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So is Dont'a Hightower getting reps as an 'edge rusher' in nickel?
I can't help but ask for a couple of reason...
First, I've seen plenty of YouTube cut ups of Alabama's D; where Hightower did indeed move into the strong side DE role when they went into Nickel. He looked good. Especially with Upshaw on the other end. I was hoping Jones and Hightower could create a similar dynamic in NE...
Second, because I really can't help but be concerned about that LDE position in Nickel (as well as base). We just never found a true starter, IMO. We tried putting Deaderick out there at times. I know Nink got a ton of reps at Nickel. Anderson did too, mostly later in the year. But it just seems like we never found our guy. I know Fanene can be used there, too. But I see him as being a DT really. They'd still need to rotate, either way. So, just curious. Haven't really heard anything about Hightower taking reps in that role, or if he has, specifically how he did....
Last edited by Shockt327; 08-03-2012 at 06:49 PM..
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Re: So is Dont'a Hightower getting reps as an 'edge rusher' in nickel?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shockt327
I can't help but ask for a couple of reason...
First, I've seen plenty of YouTube cut ups of Alabama's D; where Hightower did indeed move into the strong side DE role when they went into Nickel. He looked good. Especially with Upshaw on the other end. I was hoping Jones and Hightower could create a similar dynamic in NE...
Second, because I really can't help but be concerned about that RDE position in Nickel (as well as base).
Also, didn't Deaderick mainly play LDE last year, not RDE? Carter played mostly RDE, with Anderson at LDE in pass rushing situations, until Carter got hurt and Anderson moved to RDE.
If Jones can indeed lock up the RDE position as Bedard suggests, that would leave Fanene/Deaderick able to split time between LDE and pass rushing DT duties, with RDE in pass rushing situations being covered by Bequette, Scott, o by Hightower or Ninko moving up from a LB position.
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To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. "OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid
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Re: So is Dont'a Hightower getting reps as an 'edge rusher' in nickel?
I wouldn't expect it. They actually have a pretty good looking group of edge rushers now. I'm more interested in if he can beat out Carpenter and Fletcher for the subpackage LB job next to Mayo.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fake Nate Ebner
No big deal...only took me 3 defensive plays to be drafted before Tom Brady
Re: So is Dont'a Hightower getting reps as an 'edge rusher' in nickel?
Alen Dumonjic (who has provided analysis for Greg Bedard, among others) had an interesting read on Hightower this week:
Quote:
Hightower's likely to get a lot of snaps between strong and weak-side linebacker, especially the former because he would be a great asset when the team plays their 'Under' front. An 'Under' front is when the defensive tackle ('three-technique') covers up the weak-side guard and the strong-side linebacker, which would be Hightower, is on the line of scrimmage.
This is a very interesting alignment for the Patriots because Hightower can disrupt the timing of the tight end coming off the line of scrimmage by jamming and rerouting him, which is ideal because of his strength, prior to blitzing after the quarterback. Furthermore, when New England goes to their sub-package along with a four-man front, Hightower's likely to slide down to defensive end and look to get after the quarterback. His ability to do this is interesting because he can also execute drops in coverage from this alignment when the Patriots go to their zone blitzes. He can also force offensive lineman question their blocking assignments by easily going from a three- to two-point stance.
Hightower's versatility was likely the selling point for Bill Belichick when it came to the debate over selecting him in the first round. Belichick emphasis versatility in order to save roster spots to utilize on other crucial positions, which is why Hightower makes so much sense in New England.
The biggest question with Hightower will be is how long it takes him to learn the defense and his various assignments.Based off of what I was told by a source that was at the University of Alabama yesterday, the coaches at Alabama were told that Hightower has impressed the Patriots coaches with his knowledge, maturity and overall character on and off the field, which suggests his concentration on football could lead to him picking the playbook up quicker.
From all the training camp reports so far, Dumonjic's analysis of why the Wilson pick made sense was spot on. It will be interesting to see how his analysis of Hightower plays out.
__________________
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. "OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid
"The key to any successful organization is to anticipate things, not react to them." - Michael Lombardi
Re: So is Dont'a Hightower getting reps as an 'edge rusher' in nickel?
Yeah, I like the article. That perfectly describes the role that I want to see him in...
...but the author is just speculating. We really haven't had any reports of Hightower taking reps in this role (have we?). Have we heard anything about Hightower taking reps in pass rushing drills?
Re: So is Dont'a Hightower getting reps as an 'edge rusher' in nickel?
Quote:
Originally Posted by mayoclinic
This is a very interesting alignment for the Patriots because Hightower can disrupt the timing of the tight end coming off the line of scrimmage by jamming and rerouting him, which is ideal because of his strength ....
This was BADLY needed against Heath Miller last year. Not having a guy like Hightower cost them the game.
Re: So is Dont'a Hightower getting reps as an 'edge rusher' in nickel?
No he was not getting those reps Friday
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So is Dont'a Hightower getting reps as an 'edge rusher' in nickel?
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