Sep 21, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is flushed out of the pocket by Oakland Raiders defensive end Justin Tuck (91) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Great 3-4 End
When Justin Tuck first came into the NFL, he was listed at 6’5″, 268 pounds and ran a 4.7 at his pro day back in 2005. He was great coming off the offensive right edge as a base end his first few years but now, he looks much bigger. Last year, he kicked inside to tackle on passing downs and it was effective—leading Tuck to an 11-sack season.
Then after being ineffective in his first two games as a 4-3 base end with the Raiders, it looks like Tuck has reinvented himself as a 3-4 end. He had three hits on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, his first sack as a Raider and constantly harassed Brady into some inaccurate throws. All the while, Tuck has remained stellar against the run to show that he was more than comfortable as a 3-4 end.
The move actually made him more effective as a 4-3 end too as he was effective on the right and left edge yesterday. Now, four of the five opposing offensive lineman have to prepare for Tuck and he is sure to find a mismatch somewhere. But 3-4 end looks like a good home for Tuck with his size, strength and skill-set at this point in his career.