Random observation by some writer

[SVN]

http://www.startribune.com/craig/story/1362904.html

FWIW

The really bad:

• Man, what happened to inside linebacker Adalius Thomas? One of the NFL's prized free-agent acquisitions this past offseason, the former Raven looked horrible in practice on Tuesday. The 6-2, 270-pounder looked like an ill-conditioned man hobbling on steak knives.

He was a step behind and/or out of position against short passes, and missed filling his gap on running plays. And that was against the second-team offense!

At one point, Thomas made such a glaring gaffe that coach Bill Belichick stopped practice and made the defense run a lap. He pulled Thomas and was talking to him as rookie Oscar Lua took his place with the first team.

 

[Bobs My Uncle]

I suppose anyone can have a bad day here and there.

Quite frankly, the intriguing part of this article is that Lua apparently took first string reps in Thomas absence.

 

[patriot lifer]

he is still learning the inside linebacker position afterall. I'd cut him a break if he found himself out of position. I think it has less to do with ability and is more of a mental error.

 

[JackBauer]

Contrary to everything I've heard so far about Thomas. I'd take that with a heaping grain of salt.

 

[JackBauer]

Quite frankly, the intriguing part of this article is that Lua apparently took first string reps in Thomas absence.

Isn't Alexander injured? Who else would? Izzo?

 

[patsox23]

He may have had a bad day, he's still learning the system, and to a man his work and aptitude have been praised ceaselessly. There is, IMO, no reason for worry whatsoever.

 

[RobertWeathers]

This writer is an idiot.

He is not over the hill. He is not hurt. He has a track record of having the ability to learn schemes, multple positions, etc.

He has been tasked with learning the MIKE which is the position for making all the line calls for the defense. He did not have that responsibility in Balt. so this is all new to him. His mind is going in 980 different directions right now. He has new teammates, schemes, nuances, etc. to pick up. I have no doubt that he is making mistakes out there. It's training camp for god sakes. Thomas is a smart guy, he'll be fine.

I also have no doubt that BB will put Thomas in a position to succeed one way or the other.

 

[RayClay]

None of the ILBs (Mays, Lua, A.D.) looked like they had a clue IMO. I think we'll see a heavy diet of Bru Seau and Vrable during the season and some situational addition while people learn.

I imagine A.D. is getting tons of information to cram and will end up playing left wingnut flying at you from all angles.

 

[Bobs My Uncle]

Isn't Alexander injured? Who else would? Izzo?

I would think Junior. Or is he not a go?

 

[JackBauer]

I would think Junior. Or is he not a go?

I forgot about Junior. Good call. I guess they want to see as much out of Lua as possible.

 

[stinkypete]

Let the hating begin.

Next thing we're going to hear that Brady is all done because he throws a pick in practice.

 

[RayClay]

I forgot about Junior. Good call. I guess they want to see as much out of Lua as possible.

It's school time, what do they need to see out of Seau?

He is a "graduate" after all.

 

[ClevTrev]

As the bard once said, "Much ado about nada." Or something to that effect . . .

 

[JoeSixPat]

I wouldn't rule out the fact that BB uses these techniques to challenge and motivate players to perfection, going out of his way to find something they need to work on to motivate them.

 

[sarge]

We will see how he does.

In the end he may be more suited for the outside.

Lord knows he's fast enough.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I hope Adalius proves that that disease called the 'Former Ravens player now a bust' syndrome is nothing but BS

 

[zippo59]

Doesn't worry me one bit.

 

[Patriotic Fervor]

What I think is happening is, BB is grooming him. Like, for the longer term.

He is doubtless being groomed as Bruschi's eventual replacement, hence he will become the heart and soul of the defense.

Over time, Belichick will doubtless throw lots more info at him about this defense. He will probably learn about all 11 positions in the defense, and how to call the shots to make it work smoothly, but to do that, he is first going to have to master the ILB position, as all else in this defense flows from that.

He may start the season inside, but I'd be surprised if that were the case.

This is all part of a longer-term strategy that, over time, will be a big net-plus for the defense.

We can forgive the writer, too. He's an out-of-towner, isn't he?

Nothin' to worry about....

 

[Oswlek]

What I think is happening is, BB is grooming him. Like, for the longer term.

He is doubtless being groomed as Bruschi's eventual replacement, hence he will become the heart and soul of the defense.

Over time, Belichick will doubtless throw lots more info at him about this defense. He will probably learn about all 11 positions in the defense, and how to call the shots to make it work smoothly, but to do that, he is first going to have to master the ILB position, as all else in this defense flows from that.

He may start the season inside, but I'd be surprised if that were the case.
This is all part of a longer-term strategy that, over time, will be a big net-plus for the defense.

We can forgive the writer, too. He's an out-of-towner, isn't he?

Nothin' to worry about....

Care to explain why? Despite AD being an OLB for the Ravens, he has the physical and mental abilities to be an excellent ILB for NE. And having him in the SILB spot lets Bruschi and Vrabel play their better postions. It seems to make the *most* sense for AD to be inside.

Unless you are saying that he won't be good enough to play there at the start of the season, which is somewhat reasonable.

 

[rabthepat]

He is my pick for Pats impact free agent player in 2007. I was impressed with him in Baltimore and his athletic ability. Yet, I have admit in the Bucs game the other night he looked more like Tully-Banta Cain then Brian Urlacher.

Are there many 270 Lb ILBs?