Don't be overly surprised if Kruger blows up from this point.

**leachisabeast** · 11-14-2012, 11:05 AM

Paul Kruger had a real bad start to the year as a starter, and was being asked to do way too much for his skill set with nobody but a rookie and a ILB opposite him as a pass rusher. He was benched for Upshaw because of Upshaws run stopping ability, and now he's virtually rotating with everyone, and is starting most games. Kruger really had a great game against the Raiders, he had two sacks, and an interception. Those sort of numbers are reserved for the Jason Piere Paul's of the league, and I think there is a small chance that Kruger actually goes on and plays like that for the rest of the year, and really takes the league by notice, he could earn him self a respectable pay day in 2013 and may even get over paid by the likes of Indianapolis who are trying to build their 3-4 scheme under Pagano.

I honestly think Kruger is really starting to get it now, and we are going to need him to, because up to this point, we've had very poor production rushing the QB, and with Suggs getting back into things, we could finally have someone who can bring pressure opposite him on a consistent basis.

**moose10101** · 11-14-2012, 11:14 AM

Horses for courses. Against the right O-line, Kruger looks like a world-beater. Then he turns around and disappears the next game. I don't expect any consistency from him because he's just not that good.

**Ravenswintitle** · 11-14-2012, 11:17 AM

I hope we see his great hands this weekend when they go to the dump offs. Like he did against Dixon

**Corey** · 11-14-2012, 11:18 AM

With Suggs back, he'll be in a similar role as last year. Which he was quite effective in. I don't mind that at all.

**leachisabeast** · 11-14-2012, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by moose10101

Horses for courses. Against the right O-line, Kruger looks like a world-beater. Then he turns around and disappears the next game. I don't expect any consistency from him because he's just not that good.

The Raiders Oline had only allowed 14 sacks coming into this game. just saying....

**Captain Silver** · 11-14-2012, 11:38 AM

Given time, Upshaw is going to have people saying Kruger who?

**leachisabeast** · 11-14-2012, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by Captain Silver

Given time, Upshaw is going to have people saying Kruger who?

He has kind of already done that, but at this point Upshaw isn't going to give much as a pass rusher, which is what we need down the stretch. I think Upshaw is going to be a vital part of our defense for whatever run at the SB we have as a run defender, but Kruger can get to the QB.

I do think in time, Upshaw can become a productive pass rusher though.

**Captain Silver** · 11-14-2012, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

He has kind of already done that, but at this point Upshaw isn't going to give much as a pass rusher, which is what we need down the stretch. I think Upshaw is going to be a vital part of our defense for whatever run at the SB we have as a run defender, but Kruger can get to the QB.

I do think in time, Upshaw can become a productive pass rusher though.

I think in time that will develop as well. I rather like the fact he plays the run well, too often rushers get blindsided by the run. Hopefully he'll be tossing linemen out of the way like that car in his commercial.

**bacchys** · 12-16-2012, 12:46 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

He has kind of already done that, but at this point Upshaw isn't going to give much as a pass rusher, which is what we need down the stretch. I think Upshaw is going to be a vital part of our defense for whatever run at the SB we have as a run defender, but Kruger can get to the QB.

I do think in time, Upshaw can become a productive pass rusher though.

He wasn't a pass rusher in college, and I don't think Ozzie drafted him as such. He's another JJ. Plays the run well, can set the edge, and get after the passer once in a while.

Kruger is more of a pass-rushing threat, and he's had his moments. He's just not able to consistently force the action against a double team. He's not a Suggs, let alone a Bouleware.

**GOTA** · 11-14-2012, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Captain Silver

Given time, Upshaw is going to have people saying Kruger who?

I think you're right. Some team is going to overpay Kruger next year but it won't be us.

**leachisabeast** · 11-14-2012, 12:00 PM

Originally Posted by GOTA

I think you're right. Some team is going to overpay Kruger next year but it won't be us.

Agreed, that's why I'm saying he will play well down the stretch, and will attract a number of teams for next year, my first guess would be Indianapolis.