Curtis Lofton interest?

Crusader · 03-15-2012, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by FinSaint

It's interesting trying to figure out what Spags is looking for in a MLB, but if we compare some of these guys to James Laurinaitis, who was his starting MLB for the past two seasons, there are unquestionable similarities:

Laurinaitis (6-2, 247) 2011 - (16 games) total tackles: 142; sacks: 3; passes defended: 7; INTs: 2; TDs: 0

Lofton (6-0, 241) 2011 - (16 games) total tackles: 147; sacks: 1; passes defended: 7 INTs: 2; TDs: 1

Hawthorne (6-0, 246) 2011 - (15 games) total tackles: 115; sacks: 2; passes defended: 6 INTs: 3; TDs: 1

It might be that this is why these guys were invited for a visit, they fit the mold of what Spags wants in a MLB = bye, bye Vilma and maybe Dunbar?!

Interesting thought, should help to make us even stouter against the run to have a guy like that flying down in the gaps.

BGWhoDat · 03-15-2012, 05:24 PM

Here's my thoughts on the situation:

Linebacker Curtis Lofton is on the radar of the New Orleans Saints, Vilma likely out

Danno · 03-15-2012, 05:28 PM

If its true that he's now only a 2-down thumper, then I just don't understand the fit.

I've heard Spags like LB's who can cover. If that's Lofton's weakness then why are we interested?

I'm thinking either Lofton covers better than many give him credit for or Spags' emphasis on cover-capable LB's is overblown.

FinSaint · 03-15-2012, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Danno

If its true that he's now only a 2-down thumper, then I just don't understand the fit.

I've heard Spags like LB's who can cover. If that's Lofton's weakness then why are we interested?

I'm thinking either Lofton covers better than many give him credit for or Spags' emphasis on cover-capable LB's is overblown.

Yeah, that is what puzzles me also about this and, consequently, that is why I started to think about the comparisons to Laurinaitis. Their "passes defended" and "INT" stats do seem very similar.

But you ask a very good question, are these guys underrated as coverage LBs or have we gotten Spags' preferences wrong?

papz · 03-15-2012, 06:25 PM

Maybe with the schemes Spags runs, with the quicker linemen, he needs someone who has the physical attributes to take on/shed blockers and stop the run. Looking back at the Giants, Pierce and Goff were two down thumpers that were in the 6'1 6'2 240 range. His scheme typically had those middle linebackers with some meat on them... and Lofton fits the bill. Laurinaitis also has plenty of meat on him... but he was a converted safety in college. His coverage skills are far superior.

Spags like them big.

TWSS

jcp026 · 03-18-2012, 08:22 AM

I like Vilma, but if releasing him means we can bring in a pair of linebackers of the caliber of Lofton and Woodyard, then I'm all for it. We need depth and athleticism.

jeanpierre · 03-18-2012, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by Danno

I've heard Spags like LB's who can cover.

This is another reason why Harper won't be asked to play linebacker

03-15-2012, 05:20 PM	#31
Crusader Resident Swede Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Märsta, Sweden Posts: 7,983	Originally Posted by FinSaint It's interesting trying to figure out what Spags is looking for in a MLB, but if we compare some of these guys to James Laurinaitis, who was his starting MLB for the past two seasons, there are unquestionable similarities: Laurinaitis (6-2, 247) 2011 - (16 games) total tackles: 142; sacks: 3; passes defended: 7; INTs: 2; TDs: 0 Lofton (6-0, 241) 2011 - (16 games) total tackles: 147; sacks: 1; passes defended: 7 INTs: 2; TDs: 1 Hawthorne (6-0, 246) 2011 - (15 games) total tackles: 115; sacks: 2; passes defended: 6 INTs: 3; TDs: 1 It might be that this is why these guys were invited for a visit, they fit the mold of what Spags wants in a MLB = bye, bye Vilma and maybe Dunbar?! Interesting thought, should help to make us even stouter against the run to have a guy like that flying down in the gaps.

03-15-2012, 05:32 PM	#34
FinSaint Site Donor 2015 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Finland... formerly Southern Virginia Posts: 4,955	Originally Posted by Danno If its true that he's now only a 2-down thumper, then I just don't understand the fit. I've heard Spags like LB's who can cover. If that's Lofton's weakness then why are we interested? I'm thinking either Lofton covers better than many give him credit for or Spags' emphasis on cover-capable LB's is overblown. Yeah, that is what puzzles me also about this and, consequently, that is why I started to think about the comparisons to Laurinaitis. Their "passes defended" and "INT" stats do seem very similar. But you ask a very good question, are these guys underrated as coverage LBs or have we gotten Spags' preferences wrong?

03-18-2012, 08:22 AM	#36
jcp026 500th Post Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 950	I like Vilma, but if releasing him means we can bring in a pair of linebackers of the caliber of Lofton and Woodyard, then I'm all for it. We need depth and athleticism.
jcp026 500th Post Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 950

03-18-2012, 09:14 AM	#37
jeanpierre Site Donor 2018 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Thibodaux Posts: 43,543 Blog Entries: 39	Originally Posted by Danno I've heard Spags like LB's who can cover. This is another reason why Harper won't be asked to play linebacker

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03-15-2012, 05:24 PM	#32
BGWhoDat Who Dat Writer Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 241	Here's my thoughts on the situation: Linebacker Curtis Lofton is on the radar of the New Orleans Saints, Vilma likely out

03-15-2012, 05:28 PM	#33
Danno Site Donor 2014 Truth Addict Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Spanish Fort, AL (via NO and B/R) Posts: 24,640	If its true that he's now only a 2-down thumper, then I just don't understand the fit. I've heard Spags like LB's who can cover. If that's Lofton's weakness then why are we interested? I'm thinking either Lofton covers better than many give him credit for or Spags' emphasis on cover-capable LB's is overblown.

03-15-2012, 06:25 PM	#35
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,681	Maybe with the schemes Spags runs, with the quicker linemen, he needs someone who has the physical attributes to take on/shed blockers and stop the run. Looking back at the Giants, Pierce and Goff were two down thumpers that were in the 6'1 6'2 240 range. His scheme typically had those middle linebackers with some meat on them... and Lofton fits the bill. Laurinaitis also has plenty of meat on him... but he was a converted safety in college. His coverage skills are far superior. Spags like them big. TWSS