Could we use Jarvis as the "Elephant"? - Page 3 - New England Patriots Forums

RayClay · 12-06-2006, 03:33 PM

I might have been a little confused in my post but I did title it elephant and that is not the same as an OLB.

Just a way to get some extra pass rush occasionally from different angles.

I don't think he's been used as a "classic" elephant, which is bouncing all around until the snap to confuse the offense.

My thought about pass coverage responsibilities obviously doesn't make sense if the only role is as a pass rusher anyway.

My confusion is in the McGinest comparison where he played this role before developing into a complete linebacker who could switch at will.

Obviously, we don't have that type of player, although Vrabel is close.

JoeSixPat · 12-06-2006, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayClay

I might have been a little confused in my post but I did title it elephant and that is not the same as an OLB.

Just a way to get some extra pass rush occasionally from different angles.

I don't think he's been used as a "classic" elephant, which is bouncing all around until the snap to confuse the offense.

My thought about pass coverage responsibilities obviously doesn't make sense if the only role is as a pass rusher anyway.

My confusion is in the McGinest comparison where he played this role before developing into a complete linebacker who could switch at will.

Obviously, we don't have that type of player, although Vrabel is close.

McGinest is listed as a DE and not a LB - but he's clearly a tweener and its almost pointless to get stuck on position titles in these cases.

In any event whereas many DEs are in the 300 lb. range - Jarvis at 285 is smaller than many - and clearly has shown a nice burst of speed (3 sacks in a game show that as well)

In any event there's no question in my mind that Jarvis could be used as an Elephant - the issue is, will he be. I think we all trust the coach to make the right call on that.

JoeSixPat · 12-06-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris66

of course I'm joking, but if we had a better and deeper receiver core I could see it happening. I dont put anything by BB. Brown as a db, vrabel as a te, seymour as a fb. you have to admit there is a track record there

Which is why I had to ask the question of whether you were joking. I'd rule nothing out.

Brown, by the way, until we signed Testeverde, was also our third string QB - and has thrown a few passes in games himself if I recall correctly.

Also if you recall, Patten had a game where he had TDs as a WR, RB and QB (passing)

So anything's possible - I just definately don't see him risking Watson in that way.

Our "best" receiver this year - whether its Caldwell or Watson, projects at 65 passes caught this season. Neither numbers are exactly #1 WR caliber but collectively its ok - but if one goes out with an injury going into the playoffs, I'm not all that optimistic about our offense.