AzPatsFan
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
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Many Pats fans say we need Pass Rushing OLBs. I agree, but think that there are really two completely different types of players between a ROLB and a LOLB. What is more I believe that Belichick treats them as two different positions.
What position is the new Pats DE--> OLB going to play? I predict LOLB/SOLB.
More importantly, what positions do the present OLB candidates play now? Can any play both positions?
ROLB or Weakside OLB.
This is the Prime pass rush position. The present starting incumbent is TBC @ 6'-2" 250#, double digit sacks in 2009.
Strength: Good, but not great Pass Rush.
Weakness: Setting the Edge and stopping the weakside Run. Just adequate.
Pass Drop: Immaterial as he pass rushes all the opportunities.
Other Reserves:
Shawn Crabel 6'5" 243 # Unknown
Adalius Thomas 6'2" 270# Since released
Pierre Woods from LOLB
LOLB or strongside OLB.
The prime responsibility is to stop the outside rush. Secondly to provide Pass Rush. Third is to drop for short TE or RB routes to the flat. Fourth to chuck TE at LOS.
The present starting incumbent is Derrick Burgess, 6'-2" 260# but he is a FA. I expect him Pats will attempt to resign him.
Strength: Much better than average LOLB Pass Rusher. Once was a double digit sacker.
Weakness: Setting the Edge. Is better than average, but can be overpowered.
Pass Drop: Unfamiliar but is trying to learn as was not a former need. Belichick has applauded his efforts last season.
Other Reserves:
Pierre Woods 6'-5" 245# Hustles but is a little too slow. Little Pass Rush. Pass Drop Ineffective.
Rob Ninkovich 6'-2" 255# High Effort but very limited player. Sets edge well. No Pass Rush. Pass Drop: Ineffective.
Jermaine Cunningham 6"-3.5" 265# Has almost ideal dimensions, comparable to Mike Vrabel. Pass Rush: Unknown but should be like Vrabel, and approaching Burgess. Has size to set edge well, and did so in college. Pass Drop: Unknown but has requisite size and speed.
From this I suspect that Jermain Cunningham was imported to be Mike Vrabel's eventual successor while Burgess is a short term fix, there.
Crabel was a high draft pick, but has been constantly injured.
Summary: The team has two starters one each per position. But little known depth. Cunningham and Crabel might help, and could press for playing time.
Flexibility: TBC cannot play strongside, as his anti-run deficiencies become obvious. Derrick Burgess should be able to play both sides, but he is adamant that he can best rush from strongside only.
Any Injury would definitely hurt. But it is possible that by season's end, if Crabel and Cunningham develop, the depth might be much better.
What position is the new Pats DE--> OLB going to play? I predict LOLB/SOLB.
More importantly, what positions do the present OLB candidates play now? Can any play both positions?
ROLB or Weakside OLB.
This is the Prime pass rush position. The present starting incumbent is TBC @ 6'-2" 250#, double digit sacks in 2009.
Strength: Good, but not great Pass Rush.
Weakness: Setting the Edge and stopping the weakside Run. Just adequate.
Pass Drop: Immaterial as he pass rushes all the opportunities.
Other Reserves:
Shawn Crabel 6'5" 243 # Unknown
Adalius Thomas 6'2" 270# Since released
Pierre Woods from LOLB
LOLB or strongside OLB.
The prime responsibility is to stop the outside rush. Secondly to provide Pass Rush. Third is to drop for short TE or RB routes to the flat. Fourth to chuck TE at LOS.
The present starting incumbent is Derrick Burgess, 6'-2" 260# but he is a FA. I expect him Pats will attempt to resign him.
Strength: Much better than average LOLB Pass Rusher. Once was a double digit sacker.
Weakness: Setting the Edge. Is better than average, but can be overpowered.
Pass Drop: Unfamiliar but is trying to learn as was not a former need. Belichick has applauded his efforts last season.
Other Reserves:
Pierre Woods 6'-5" 245# Hustles but is a little too slow. Little Pass Rush. Pass Drop Ineffective.
Rob Ninkovich 6'-2" 255# High Effort but very limited player. Sets edge well. No Pass Rush. Pass Drop: Ineffective.
Jermaine Cunningham 6"-3.5" 265# Has almost ideal dimensions, comparable to Mike Vrabel. Pass Rush: Unknown but should be like Vrabel, and approaching Burgess. Has size to set edge well, and did so in college. Pass Drop: Unknown but has requisite size and speed.
From this I suspect that Jermain Cunningham was imported to be Mike Vrabel's eventual successor while Burgess is a short term fix, there.
Crabel was a high draft pick, but has been constantly injured.
Summary: The team has two starters one each per position. But little known depth. Cunningham and Crabel might help, and could press for playing time.
Flexibility: TBC cannot play strongside, as his anti-run deficiencies become obvious. Derrick Burgess should be able to play both sides, but he is adamant that he can best rush from strongside only.
Any Injury would definitely hurt. But it is possible that by season's end, if Crabel and Cunningham develop, the depth might be much better.
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