AD taking some ILB snaps in nickel situations

[BradyManny]

Interesting, first time this camp AD has been at ILB for any snaps as far as I've read. Per Andy Hart:

http://blog.pfwonline.com/2008/08/12/11-on-11-defense/

We've talked a lot about filling Tank's void with that coverage ILB spot, but I think we all forgot to mention AD's versatility and quickness.

I had argued for AD at ILB during the offseason for quite some time, but it is hard to argue with the production he had at OLB once he was moved there. Either way, we'll see him moved around and used in pass rushing & coverage for sure.

 

[Pats726]

Just another of many options with Tank gone for the year..

 

[JoePats]

This is a negative in my opinion. Not because AD can't cover in space, of course he can, but you are taking him away from doing what he does best, rushing the passer. That said I fully realize that this is probably the next best option, but you still want him pass rushing. Watch the Super Bowl. He was tremendous.

 

[Rob0729]

This is a negative in my opinion. Not because AD can't cover in space, of course he can, but you are taking him away from doing what he does best, rushing the passer. That said I fully realize that this is probably the next best option, but you still want him pass rushing. Watch the Super Bowl. He was tremendous.

Well, just because he is inside doesn't mean he won't rush the passer from that position. It also doesn't mean that every nickel down AD will be playing inside. It could be situational.

Besides, early in the season AD did do very well inside even in coverage. Once he got injured, he slowed down. Just remember the San Deigo game.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Ad has taken some inside reps on "passing downs" in previous practices. I'd say this is to create options in the wake of Tank Williams loss.

 

[jeffbiologist]

Can we safely assume that his OLB spot will be played by Crable?? That would be a significant step for a rookie LB....

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

This is a negative in my opinion. Not because AD can't cover in space, of course he can, but you are taking him away from doing what he does best, rushing the passer. That said I fully realize that this is probably the next best option, but you still want him pass rushing. Watch the Super Bowl. He was tremendous.

Your right, I would rather have him bullrushing and collapsing the pocket which he did so well late in the season and in the superbowl. Early in the season, Thomas was quiet in the stat column because he was in coverage more than usual. However, opponents TE's weren't catching jack when Thomas was in coverage. As soon as Thomas moved outside, TE's started to kill the Pats again, especially that long catch to Boss in the superbowl. With that said, I hope Thomas stays on the outside full time. But if he does move inside on third downs, that will pave the way for Woods or Crable to come in a rush the passer. The coaches must feel confident that either one of these guys can get it done.

 

[363839]

Can we safely assume that his OLB spot will be played by Crable?? That would be a significant step for a rookie LB....

I'm thinking the same thing, jeffdude,

 

[Fencer]

If we have 2 ILBs in a nickel package, it's probably a 2-4-5.

That suggests 2 OLB slots for Vrabel/Crable/Woods, plus 2 DL spots for Seymour/Green/Wright.

Yeah, we have the depth for that.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

can mayo play any outside?

 

[tedy hagler]

Adalius was a nightmare in the Super Bowl--an exhibition of all the reasons we brought him to New England. You love to see a guy in a position that maximizes his impact and skills. He is an elite OLB, but merely a very good ILB.

This is a negative in my opinion. Not because AD can't cover in space, of course he can, but you are taking him away from doing what he does best, rushing the passer. That said I fully realize that this is probably the next best option, but you still want him pass rushing. Watch the Super Bowl. He was tremendous.

 

[patsox23]

Can we safely assume that his OLB spot will be played by Crable?? That would be a significant step for a rookie LB....

Two words: Pierre Woods.

 

[patsox23]

This is perhaps more damning of Bruschi than anything else. In certain situations, put Woods and Vrabel outside, and move AD in with Mayo. I think one thing to bear in mind is that this is VERY LIKELY just a matter of team-building and versatility. Give AD some reps inside just in case.

 

[IcyPatriot]

Can we safely assume that his OLB spot will be played by Crable?? That would be a significant step for a rookie LB....

Crable will get eaten up if he's an every down OLB this year.

 

[cstjohn17]

That makes sense, when he moved outside last year the ILBs were exposed. Seau and Bruschi were just too slow to play in blitz and ineffective on the inside blitzes. Because 54 and 55 had to be protected the Pats played a lot of conservative coverages.

A LB unit on 3rd downs of:
Crable / Woods, Thomas, Mayo and Vrabel is pretty damn good, much faster and athletic than last year.

Another interesting note is that Jackson played the gunner on special teams. He has ideal physical capabilities to either outspeed (not really a word) or out power anyone trying to slow him down. This will be a good test for him, special teams are for tough guys, not ****ies. If he can contribute on special teams coverage it will really help him especially if Aiken is injured.

 

[wdkantro2]

Can we safely assume that his OLB spot will be played by Crable?? That would be a significant step for a rookie LB....

Absolutely not. Pierre Woods is the next OLB on the depth chart with very little doubt. Woods WILL get legitimate time on defense this year even if all LBs are fully healthy. This news tells me that they are very happy with his progress and would trust him with legitimate time on the outside if Bruschi weren't playing up to par.

 

[jeffbiologist]

I am NOT considering Crable a "starter" as someone said, but a situational pass rusher(the old elephant position). He was better than Woods at that in college and I imagine its a way to get the best pass rushers all on the field at the same time. It wouldnt surprise me to see Woods now groomed more into a ST role now that we have more talented young LBs.

 

[363839]

Maybe Crable won't start per se(whatever that means) but he'll be getting plenty of reps this season just the same.

 

[cstjohn17]

Absolutely not. Pierre Woods is the next OLB on the depth chart with very little doubt. Woods WILL get legitimate time on defense this year even if all LBs are fully healthy. This news tells me that they are very happy with his progress and would trust him with legitimate time on the outside if Bruschi weren't playing up to par.

Woods looked good last week, I think he has gotten a little bigger over the offseason. If he can even get to the "Tulla Bunta Cain" level, aka. adequate backup it will be a big help.

 

[jczxohn1]

AD would make an excellent delayed blitzer from the inside ala Justin Tuck.