Linebacker Assortment

For now, our linebackers will probably look like:

Kendricks at WLB

BWagz at MLB

and

Mingo at SAM...


When we get a healthy KJ back, who is the odd man out?

Most people think Mingo, while preforming well enough to start, is our 4th best linebacker on the team, after the obvious other 3. Kendricks has experience in both 4-3 stack linebacker roles (WLB and MLB) and we know for sure Bobby is LOCKED IN at MLB because Kendricks played WLB when we had him earlier this season. KJ has played SAM in the past, but they've made it pretty clear they like him more in the WLB position. I'm interested in seeing what happens when KJ returns.

There's numerous ways this plays out

1. KJ will go back to WLB and we'll see a platoon between Kendricks and Mingo at SAM based on situation (Most likely IMO)

2. Kendricks will stay at WLB and KJ will take over primary duties at SAM, but also platoon some with Mingo

3. KJ goes back to WLB and Kendricks takes over majority SAM LB duties and Mingo subs in at his other spots in certain situations

4. KJ goes back to WLB and Kendricks goes to the bench. BWags & Mingo stay put at MLB & SAM :34853_doh:

5. Kendricks will stay at WLB and KJ won't get any of the starting 3 LB spots back when he returns. BWags at MLB and Mingo at SAM. KJ on bench (Least likely IMO)

KJ is just about out of here. Mingo is playing extremely well in coverage and especially as a screen buster and is younger. Mingo has had a resurgence in this league.

Bandwagon76":1z2kmd1n said:

KJ is just about out of here. Mingo is playing extremely well in coverage and especially as a screen buster and is younger. Mingo has had a resurgence in this league.

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So maybe scenario #5 is more likely than I imagined. I can see the coaches viewing the leadership of KJ being a must have asset worth having on the field. Perhaps that's changing

Mingo can also play DE. I believe that Mingo replaces Dion Jordan. Therefore the LB's would be KJ - WLB, Wags- MLB, and Kendricks- SAM. Calitro being the primary backup at WLB and MLB, Shaqeem Griffin primary backup at SAM.

hawkfan68":2qc129gx said:

Mingo can also play DE. I believe that Mingo replaces Dion Jordan. Therefore the LB's would be KJ - WLB, Wags- MLB, and Kendricks- SAM. Calitro being the primary backup at WLB and MLB, Shaqeem Griffin primary backup at SAM.

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Shaqeem is a SAM, I thought he was more of WLB?

Also, what do we know what about Kendricks playing SAM. Possibly a suitable position for him because of his pass coverage/rushing abilities, but wouldn't that ask him to do some other things he's not used to?

Opinions?

skater18000":228lgve9 said:

hawkfan68":228lgve9 said:

Mingo can also play DE. I believe that Mingo replaces Dion Jordan. Therefore the LB's would be KJ - WLB, Wags- MLB, and Kendricks- SAM. Calitro being the primary backup at WLB and MLB, Shaqeem Griffin primary backup at SAM.

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Shaqeem is a SAM, I thought he was more of WLB?

Also, what do we know what about Kendricks playing SAM. Possibly a suitable position for him because of his pass coverage/rushing abilities, but wouldn't that ask him to do some other things he's not used to?

Opinions?

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Neither is KJ but you had him moving to play SAM in one of your choices. Shaqeem can play SAM. He did that in college. Shaqeem was also a safety so he does have some cover skills. I think he could do well playing SAM. Not sure if they go that route though.

I hope they use Kendricks heavily as a pass-rush specialist especially when Wright comes back in the fold. If it was possible, it’s probably not, but it would cool to switch to a 3-4.


Reed Ford Jones on the D-line

Clark Wags Wright/Kendricks Kendricks/Mingo at LB

That would kill all those outside runs/screens.

I suspect Wright will be largely shut down unless one of Mingo, Kendricks or Wagner goes down. He’ll ride the inactive list until needed.

We will run with Kendricks at WILL and Mingo at SAM until the end.

If KJ is 100 percent then I like KJ, Bobby and Kendricks.

Everyone rotates around KJ and Bobby, so long as KJ is healthy. Kendricks can play all three linebacking spots, Mingo's played both Will and Sam this season and he has situational utility to line up as a DE in the nickel. Speaking of the nickel, you could theoretically have all 4 on the field considering both Kendricks and Mingo are above average at rushing the passer and decent in coverage.

I would assume if KJ comes back he takes back the weak side for the first two downs and Kendricks replaces him on 3rd/passing downs until KJ proves he can move well enough in coverage to be on the field.

KJ is done as a Seahawk. His body failed him and that just sucks. He did the magic knee thing last season re-gen-o-kine and his knee could not hold up for this season.

getnasty":5fose422 said:

If KJ is 100 percent then I like KJ, Bobby and Kendricks.

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I doubt K.J. will be 100% ever again. I’ll take a 100% Kendricks over a 70% K.J. right now.

getnasty":1osx03t6 said:

If KJ is 100 percent then I like KJ, Bobby and Kendricks.

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I doubt K.J. will be 100% ever again. I’ll take a 100% Kendricks over a 70% K.J. right now.

KJ is done as a Seahawk I suspect.

Really a bummer he just can't stay healthy with that knee. But, as much as I hate to see him go, we likely dodged another contract bullet like we did with Earl. If he would be willing to take less $ on a one year deal, would love him to stay. But, I suspect this is his last year with the Hawks