Tyrone McKenzie interview with Patriots Daily

[PatriotsDaily.com]

New England drafted Tyrone McKenzie in the third round, looking to add youth and depth to the linebacker corps. The South Florida grad (who also played at Michigan State and Iowa State) ended up missing the season due to a knee injury sustained in rookie camp last spring.

Despite that setback – or maybe because of it – McKenzie sounded excited about getting back on the field to show what he can do. After only a few minutes talking to PD, it became easy to see why Coach Bill Belichick spoke so highly of him. Judging by McKenzie’s answers, it seems that the young man has been listening to his coach – both on and off the field.

Q&A With Patriots LB Tyrone McKenzie

Thanks!

 

[BelichickFan]

Excellent interview, thanks. I think we're all rooting for McKenzie based on his background and attitude.

 

[ayjackson]

Tyrone's the mike - BB issued a gag order.

 

[furry]

Really looking forward to seeing how he pans out this off season.

As the old expression goes, he's like a brand new signing

 

[Sicilian]

Tyrone's the mike - BB issued a gag order.

I interpretted it more as he WANTS to be the mike, but he's been well taught not to ever discuss such things and just be ready for whatever they ask him to do.

 

[Deus Irae]

It will be a huge plus to the team if McKenzie can play well enough to keep Guyton on the bench for running downs.

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

I love what BB has at ILB in Mayo, Guyton, and McKenzie. If McKenzie can slide in and play the Mike and Mayo can play the Will freeing him up for more playmaking that would be perfect. Then you have a high quality LB in Guyton to come in and take some snaps and cover on 3rd downs.

I hope McKenzie is a physical headhunter. I want RB's to fear our ILB's.

 

[BionicPatriot]

I must say, rarely have I been intrigued about a prospect like this in quite some time. He just has the right mentality

And in a 3-4, are you still a Mike?

You know, right now I’m just worried about being there, going out there and performing.

So you’re not exactly sure where you would play, or you just maybe don’t want to share that?

Don’t want to share.

There you go.

I don't know what Bill's puttin' in the Gatorade, but he has some of these guys straight brain washed lol. He wont be on BB's bad side anytime soon.

 

[BionicPatriot]

McKenzie very well could be the head buster we think we need to add already on the roster. I wont bet on it, but we could be lucky.

 

[jays52]

More great stuff from him. I don't know why, but I have a strong sense that this kid is going to pan out. He's towing the company line well, seems focused and driven, and has always seemed like a high character guy. In college, everything about him was indicative of his potential for the 34 Mike. I think that he's going to play there for a while, and may even start right away in 2010.

He and Chung are two guys who I believe will not only become major contributors, but true leaders of the future defense. For a team that supposedly can't draft, that 09 class has the makings of a five high level starter group.

 

[PowerRunRevival]

Football Question: In the 3-4 do the outside backers switch between strong and weak? I was under the impression that the inside backers move around depending on the call (strong left strong right) but the outside linebackers just stay on their sides? Is this correct? Does it depend on scheme? In otherwords I thought the 3-4 backer positions were lolb, milb, wilb, and rolb?

 

[jays52]

Football Question: In the 3-4 do the outside backers switch between strong and weak? I was under the impression that the inside backers move around depending on the call (strong left strong right) but the outside linebackers just stay on their sides? Is this correct? Does it depend on scheme? In otherwords I thought the 3-4 backer positions were lolb, milb, wilb, and rolb?

The short answer is that it depends. On certain teams, in certain situations there are left and right. L/R positions are usually dictated by a certain player's skillset. Right side guys are usually the best pass rusher on the team, and are usually used in conjunction with a right end who understand how to set them up. Left is usually the more stout of the two, or could be the more astute coverage guy. The same can usually be said for the strong/weak players.

The strong/weak stuff can usually be countered by offenses shifting strength to exploit the disadvantages of a certain player. Other times, a backer willbe moved around to counter a certain offensive player. Jamming a back or manning up a TE are examples of this.

So, in a roundabout answer that doesn't answer anything, it depends.

 

[mmasterkillah]

Great interview, seems like a team player that we need in the locker room and on the field. I hope he truly can regain that 4.56 speed he talks about in this interview. Very excited for this kid!

 

[Bostonian1962]

Tyrone's the mike - BB issued a gag order.

Agree, he'll be playing the MIKE, and I think playing it well.

 

[jmt57]

McKenzie was one of the key players of a South Florida football club that made the jump from playing Citadel and Western Kentucky to a top twenty team. Would be great to see him come in and contribute this year; sounds like he has the right attitude and motivation.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

More great stuff from him. I don't know why, but I have a strong sense that this kid is going to pan out. He's towing the company line well, seems focused and driven, and has always seemed like a high character guy. In college, everything about him was indicative of his potential for the 34 Mike. I think that he's going to play there for a while, and may even start right away in 2010.

He and Chung are two guys who I believe will not only become major contributors, but true leaders of the future defense. For a team that supposedly can't draft, that 09 class has the makings of a five high level starter group.

What? Haven't you been reading the leading experts of football knowledge through rectal-cranial insertion osmosis who have clearly articulated the facts which make Chung and McKenzie "busts?" Seriously, you should keep up to date with your subscription to Strength Through Carping Daily. :snob:

 

[skinnydog]

What? Haven't you been reading the leading experts of football knowledge through rectal-cranial insertion osmosis who have clearly articulated the facts which make Chung and McKenzie "busts?" Seriously, you should keep up to date with your subscription to Strength Through Carping Daily. :snob:

Kind of an overstatement there. I think Chung is going to be good, but it is hard to tell how good based on last season. With McKenzie it's impossible to tell if he'll be any good. I hope so, but to count on a 3rd round pick who injured a knee and missed his entire rooking season is a real stretch. I hope he's great, but that's all it is a hope . . .

 

[Frezo]

Seriously, you should keep up to date with your subscription to Strength Through Carping Daily. :snob:

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[patsfan55]

I too have a great feeling about this kid. He sounds like he wants to become a leader too, which would be spectacular. First things first, we gotta hope he can stay on the field!

 

[RayClay]

-Billy Bass-------------------

Bwahaha