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I know we'll move them around, etc. But we'll still have a base set that will be played more than others.
One thing we all agree on is that Colvin goes back to WOLB (the right side) where he was before Seau got hurt.
The next most likely agreement is that Bruschi stays as the SILB, the run plugger. He's just not fast enough to be the big play Tedy anymore.
That leaves Thomas and Vrabel. I think a lot of people think Vrabel will move inside. I don't. McGinest played that SOLB until he was a lot older than Vrabel and I think Vrabel is staying out there. The most important part of the position is being strong and setting the edge on the strong side. Like Willie did he can still rush and cover as needed and it's his best position.
Which leaves the WILB spot for Thomas. Bruschi's old spot. The one Seau played last year. I think he's perfect for it even though it's "inside". He can still blitz. He has the size to play well against the run although he's not the pure run guy. And that spot often covers the TE downfield - remember the opening game when Seau got a game ball for covering the TE downfield allowing Warren to make the sack on the game winning safety.
Bottom line, I think the LB are EXACTLY the same as how they were last year until Seau got hurt. I don't think Thomas is out of position there, I think he's a great fit with his size against the run and coverage ability. I know he's not thought of as a guy who takes on tackles but we all know Seau wasn't either.
One thing we all agree on is that Colvin goes back to WOLB (the right side) where he was before Seau got hurt.
The next most likely agreement is that Bruschi stays as the SILB, the run plugger. He's just not fast enough to be the big play Tedy anymore.
That leaves Thomas and Vrabel. I think a lot of people think Vrabel will move inside. I don't. McGinest played that SOLB until he was a lot older than Vrabel and I think Vrabel is staying out there. The most important part of the position is being strong and setting the edge on the strong side. Like Willie did he can still rush and cover as needed and it's his best position.
Which leaves the WILB spot for Thomas. Bruschi's old spot. The one Seau played last year. I think he's perfect for it even though it's "inside". He can still blitz. He has the size to play well against the run although he's not the pure run guy. And that spot often covers the TE downfield - remember the opening game when Seau got a game ball for covering the TE downfield allowing Warren to make the sack on the game winning safety.
Bottom line, I think the LB are EXACTLY the same as how they were last year until Seau got hurt. I don't think Thomas is out of position there, I think he's a great fit with his size against the run and coverage ability. I know he's not thought of as a guy who takes on tackles but we all know Seau wasn't either.