Inside Linebacker

[jmt57]

While other positions have roster battles that will be settled during training camp, many if not most are assuming the Pats leave camp with four ILB's: Mayo, Guyton, McKenzie and Spikes, and the only thing that will be settled is how much playing time each of the latter three get on the field alongside Mayo. Does that mean Alexander is done? How about Thomas Williams, does he have a chance to make the club?

Here are the Inside Linebackers in this year's training camp:

• #51 Jerod Mayo 6-1, 242, age 24, 3rd year; 1st round in '08 (10th overall)
• #59 Gary Guyton 6-3, 242, 25, 3rd year; UDFA in '08
• #44 Tyrone McKenzie 6-2, 245, 25, 2nd year; 3rd round (#89) in '09
• #55 Brandon Spikes 6-2, 250, 23, rookie; 2nd round (#62) in '10
• #52 Eric Alexander 6-2, 240, 28, 6th year; UDFA in '04
• #48 Thomas Williams 6-1, 240, 26, 2nd year; 5th round (Jaguars) in '08

In an emergency, Rob Ninkovich could move inside also.

 

[jmt57]

Tedy Bruschi comments on the unit and notes the Pats like to stay away from labeling a player as strongside or weakside, similar to what they do at safety and corner.

Tedy Bruschi and Mike Reiss break down the New England Patriots heading into training camp - ESPN Boston

I think the combination of Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, Brandon Spikes and Tyrone McKenzie is a good group at inside linebacker. Look for all four players to get experience at both spots -- the "Mike" and the "Will." It's vital that the inside linebackers have experience at both inside spots. The reads and responsibilities can be very different and it's very easy for an offense to flip a formation to make the linebackers change their assignments to the other position. Think about a tight end that shifts from one side of the formation to another. If the linebackers don't move, the "Mike" now becomes the "Will" and vice versa. This is a tactic used by offenses to exploit young linebacking corps.

 

[jmt57]

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald comments on the group in her piece Focusing on key battle lines.

Locks to start: Jerod Mayo

Prime contenders: Gary Guyton, Tyrone McKenzie, Brandon Spikes.

Battle lines -- This is essentially the spot on the inside next to Mayo in the 3-4 defensive alignment. The incredibly athletic Guyton didn’t show himself to be the most effective every down backer on the inside, particularly against the run. He may prove to be the best in sub packages. McKenzie, a third-round pick who blew out his knee during rookie camp last year, is anxious to let people see what he can do. Spikes, the rookie from Florida, already looks like he could be a difference-maker and at some point take over as a Tedy Bruschi-like presence alongside Mayo.

Subplot -- Thomas Williams, who was on the practice squad last season, turned some heads during mini-camp. He was on the field a lot, and not just with the defense. The addition of 13 pounds of muscle since last season, bringing him up to 248 pounds, has allowed some versatility. During organized team activies and minicamp, he was used as a fullback on offense. Can this darkhorse, whom Belichick appears to like, possibily find a spot on the roster?

 

[BradyMossWelker]

I think Spikes will start. But I'd like McKenzie to start. THat guy was a beast.

 

[jmt57]

NESN's Jeff Howe believes the Patriots' Young Linebacking Corps Gives Bill Belichick Room for Creativity in 2010

With a handful of young and developing linebackers, the position is a bit of a work in progress for the Patriots. They've got the opportunity to use a few different personnel groupings, so which combination of inside linebackers will best suit New England's 3-4 base defense in 2010?
The Patriots essentially have four capable starters for two spots: Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, Tyrone McKenzie and rookie Brandon Spikes. Eric Alexander, Rob Ninkovich and Thomas Williams could also fill in on an emergency basis, provided they make the team, of course.

Last season, the Patriots' best inside linebacker combination featured Mayo and Guyton, but there is more depth in 2010. McKenzie will make his NFL debut after a knee injury wiped out his rookie year, and Spikes figures to play an important role after a decorated collegiate career at Florida.

At first glance, it seems likely that Mayo and Guyton will team up again on the inside. Mayo and Guyton were the Patriots' two leading tacklers last season -- although Guyton has his critics in that department -- with 113 and 93 total tackles, respectively.

Howe goes on to speculate that Guyton could be used at OLB, a theory which was shot down in the OLB thread (unless the Pats go to a 4-3 alignment.) However, with four young athletic players at the position, there are indeed plenty of combinations at Belichick's disposal depending on opponent, or down and distance.

 

[JSn]

Would a semi-regular use of a 2-5 type of thing be unreasonable?

Guyton has a lot of assets that make me want him on the field, but with two big-time LB's at inside... thoughts?

 

[jmt57]

Bruce Allen of Patriots Daily takes a long look at each of the six ILBs. He thinks Guyton might be the starter next to Mayo at the start of the season, but if he's still starting in December then that is a bad sign. He also thinks Williams is a sleeper who could make the team, but Alexander is most likely no longer needed. Allen also says Spikes could be the starter from day one, but expects to see plenty of both him and McKenzie on the field this year.

Postional Previews – Inside Linebackers | Patriots Daily

This figures to be one of the most competitive positions in camp, as the Patriots line up candidates to start beside Jerod Mayo. I’m genuinely intrigued by this group, as the team has been trying to find a starting pair in the middle since 2005 when Ted Johnson and Roman Phifer retired. Tedy Bruschi had several partners before Mayo arrived in 2008, then retired prior to last season. Can a couple players from this group step in to be the Johnson/Phifer to Mayo’s Bruschi?

...

Summary

During the preseason, this is going to be one of the most-watched positions on the team. For the first time in several years it looks to be a competitive spot with some intriguing young talent that could break through. If Spikes or McKenzie can make Guyton a backup and situational player, than things will be looking up. If they can’t pass Guyton on the depth chart, the Patriots might need to go back to the drawing board yet again at this position.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Would a semi-regular use of a 2-5 type of thing be unreasonable?

Guyton has a lot of assets that make me want him on the field, but with two big-time LB's at inside... thoughts?

Yeah, I'd like to see that happen too. I'm fairly sure we'll see a lot of Guyton on 3rd down in any case.

 

[RussFrancis]

Guyton isnt physical enough, and doesnt make enough plays for my liking. Especially considering the speed the man has been blessed with. He's good in space, and in coverage, but he doesnt a hunger to seek out the ball, and I just dont think he's aggressive enough on the inside to be a consistent difference maker. Im hoping either Spikes or McKenzie step up and take that other ILB spot.

 

[mgteich]

I see Williams and Alexander competing for the last three roster spots. In the end, these can come from any position. This year I have a core roster allocation as listed below. As we know, even when the 53 is "set", there are often cuts and signings before Game Two. For me except at DL, all these 50 are set, barring major surprises or injuries.

OFFENSE (23)
QB 2
RB 4
WR 6
OL 8
TE 3

DEFENSE (23)
DL 6
LB 9
CB 4
S 4

SPECIALISTS (4)
K 1
P 1
LS 1
ST 1

THE LAST ROSTER SPOTS (3)

 

[Headcase]

Would a semi-regular use of a 2-5 type of thing be unreasonable?

Guyton has a lot of assets that make me want him on the field, but with two big-time LB's at inside... thoughts?

A 2-5 is basically just a 4-3 with the DEs (or in this case 3-4 OLBs) with their hands off of the ground...

SSDD

 

[IllegalContact]

Would a semi-regular use of a 2-5 type of thing be unreasonable?

Guyton has a lot of assets that make me want him on the field, but with two big-time LB's at inside... thoughts?

yes....it would be unreasonable

 

[jmt57]

A profile and prediction for Tyrone McKenzie from Pats Pulpit, whom they project to be the Pats #4 ILB.

Patriots Roster Prediction #36: ILB Tyrone McKenzie - Pats Pulpit

Past Role: McKenzie spent his rookie season on the IR due to a devastating injury during rookie camp. He spent his rookie season watching game footage, getting stronger and preparing himself for this upcoming season.

Predicted Role: McKenzie should vie for the rotation ILB spot next to Jerod Mayo. Although Gary Guyton has to be the favorite, and Brandon Spikes has made a name for himself, McKenzie should still fight for the starting spot. McKenzie showed a skill set in college that should make him a perfect back-up for Mayo and should be able to come into the game to give Mayo some rest. He's a tackling machine with the ability to force turnovers and wreak havoc in the backfield.

Look for McKenzie to be a special teams demon, as well. He's able to block kicks and should find a way to contribute.

Summary: McKenzie's skill as a special teams contributor should allow the Patriots to let go of a special teamer like Pierre Woods or Eric Alexander - and McKenzie shows much more upside as a potential starting ILB. He has a nose for the ball and should be able to cause a couple turnovers. Look for him split time with Brandon Spikes early in the season as the team figures out which player is better.

Personally I won't be the least bit surprised if McKenzie is on the field at least as much, if not more than both Guyton and Spikes this year.

 

[jmt57]

Tyrone McKenzie draws some attention on the second day of training camp.

McKenzie Hits Home With Fans by Mike Petraglia of WEEI.com

After missing all of his rookie 2009 season with a torn ACL in his right knee just weeks after getting drafted, McKenzie, an inside linebacker, made quite the impact on Friday at Patriots training camp when he stuffed Laurence Maroney on a goal line situation, knocking the veteran running back squarely back at the goal line and keeping him out of the end zone.

The loud bang made such a sound that it drew oohs and ahhs from the over 7,000 in attendance on the practice field just outside the south end of Gillette Stadium.

“My body is getting used to hitting again,” McKenzie said. “I think it’s just natural. I’ve been playing football since I was nine.”

He, however, was humble in talking about it after practice.

“I have no idea,” McKenzie said. “I’m just going to come out here everyday and try to work hard. You sit there and try to get a big hit and then mess up on something else. That was just one play. You have to be consistent on what you do every day and that’s all I’m trying to do right now.”

Asked if it felt good, one year after blowing out his right knee in a collision with a running back in camp, McKenzie was again modest.

“It feels good just to be out here,” McKenzie said. “That was just one play, that’s all.”

Though an inside linebacker, McKenzie might be getting an extra look-see this summer with the uncertainty and possible retirement of Derrick Burgess.

After Year Away From Football Field, Tyrone McKenzie Making Presence Felt at Patriots Camp by Jeff Howe of NESN.com

"Just getting out here with the guys, that was the most exciting part," McKenzie said. "Being out here sounds good, but to be out here with the guys on the grind, trying to get better each day, that’s the best part."

McKenzie ripped off his helmet in celebration after unloading on Maroney, a sure sign of the fire and passion he's been known to display on the field. Yet, the impressively mature 24-year-old remained humble when discussing the marquee play of Friday morning's session -- and maybe the most memorable defensive play of the Patriots' first three training camp practices.

"I'm just going to come out here every day and try to work hard," said McKenzie, who averaged 118.5 total tackles per season in his two-year career at USF. "You could sit there and try to get a hit [then] mess up on something else. That was just one play. You have to be consistent with what you do every day, so that’s all I'm trying to do right now."

McKenzie has shown a strong ability to get to the ball during his chances in practice. He has spent the majority of his snaps at inside linebacker alongsideBrandon Spikes, although McKenzie has gotten a few chances to line up with starter Jerod Mayo, too.

McKenzie, an obvious tackling machine, has untapped potential and could turn into a very good player for the New England defense. For now, though, he's still trying to get everything back together after losing a year of football.

 

[Kontradiction]

I've heard of Williams taking reps at FB. If that's the case, he might be competing for a roster spot there instead of ILB.

 

[jmt57]

Some observations on ILBs from Patriots Football Weekly, from training camp thus far.

7/29 - Training Camp 1 Observations
–At one point early in practice Belichick took a lot of time working with the defense, and the linebackers in particular. Belichick was discussing/showing some specific technique stuff with both Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton.

7/29: Practice 2 Observations
–The sides broke up into two groups for some team work. With Brady and Hoyer leading one offense and Zac Robinson leading the other. In one running rep Tyrone McKenzie did a nice job taking on a pulling Nick Kaczur, fighting off the block and then wrapping up the running back. McKenzie certainly looks the part and has the hard-nosed style of a run-first inside linebacker.

–Brady had some real highs and lows during an exciting red zone segment late in practice. First, he hit Randy Moss for a score, beating McCourty. He also found rookie tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez for touchdowns, both coming at the expense of Patrick Chung. But in between he put a quick play action throw right into Gary Guyton’s hands for what would have been a potential 100-yard interception return for a touchdown. Guyton showed good hands and reflexes to make the play.


7/30: Practice 3 Observations
* During the Team D vs. Team O action in the latter stages of the morning, rookie inside linebacker Dane Fletcher of Montana State made a very nice, athletic play to break up a pass. Backup QB Brian Hoyer executed a perfect play-action fake before firing a pass about 45 degrees to his left, intended for a crossing Edelman some 15 yards downfield. Fletcher, though, read the play and timed his leap just right to bat the ball to the ground midway on its course toward Edelman.

* The play of the day, however, was made by sophomore inside linebacker Tyrone McKenzie. On one goal line series, with the offense already having trouble punching the ball in, the call was a handoff to Laurence Maroney, who ran toward the B-gap. McKenzie read the play and shot the gap, meeting Maroney head-on and displaying textbook tackling technique (head up, shoulders square, both arms wrapped around). The collision of pads created a loud crack that echoed across the field and into the overflowing bleachers of spectators, who roared in applause as McKenzie drove Maroney back and kept him out of the end zone. McKenzie’s helmet flew off in the process and he got up from the play sufficiently pumped up as he celebrated demonstrably with his defensive teammates.


7/30: Practice 4 Observations
* The action was fast and furious in the RB-LB drill. Eric Alexander made the most impressive move, and made it look way too easy, against BenJarvus Green-Ellis, swimming past the running back and tossing Green-Ellis aside as he charged untouched to the quarterback for what would have been an easy sack. Kevin Faulk led the charge for the running backs. The savvy vet didn’t fall for any of the moves his various opponents tried on him.

* After one decent effort by Dane Fletcher, Faulk pulled the rookie ILB aside and offered some advice on how to get better leverage against a blocker, demonstrating proper hand placement and technique to Fletcher, who nodded and appeared grateful for the unsolicited tip.

 

[jmt57]

Bruce Allen of Patriots Daily gives his preview of the ILB unit.

Postional Previews – Inside Linebackers | Patriots Daily

This figures to be one of the most competitive positions in camp, as the Patriots line up candidates to start beside Jerod Mayo. I’m genuinely intrigued by this group, as the team has been trying to find a starting pair in the middle since 2005 when Ted Johnson and Roman Phifer retired. Tedy Bruschi had several partners before Mayo arrived in 2008, then retired prior to last season. Can a couple players from this group step in to be the Johnson/Phifer to Mayo’s Bruschi.

-

During the preseason, this is going to be one of the most-watched positions on the team. For the first time in several years it looks to be a competitive spot with some intriguing young talent that could break through. If Spikes or McKenzie can make Guyton a backup and situational player, than things will be looking up. If they can’t pass Guyton on the depth chart, the Patriots might need to go back to the drawing board yet again at this position.

 

[jmt57]

More camp notes from Patriots Football Weekly:


Sunday AM - Official Patriots Football Weekly Blog Blog Archive From the Hart: Practice 7 observations

–Again, for what it’s worth at this point, the three groups of inside linebacker include Jerod Mayo with Gary Guyton, Brandon Spikes with Dane Fletcher and Tyrone McKenzie with Eric Alexander. It’s possible that more than any depth chart indication, that the coaches want to see guys with Mike-like roles get their reps calling the defenses rather than lining up next to each other.


Sunday PM - Official Patriots Football Weekly Blog Blog Archive From the Hart: Practice 8 observations

–A lot of one-on-one passing action took place early in practice with the WRs working against the DBs and the LBs against the RBs. Taylor Price beat Devin McCourty on a nice deep ball down the right sideline on a pass from Zac Robinson. Rob Gronkowski beat Gary Guyton. Darius Butler had a nice pass defensed on a bomb intended for Brandon Tate. Kevin Faulk beat Brandon McGowan. Gronkowski then had another nice reception over Guyton, jumping and coming down with the ball just inside the sideline. As has been the case in the first couple practices, Brandon Spikes always seems to hold his receiver in the one-on-one coverage. Overall it appeared that the receivers got the better of the defenders on both ends of the field in the segment.


Monday AM - Official Patriots Football Weekly Blog Blog Archive Quick Kicks: Practice 9 observations

–Later in 7-on-7, Sam Aiken made a nice leaping catch from Brady on an in-route. Linebacker Tyrone McKenzie was right there with Aiken and, had these been game conditions, would likely have dropped a hammer on Aiken. Even though the players were in full pads, there was virtually no hitting at this morning’s practice.

 

[Rob0729]

Nice work jmt57!

I think the ILB corp is the one group I am most excited about. If the reports of McKenzie and Spikes so far in camp translate to real play, the Spikes/McKenzie/Mayo rotation could rival the Bruschi/Phifer/Johnson trio of the early part of last decade (or this decade depending on how you keep score).

 

[Ring 6]

Nice work jmt57!

I think the ILB corp is the one group I am most excited about. If the reports of McKenzie and Spikes so far in camp translate to real play, the Spikes/McKenzie/Mayo rotation could rival the Bruschi/Phifer/Johnson trio of the early part of last decade (or this decade depending on how you keep score).

But regardless of how good Spikes and McK are Guyton may be the Phifer part of that example, playing in passing situations.
Ted Johnson was awesome in his early years. But by time BB arrived after numeros injuries he was a shadow of himself.
I'd be thrilled if these guys turn into the 1996 or so version of TJ but very disappointed in they are not far better than TJ of the Championship years.