Our 2025 LB is better than #24!!!

[Sperrydogg]

I was under the impression that MacD runs a kind of 3-4. Seems like we are more suited for a 4-3. But it seems like pff looks at the linebacker spot as a two player personnel, maybe cause nickel is getting so used

 

[Sperrydogg]

Jones is a LOT better than 24th best and would be recognized as such were he only still playing for the Rams. But PFF is kind of right in that we are not deep at the position and our rookie on the other side was just a rookie who played for a small school. Kind of like the Woolen factor. Fast is fast and a sharp mind beats a dummy.
I have this insistent itch telling me Emmanwori is going to be a game changer at a lot of spots on the field, including bolstering the strength of our linebackers.

Yeah EJ on his own would rank much higher. And I can’t believe pff didn’t at least acknowledge Derrick Hall.

 

[Sperrydogg]

Yah...it seems fair if you're writing the article from the moon without any other background or information. Take Jones' productivity and MMac's experience and history of elevating the position, Knight's off-season to improve.... If the only thing you look at is the improvement in LB play over the last 2 seasons, the trajectory would have to predict above average play.

But, this will definitely be motivation to a position group that will have it front/center on the bulletin board. Coach will definitely be referring to this article all year....

Yeah definitely from the moon. If you know this team you know they are better than 24. And it’s crazy how EJ is one of the best and will be mostly on the field but we are ranked 24 cause of guys that will probably never see the field

 

[Jville]

I was under the impression that MacD runs a kind of 3-4. Seems like we are more suited for a 4-3. But it seems like pff looks at the linebacker spot as a two player personnel, maybe cause nickel is getting so used

I've taken to visualizing it as a 5-2 base defense. Three defensive linemen flanked by two outside linebackers. With, two off ball linebackers at the second level. One or two of the on line five can drop into coverage at any time. Instilling uncertainty in the minds of the opposing offense.

 

[Sperrydogg]

I've taken to visualizing it as a 5-2 base defense. Three defensive linemen flanked by two outside linebackers. With, two off ball linebackers at the second level. One or two of the on line five can drop into coverage at any time. Instilling uncertainty in the minds of the opposing offense.

Almost like a nickel with a big front? Football is different now. Gotta be big and fast. So one DT? I like having the DT lined up right on the center.

 

[Jville]

Almost like a nickel with a big front? Football is different now. Gotta be big and fast. So one DT? I like having the DT lined up right on the center.

It was an absolute joy to watch Al Woods manhandle offensive linemen. Especially on the nose in a 0 technique.

Although there are some nose tackle candidates, the young ones are a work in progress. Until they develop one, I expect to see them shade the center to one side or the other. Attaching from the side. We should see plenty of one technique.

Something to be looking for during training camp. Things can change as coaches and players develop the upcoming defense.

 

[Sperrydogg]

It was an absolute joy to watch Al Woods manhandle offensive linemen. Especially on the nose in a 0 technique.

Although there are some nose tackle candidates, the young ones are a work in progress. Until they develop one, I expect to see them shade the center to one side or the other. Attaching from the side. We should see plenty of one technique.

Something to be looking for during training camp. Things can change as coaches and players develop the upcoming defense.

That’s the only thing I didn’t like about Murphy is he seems small 6’. Not big enough to eat up the whole inside. Like Poona. But I bet if Murphy was 6’4 6’5 he wouldn’t have been there for us

 

[Jville]

That’s the only thing I didn’t like about Murphy is he seems small 6’. Not big enough to eat up the whole inside. Like Poona. But I bet if Murphy was 6’4 6’5 he wouldn’t have been there for us

Different body type and style. Al Woods was powerful. Could stack to keep linebackers clean and then shed to swallow up either A gap. Murphy has a lower center of gravity and pad level and some quickness allowing the coaches to look for week to week match up advantages by moving him around. Likewise, Poona Ford was a versatile interior linemen for the Seahawks that offered week to week match up advantages. I was disappointed to see him leave for another opportunity. Poona is now with the Rams. So, we'll get to see him play in two match ups this year.

 

[toffee]

That’s the only thing I didn’t like about Murphy is he seems small 6’. Not big enough to eat up the whole inside. Like Poona. But I bet if Murphy was 6’4 6’5 he wouldn’t have been there for us

Good point!

 

[Sperrydogg]

Good point!

I’m not just a pretty face

 

[Smellyman]

Short/tall for DTs, doesn't really matter

 

[toffee]

I’m not just a pretty face

"you can't teach speed or size"

 

[toffee]

Short/tall for DTs, doesn't really matter

Short guys like Poona enjoys favorable pad level, that said, most dominant DTs ain't short?

 

[Sperrydogg]

Chris jones 6’6
Dexter Lawrence 6’4
Quinnen Williams 6’3
Cam Heyward 6’5
Jalen Carter 6’3
Calais Cambell 6’8
Derrick Brown 6’5
Aaron Donald 6’1
Al Woods 6’4
Linval Joseph 6’4

I bet a lot of the nose tackles are 6’3+

 

[Smellyman]

Short guys like Poona enjoys favorable pad level, that said, most dominant DTs ain't s

tall guys can pack on more weight so there are more of them, but there are a lot of body types that can weigh a lot and play with great pad level like you say. Donald, Mebane, Poona, Murphy etc.

 

[Jville]

tall guys can pack on more weight so there are more of them, but there are a lot of body types that can weigh a lot and play with great pad level like you say. Donald, Mebane, Poona, Murphy etc.

Although,

Lighter players have less inertia to overcome. They tend to enjoy an edge in explosive acceleration, deceleration and change of direction. That was Aaron Donald's edge. And it was among the reasons the Rams were so interested in drafting Byron Murphy.

 

[glenwo2]

Ranked top 5 in every category after EJ acquisition. Knight also stepped up huge for a rookie. ESPN, FOX and many other analysts have us top 5-6 this year including Mina Kimes and Cowherd to name a few

So why are we paying any attention to PFF again?

 

[Jville]

So why are we paying any attention to PFF again?

I don't often do this. But, I'm making an exception.

I'm pointing a finger at toffee.

He appears to be suffering from an addiction.

 

[Sperrydogg]

I don't often do this. But, I'm making an exception.

I'm pointing a finger at toffee.

He appears to be suffering from an addiction.

Pff aligns with his angle

 

[Sperrydogg]

Although,

Lighter players have less inertia to overcome. They tend to enjoy an edge in explosive acceleration, deceleration and change of direction. That was Aaron Donald's edge. And it was among the reasons the Rams were so interested in drafting Byron Murphy.

Yeah Donald was 280ish. A little smaller but definitely more athletic