What BB/SP looks for in a 'Backer

[PATRIOTS-80]

If I remember correctly, BB once said that usually college players who play DE in college, would play OLB in our system. Furthermore, college players who play OLB in college, would play ILB.

IMHO, the great problem at ILB for us, is that if you have a prospect who is underweight and can't shed the guards, he is a liability against the run (see Beisel). If you draft a prospect who is bigger, that might mean less speed which would mean that pass-coverage is a liability.

Are there any other important facets in a LB's play that are important for us?

 

[carolinatony]

I will pass to the experts.

 

[Seneschal2]

IMHO, the great problem at ILB for us, is that if you have a prospect who is underweight and can't shed the guards, he is a liability against the run (see Beisel). If you draft a prospect who is bigger, that might mean less speed which would mean that pass-coverage is a liability.

Are there any other important facets in a LB's play that are important for us?

I'm not an expert but...I'd say instincts, hand usage, quickness, tackling ability, are all qualities an undersized ILB would need to be successful. Posluszny is extremely instinctive.

 

[patsfan55]

If I remember correctly, BB once said that usually college players who play DE in college, would play OLB in our system. Furthermore, college players who play OLB in college, would play ILB.

IMHO, the great problem at ILB for us, is that if you have a prospect who is underweight and can't shed the guards, he is a liability against the run (see Beisel). If you draft a prospect who is bigger, that might mean less speed which would mean that pass-coverage is a liability.

Are there any other important facets in a LB's play that are important for us?

has to be able to QUICKLY read the offense

 

[DarrylS]

A lot of folks are questioning #54, but how are we going to replace a "mike" LB in this complicated system. I am sure BB has a plan, but we need to start planning for someone to come in and take over this role. Perhaps this will be the year we will be grooming someone to take his place in the D, probably on a part time basis initially, but bottom line is Teddy is getting too old to lead the team in tackles.

 

[cstjohn17]

A lot of folks are questioning #54, but how are we going to replace a "mike" LB in this complicated system. I am sure BB has a plan, but we need to start planning for someone to come in and take over this role. Perhaps this will be the year we will be grooming someone to take his place in the D, probably on a part time basis initially, but bottom line is Teddy is getting too old to lead the team in tackles.

Exactly, Bruschi may be slowing down but he is the field general, calling the plays for the defense. Not something that a stopwatch can measure but crucial to the defense.

He was also playing out of position since Seau went down, he normally played weak side and was forced to play strong side. If he leaves there is a huge hole and ILB and more importantly, who would make the calls?

I could see a situation where a veteran and a draftee are brought in to create a rotation. The newcomers would have to act like sponges and absorb as much as they can from Tedy before he retires.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

If you run a 4.8 but have the instincts that a Bruschi has, it can make you look like a 4.7 guy.

I think the most important skill needed to play ILB for the Pats is instantaneous diagnosis of plays and the instincts to react instantaneously to that diagnosis.

However you still have to be smart and disciplined or you get tossed. (See Beisel for details.)

 

[AzPatsFan]

A lot of folks are questioning #54, but how are we going to replace a "mike" LB in this complicated system. I am sure BB has a plan, but we need to start planning for someone to come in and take over this role. Perhaps this will be the year we will be grooming someone to take his place in the D, probably on a part time basis initially, but bottom line is Teddy is getting too old to lead the team in tackles.

A mike man sets the defense, Ianthe 3-4 Bruschi can do it and so can Vrabel. Vrabel's days as an outside OLB are drawing to a close , I think. like Tedy before him, he is moving inside more a more frequently and eventually permanently.

 

[LloydBraun]

I agree, eventually Vrabel will be inside, thus we can use a 1st this year on Spencer or Moss. In the 1st year they can learn the ropes and come in on passing downs and pin their ears back. Then, in ,08 Vrabel spends most of his time at ILB with London Baker-Fletcher.

Yes, Baker-Fletcher. I think he will be signed to play with Bruschi this year, as will Seau.

Add a healthy Seau(plays less next year), Fletcher, Gay, Harrison and Wilson and we have a much improved, deeper "D". Throw in an OLB such as Spencer or Moss and a S such as Merriweather, LOOK OUT.

With those guys added in the back 7, with a draft pick or 2, this D could DOMINATE next year. Provided, of course, that we stay healthy.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Let's see, we're looking for the size and hand usage to ward off OL and low blocks, the ability to move through trash, the instincts to be in the right place to make a play, sure tackler, the coverage skills of a SS, team leader and Field General. Kind of makes the draft a crapshoot alright.

BB platooned with Phifer and Johnson when they were available, Eric Alexander got tested under fire in the Phifer role, it wil be interesting to see how much more playing time he gets next season. Rather than find the next Bruschi or Vrabel, we might be better served looking for the next TJ or Phife...

 

[Seneschal2]

BB platooned with Phifer and Johnson when they were available, Eric Alexander got tested under fire in the Phifer role, it wil be interesting to see how much more playing time he gets next season. Rather than find the next Bruschi or Vrabel, we might be better served looking for the next TJ or Phife...

It seems like both the ILB and OLB positions will be addressed by FA and the draft combined. At ILB, Phifer and TJ were both vets. Roman had past experience in the BB defense and was solid in coverage, while TJ was just a head-banger (no pun) who excelled in that role. Another vet - Seau, impressively made the transition in playing a different role he'd been used to...and I'm sure his smarts had alot to do with that ease in transition. Finding another veteran LB to play inside in this D is also a crapshoot. We don't want another Beisel...but we have to search for one FA whom we THINK can adapt to our D...because BB/Pioli won't truly know.

The draft has some talent at OLB that would project inside...along with a few borderline-sized pure ILB prospects. Overall, the ILB candidates are slim pickings for sure. Youth at the position will be welcomed -- IF BB is able to. All depends on how the draft unfolds, and our FA options, as to whether or not we add a young ILB.

The draft may be the option to address the OLB position...moreso than FA. I'd look first at the prospects who are strong vs the run with decent pass rush skills, vs those who's strengths are pass rushing but weak vs the run. A well-balanced player is more valuable than a one-dimensional player. A day one prospect would be my hope...with the least amount of developmental time.

The age/retirement issue is a serious concern this off-season. I'm confident both Bruschi and Seau will give ample notice when their time is up, if not this season then next. They won't wait until TC to decide. If BB is able to, I'm certain he'd want to have a player groomed and ready when that time arrives. Vrabel and Colvin aren't ready yet to hang em up, but their position is one of several other considerations worth addressing in both FA and the draft.

 

[PATRIOTS-80]

Let's see, we're looking for the size and hand usage to ward off OL and low blocks, the ability to move through trash, the instincts to be in the right place to make a play, sure tackler, the coverage skills of a SS, team leader and Field General. Kind of makes the draft a crapshoot alright.

That's a great description of what were looking for at ILB.

As far as OLB, Patchick's description last year is still appropo.

"The OLB profile seems pretty clear: we're looking for physical freaks, 6'5" 250, fast, strong, athletic and explosive. Once you've narrowed it down to that miniscule sliver of humanity, you start looking for versatile players who could put their hand down or drop into coverage, and show Patriot-style intangibles. Then you marvel that such human beings exist."

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

That's a great description of what were looking for at ILB.

As far as OLB, Patchick's description last year is still appropo.

"The OLB profile seems pretty clear: we're looking for physical freaks, 6'5" 250, fast, strong, athletic and explosive. Once you've narrowed it down to that miniscule sliver of humanity, you start looking for versatile players who could put their hand down or drop into coverage, and show Patriot-style intangibles. Then you marvel that such human beings exist."

That's our patchick!

 

[Seneschal2]

As far as OLB, Patchick's description last year is still appropo.

"The OLB profile seems pretty clear: we're looking for physical freaks, 6'5" 250, fast, strong, athletic and explosive. Once you've narrowed it down to that miniscule sliver of humanity, you start looking for versatile players who could put their hand down or drop into coverage, and show Patriot-style intangibles. Then you marvel that such human beings exist."

"The OLB profile seems pretty clear". Great profile! Problem is -- where on the roster is he located?

That's our patchick!

Who exactly is this masked profiler? How about an introduction kindly Sir?

 

[patchick]

"The OLB profile seems pretty clear". Great profile! Problem is -- where on the roster is he located?

Oh, he's on the roster all right -- the 2003-2004 roster. Been making himself scarce lately.

 

[patsfan55]

"The OLB profile seems pretty clear". Great profile! Problem is -- where on the roster is he located?


?

willie used to be this guy
vrabel was somewhat close
colvin was brought in to be this guy but hasnt quite lived up to it

 

[patchick]

Oh, he's on the roster all right -- the 2003-2004 roster. Been making himself scarce lately.

Ok, after the flip reply it occurs to me this is a perfect time to mention...

6' 4"
249
40: 4.75
Vertical: 33"
Shuttle: 4.19 (!)
Cone: 6.87 (!)

This fellow IS on the roster, and his name is Pierre Woods. He looked impressive on special teams this season, I'll be curious to see if he graduates to OLB reps.

 

[Seneschal2]

6' 4"
249
40: 4.75
Vertical: 33"
Shuttle: 4.19 (!)
Cone: 6.87 (!)

This fellow IS on the roster, and his name is Pierre Woods. He looked impressive on special teams this season, I'll be curious to see if he graduates to OLB reps.

He'll certainly have an opportunity to compete -- right Box?

 

[patsfan55]

Ok, after the flip reply it occurs to me this is a perfect time to mention...

6' 4"
249
40: 4.75
Vertical: 33"
Shuttle: 4.19 (!)
Cone: 6.87 (!)

This fellow IS on the roster, and his name is Pierre Woods. He looked impressive on special teams this season, I'll be curious to see if he graduates to OLB reps.

those are some nice numbers
he was always a guy that had a ton of promise at umich
had a great soph season, then tailed off
i personally think that tbc will be cut loose, and if we dont bring in anybody that pierre woods will be the number three outside linebacker and will get a decent amount of playing time

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

He'll certainly have an opportunity to compete -- right Box?

On Special Teams, but his development will continue.

Wow, another vote to show TBC the door, the guy can't catch a break with this fan base.