1. Hi Guest, Registrations are now open. See you on the inside.
    Dismiss Notice

New Age Linebackers

Discussion in 'Steelers Talk' started by steelersrule6, May 4, 2016.

  1. steelersrule6

    steelersrule6 Well-Known Member

    34,243
    8,430
    Nov 14, 2011
  2. AskQuestionsLater

    AskQuestionsLater Writing Team

    24,126
    6,142
    Apr 21, 2016
    I was actually going to create a thread that followed the evolution of the NFL linebacker position and how the release of LeBeau, one of Cowher's guard, ensures that Rollin now has free reign over any form of defensive schematic, formation, or tendency to his choosing.
     
  3. Lizard72

    Lizard72

    21,873
    1,846
    Oct 23, 2011
    Rollin?
     
  4. PWP

    PWP Well-Known Member

    5,933
    466
    Oct 26, 2011
    It is also going that way with the coverage guys as well. The same reason I have been suggesting looking at fast WR'S to convert to DB'S. As a coach our Team had to go thru this exact type of transition as Teams moved from the Wishbone,Power Eye,T, and Flexbone formations to more spread concepts like the Wing T,Pistol,Shotgun,Empty, and Single RB stuff. The one thing that all the Coaches agreed on is you had to get more speed on the field any way you could.

    Without speed you can't even attempt to stop Spread concepts. The Steelers are finally starting to see that. I saw it coming 5 or 6 years back so we are a little late to the party ,but at least we finally showed up.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Disagree Disagree x 1
  5. Blast Furnace

    Blast Furnace Staff Member Mod Team

    44,685
    10,223
    Oct 16, 2011
    Speed on defense is not a new concept, Dallas was doing it back in the 90's during their SB run.

    I'd rather find fast DB's who actually play the position. Like Burns, Davis and Golson, instead of speedy guys who don't know how to play the position. It's ough enough making it in the NFL, don't need to make it anymore challenging.
     
  6. PWP

    PWP Well-Known Member

    5,933
    466
    Oct 26, 2011
    I agree it is best to find guys who actually play the position , but as Offenses put more and more speed on the field and use more Quick passing concepts Defenses will have to put more and more speed to match up.

    So while some Teams did use speed as a concept on Defense now all Teams are going to have to . This will make the talent pool not very deep and Teams will be forced to look elsewhere for speed . This is why there a lot of Teams already experimenting with converts . It's not a matter of if there will be a shortage it's a matter of when..
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  7. AskQuestionsLater

    AskQuestionsLater Writing Team

    24,126
    6,142
    Apr 21, 2016

    Autocorrect on my smartphone. Now on PC.
     
  8. AskQuestionsLater

    AskQuestionsLater Writing Team

    24,126
    6,142
    Apr 21, 2016

    You are right on the bolded. However, this type of speed that is needed is not only straight line, but recovery and transitional. In addition, the "Tight End Golden Age" has now required linebackers and safeties to match up against these guys; being strong and flexible no less.


    Towards your second statement, it coincides with my first comment. Straight line track speed is not enough anymore. The types of speed, acceleration and agility are all needed more than ever in this new age of linebackers.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  9. MeanJoeBlue

    MeanJoeBlue Well-Known Member

    1,307
    491
    Jan 2, 2013
    Holliman last year is proof that being a great cover guy is moot if he doesn't have discipline and a willingness to stuff the run. Or if someone doesn't possess enough strength to shed a blocker (for those wide receiver screens). There is still a place for power (as long as it isn't too slow).
     
  10. Da Stellars

    Da Stellars Well-Known Member

    8,365
    1,106
    Oct 22, 2011
    I miss Levon Kirkland.... he was nimble enough to drop deep in coverage and was the size of a defensive lineman who hit like a truck!
     
    • Like Like x 4
  11. dirty

    dirty Well-Known Member

    1,579
    388
    Oct 16, 2011
    I thought this thread was about lighting Sage throughout the locker room to get rid of the evil spirits.
     
  12. shadowmaker

    shadowmaker Well-Known Member

    1,652
    104
    Nov 3, 2011
    The Cowboys didnt do speed, it was cocaine. :roflmao::roflmao:
     
    • Hilarious Hilarious x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
  13. CK 13

    CK 13 Well-Known Member

    12,047
    2,992
    Nov 5, 2011
    Rollin Rollin Rollin, man my @ss is swollen RAW HIDE!
     
  14. Diamond

    Diamond Well-Known Member

    5,790
    469
    May 26, 2012
    My biggest concern with Feeney is the 4 shoulder surgeries he had during his college career and most likely the reason teams didn't draft him higher in the draft, have to see if he will be durable or not, or will he be another romo with bad shoulders, only a linebacker who has to tackle with fragile shoulders is a big red flag for me...
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
  15. MorrisFoster

    MorrisFoster Well-Known Member

    1,209
    108
    Feb 8, 2014
    The thing is the NFL goes in cycles. Jaylon Smith is being heralded as the prototype LB with side to side coverage of the field... so teams will start running the ball right at the smaller LBs.

    The Patrick Willis types with speed and power are rare freak athletes who can never be the norm.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1

Share This Page

Welcome to the ultimate resource for Steelers fans. Sign Up Here!