problems? In the previous thread it became apparent that normal speed rushers would be complete liabilities against the run and would often be pancaked.

Im looling to build a pass rusher that has power bull over blockers but the speed and mainly agility to have a quick first step and cause fumbles. Think Dwight Freeney 6-1 270lbs. I also want the devastating spin move if possible. Im thinking around 110 strength/80 speed/100 Agility. Anyone have any tips?

Eehhhhhh... No matter how you go about it (IMO), you'll either have to settle for one of 3 outcomes. #1, A great pass rusher than can at least be useful against the run now and then... #2 a great run stuffer that can sometime effect the passing game... or a dot that's mediocre at both. Since the game is built to reward extremes, then trying to straddle the gap just leaves you with sore groin and a lot of jeers. Since your original query was about making a good Pass Rusher DE based off a power rush style, you're already slightly better off in helping against the run than one built with lots of agility & speed but lacks in strength. Consider that the Run Stuff Archetypes of all defensive dots all make Strength a primary skill while pass rushing does not and you understand why having more strength is better against the run (reason I advised using the Combo Arch for your build). So, as long as you do go the route of 'power rush' style DE then you're already ahead of the game. Just make sure you don't totally neglect Tackling and you should be just fine.

With the numbers you gave, 110/80/100, I'd say you'll be mostly ok... more speed and strength (and less agility) if you want to go much more power rush style... more tackling and even some jumping with Diving Tackle would help if you're still wanting to be good against the rush and knocking down passes as a bonus.

It's not the Speed that is the liability, it's the strength and weight

Run blocking right OTs usually weigh 350 pounds and stack all EQ into Strength getting north of 150 total. You can't send a 240 pound weenie DE against that at all. That relegates him to being a RDE to face the Left OTs.

LOTs are almost always 300+ Pounds, and they usually have Strength north of 130 total... usually 90+ Strength at least, and most, if not all EQ in Strength.

When pass rushing, DEs can get around them with huge amounts of Speed.

The problem comes in the run defense department. When you're a DE that's built like a line backer (von miller is listed at 250 pounds for example) the defensive coordinator has no options.

https://postimg.cc/bDG8Hvvc

The custom depth charts do not allow for different DEs to be subbed in. That's why if you want to do a speed DE type of build, he should be built as a linebacker, or even better, as a CB that can be brought in in specific situations. The DE has no flexibility. There's a left and right DE on the D-line on every defensive play. There's no good way to control when DEs go into the game. The coordinators can try to fudge it with energy/stamina substitution settings, and by trying to force starters, but that becomes a mess that can be exploited by the opposing team.

Do yourself, and your future team a favor... Build a DE built to stop the run first and foremost. OR Build a pass rusher out of another position.

That being said, if you build the DE you're talking about, 110/80/100 would be an awesome build-- stack all your EQ into Strength and you'll be a killer. You won't be Dwight Freeney 6-1 270lbs, but you'll be a huge asset to your team.

If you want Dwight Freeney 6-1 270lbs, look at the Blitzer LB archetype

Blitzer
A blitzer linebacker loves to rush the quarterback. He is fast and a good tackler, though he is not exceptionally strong. He is great coming off of the edge, and can rack up plenty of sacks and hurries. He may find himself in trouble when facing strong blockers, however, if he cannot find his way around them.
5'10" - 6'6", 240-270 Lbs
Major Attributes: Agility, Jumping, Speed, Tackling (+.5)
Minor Attributes: Confidence, Stamina, Strength, Vision (+.25)
Favored Special Abilities: Shed Block, Big Sack
Penalized Special Abilities: Aura of Intimidation, Diving Tackle

LBs can have jersey numbers in the 90s

If you could settle on a 6-0 LB, you could hit agility first. You'd have the 270 weight, but you'd have to hit Speed 2nd.

if you could manage 105 Speed, 100 Agility, and 85+ Strength that would be a great build. The difference would be, if you want maximum pass rush potential, you'd have to go all EQ into Speed.

** full disclosure here: I'm a defensive coordinator, and I'm building 2 identical pure power DEs

Thermon's pretty spot on. With your previous idea about making a Power Rushing DE, I'd use either that Run Stuff Arch or the Combo Arch. The main reason I like the Combo is that important SA's on the tree aren't penalized and Strength is still a Major. Personally, I'd go for max height and weight and devil take the hindmost. I love a damn fine bullrush over a sneaky swim move.

Yeah if you're trying to generate a pass rush, and also help against the run, with a purpose built DE archetype, it has to be the Combo DE. It has the size, Strength, Speed, and 1st Step and TV aren't penalized. The stacking effect of TV + 1st Step is really what makes the DE go.

The other positions have like, Disguise Blitz, and HoS SAs to help them along.

For that matter, you could make a 280 pass rush arch DE. Just hit agility first.