In watching his tape I've seen no real deficiencies in his game stopping the run. No more so than our other DL. I have noticed some in thd other DTs not named Adams. Adams has had some deficiencies in penetrating the los to pressure the QB, with pursuit, and with stamina. None show Branch's ability to get into the backfield to disrupt plays.
So until some of the above changes. Branch needs to be an every down DT except when needing a breather.
Adams does not need to play when a rush is required, but he is our best base DT (ie 4-3 early downs) for 1tech and run situations. I was told he is fit enough to play alot more this year, and this person does not think the other guy should start over him.
Branch feedback has been ok; between the 3DT he has the best chance to generate a pash rush as you point out. But I don't think we should expect a ton out of him (not saying he is bad, just saying he is GT avg at DT right now...serviceable, but not a double team machine or game changer etc)
for the other poster. What I said is Adams and Branch or KCH needs to play in base. Adams should start in base. What I also said is I felt St Armor was the second best end. I personally think freeman should sit. But, I guess he was injured, CPJ said he wouldn't sit and it would be simmons; after my post. So he confirmed my post that st armor is looking good and could start.
IMO, what I said is ASA should be put at SDE and Simmons at WDE....maybe just passing downs.
Freeman is a really good GT guy. Awesome SA. But sometimes I think here at GT we start kids like that over other kids and not because on field production is great. I just have been more than underwhelmed by his impact the last 2 years. He is short and short arms to rush the LT...they eat him up. He actually plays the run ok...but just won't generate a pash rush....Then you add in our very 1 on 1 oriented not terribly creative fronts and its hard on him
anyway...it would be refreshing to see more specialty lines this year. Like ASA, Simmons Branch and move freeman to the 3tech on pash rush downs, or run a 3-3 and blitz the nickel or OLB creatively
Or see Adams, branch/kch, freeman and ASA on run downs...and roll two out for pass.
I think think we have a bit more specialty DL this year to do these rotations. Vs uptempo teams its harder....so you start a blended 4...but we should try when we can