The "pass-rushing OLB" myth - Page 14 - New England Patriots Forums

***BradyFTW!*** · 05-07-2011, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deus Irae

Yes, but I don't think that lessen is what I think you're trying to put forward. The reason that Chiefs fans were down on Hali was because he basically wet himself in 2008, after Allen was traded and teams were able to focus on him in the 4-3, and Chiefs fans thought he was a product of Allen's double teams. If you look at his career, though, he's been a pretty good sack guy for most of it. Last year was his second year in the 3-4, and he clearly responded well to the coaching of Romeo and more familiarity in the system.

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I don't think there's any real applicability to this Patriots team.

I think it does, especially for the people who think that last year indicates that we can't expect much from Cunningham. That was his first year as an OLB- I'm not ready to pencil him in as an impact player yet, but this is when we'll see if he can be or not. That he only had 1 sack last year is borderline irrelevant.

I was over on ChiefsPlanet quite a bit a couple offseasons ago, because I was interested to see how they'd respond to Pioli/Cassel, and, to put it lightly, it wasn't pretty. A lot of fans were furious that they were installing a 3-4, since in their estimation it made both Dorsey and Hali useless. Hali, in most of their estimations, was simply too slow and too rigid to be an OLB. They were wrong, though- the transition just took some time.

There's a pretty good chance that the same people who are assuming that Cunningham will never amount to anything will be the ones complaining the loudest if he ever leaves.

patsoxfan · 05-07-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sciz

It's a nice benchmark as Wright's last game before going out with an injury. That started the steady stream of injured front 7 defenders, the severity of which we won't see the rest of this decade.

I never thought I would see a "mike Wright was injured" excuse for no pass rush. No pass rush, no help on the horizon. None of those injured players are proven pass rushers anyway. It is amazing that no one on this board thinks that there are players out there who can play OLB effectively (good rush, cant play the run). Is BB trying the impossible. Why would he not change his defense completely if this is the case. They are out there he just cant evaluate that position worth a damn. I guess your answer is to give up. I refuse to believe that there is no one that can play this position. I believe the Pats will go back to running the ball early and often. Two monster tackles, big mean guards and a 230lb back. (watch clips of Ridley). later.

***Deus Irae*** · 05-07-2011, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradyFTW!

I think it does, especially for the people who think that last year indicates that we can't expect much from Cunningham. That was his first year as an OLB- I'm not ready to pencil him in as an impact player yet, but this is when we'll see if he can be or not. That he only had 1 sack last year is borderline irrelevant.

I was over on ChiefsPlanet quite a bit a couple offseasons ago, because I was interested to see how they'd respond to Pioli/Cassel, and, to put it lightly, it wasn't pretty. A lot of fans were furious that they were installing a 3-4, since in their estimation it made both Dorsey and Hali useless. Hali, in most of their estimations, was simply too slow and too rigid to be an OLB. They were wrong, though- the transition just took some time.

There's a pretty good chance that the same people who are assuming that Cunningham will never amount to anything will be the ones complaining the loudest if he ever leaves.

Ok, if you're looking at Cunningham and him having room to improve, I'm with you. I thought you were pointing to something different. My mistake. Apologies for the misunderstanding.