Spikes emergence could be huge for Mayo

[RJB87]

When it comes to ILBs/MLBs I truly believe Mayo, Willis, and Beason are the cream of the crop in the NFL. The big knock against Mayo when compared to those other guys is that he lacks the big play ability. All three of these guys have one great thing in common though: incredible instinctual play.

The difference has been that Mayo hasn't had another solid LB next to him that he can trust to make the play if he isn't there for some reason. This forces Mayo to play a bit conservative. With Spikes appearing to getting better and better each week I really think that will free Mayo to play on his instincts instead of playing to cover the other LB's ass. Mayo playing based off his instincts more could spell sacks and INTs coming his way.

 

[Rob0729]

I would like to see what Spikes could do as a pass rusher. Gthe guy is still a liability in coverage but he does have a an agressive style and a nose for the ball in the running game. With Haynesworth taking on a double team, it might give him shots up the middle.

That would allow Mayo to also run free in a six man blitz or make plays in coverage since the QB will have to get rid of the ball faster.

I think the improvements of the defense over the last few weeks will make Mayo even more dangerous even when Spikes isn't on the field. The defense is starting to gel and getting more pressure. Mayo might be able to be a monster in that situation since he was still fairly solid even when the defense was struggling.

 

[RJB87]

I think the unique talent that Willis and Beason type guys bring to their defense is that when they're calling the play they are telling everyone else what to do, but not themselves. This essentially lets them freestyle and make plays based off of instinct. I really don't think Mayo has been afforded this luxury yet in his career but I see it being a possibility soon.

I completely agree that the gelling of the secondary and D-Line are only going to help Mayo, too.

 

[RIpats88]

I think they did send Spikes as a 5th rusher a few times against the cowboys and it seemed to be successful.

I agree, with his emergence, Mayo could be even more deadly....im really looking forward to seeing how this defense progresses this week

 

[PlainOldEd]

I think the unique talent that Willis and Beason type guys bring to their defense is that when they're calling the play they are telling everyone else what to do, but not themselves. This essentially lets them freestyle and make plays based off of instinct. I really don't think Mayo has been afforded this luxury yet in his career but I see it being a possibility soon.

I completely agree that the gelling of the secondary and D-Line are only going to help Mayo, too.

I agree that the emergence of Spikes will only help Mayo. But I don't think BB wants anyone playing based on instinct. The party starter played based on instinct and it bought him a one way ticket out of town. It will help because he will be able to do his job without having to worry that someone else won't do theirs.

 

[RJB87]

Meriweather freestyled in a selfish, highlight reel seeking sort of way. BB really likes and has confidence in Mayo. I think he would be OK with Mayo doing his own thing.

 

[Fencer]

There are at least two levels of instinctual play.

1. Diagnose the play particularly quickly, and hence perform your assignment sooner and more effectively. That is pure goodness. BB has indicated that skill is particularly important at positions where there's a lot of diagnosing to do, e.g. ILB or FB.

2. Break off your assignment because you think you know what's happening, and you have a chance to make a big play if you're right. BB's rule on that is: Be correct. Actually make the play.

He sometimes refers to both kinds as "veteran plays".

 

[randomk1]

Has this defense actually missed Mayo? Even when playing with 10 men our defense has done a pretty good job.

I do agree that Mayo has a stricter role in our defense.

 

[makoute]

Has this defense actually missed Mayo? Even when playing with 10 men our defense has done a pretty good job.

I do agree that Mayo has a stricter role in our defense.

They have given up less yards and points thus far without him, I believe.

 

[sbpatfan]

They have given up less yards and points thus far without him, I believe.

Ewing Theory? Sometimes losing one of your best players forces everyone else to step up and play better.

 

[Sicilian]

Ewing Theory? Sometimes losing one of your best players forces everyone else to step up and play better.

It also could be coincidence with the defense just naturally getting better and gelling as the season goes on, which BB teams are prone to do. We should all hope that's what it is, because that means getting Mayo back will make it even better.

 

[Deus Irae]

They have given up less yards and points thus far without him, I believe.

Ewing Theory? Sometimes losing one of your best players forces everyone else to step up and play better.

Return of Haynesworth and some changes in the secondary that have been major. When Mayo returns, it should continue the improvement.

 

[RJB87]

They have given up less yards and points thus far without him, I believe.

1. Spikes is playing at a much higher level than before.
2. Haynesworth is getting on the field a field more and more
3. Ihdeigbo is doing 10x better across from Chung than Brown/Barrett

 

[farn]

#Powww

After wondering if his head was in the game and his intensity was were it should be - I've been surprised. Glad to admit I may have been wrong about Spikes.

He may be @ Hell on Earth but as long as he stops the RB, who cares ?

 

[sevengables_2207]

i agree with the posters who think that mayo will benefit more from the collective improvement of the defense these past few sundays instead of any one player (e.g. spikes).

it is difficult (albiet not impossible or unheard of) to single out one guy in the ultimate team game and pinpoint him as the reason a player returning from injury will flourish to hitherto unseen heights.

 

[ausbacker]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say Jerod Mayo is a little more intelligent than Brandon Meriweather. The difference in freelancing would be a little "noticeable" should you say.

 

[RoughingthePasser]

I love these two!
Remember Beisel and the other chump Chad...Brown or whatever his name was....
We're lucky to have these guys...I see more from them into the season
BIG PLAYS

 

[RJB87]

i agree with the posters who think that mayo will benefit more from the collective improvement of the defense these past few sundays instead of any one player (e.g. spikes).

it is difficult (albiet not impossible or unheard of) to single out one guy in the ultimate team game and pinpoint him as the reason a player returning from injury will flourish to hitherto unseen heights.

When that person plays directly next to you and you spend a good majority of your time making sure he isn't messing up it can have a pretty substantial impact. The reason that you cite as this being unreasonable is the exact reason that this is in fact plausible. A team is a greater sum of all its parts. Most certainly the level of play of said player who is the very captain of the team and calls plays will play at a higher level when those directly around him elevate their game.

 

[drew4008]

I'm hesitant to say Spikes is "emerging" as of yet... give it the rest of the regular season before we jump to this.

 

[Kontradiction]

I would like to see what Spikes could do as a pass rusher. Gthe guy is still a liability in coverage but he does have a an agressive style and a nose for the ball in the running game. With Haynesworth taking on a double team, it might give him shots up the middle.

That would allow Mayo to also run free in a six man blitz or make plays in coverage since the QB will have to get rid of the ball faster.

I think the improvements of the defense over the last few weeks will make Mayo even more dangerous even when Spikes isn't on the field. The defense is starting to gel and getting more pressure. Mayo might be able to be a monster in that situation since he was still fairly solid even when the defense was struggling.

I'm one of Mayo's biggest fans (I made a pretty good argument for him over Ray Lewis last year) and have defended him here and elsewhere many times. That said, Mayo had a problem with over-pursuing early on in the season. Hopefully he's watched the tape in his spare time and has worked on getting that corrected.