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papz 08-14-2012 06:22 PM

Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
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METAIRIE, La. – Jonathan Casillas spotted the ball nearly too late Tuesday, the pass from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees sailing high above tight end Dave Thomas.

But for Casillas, it was nearly too late, not absolutely too late.
The Saints linebacker leaped high into the air, clutching the ball with one hand before coming down hard on his back. He held onto the ball, finishing one of training camp’s most athletic plays.

What that play represented was acting head coach Joe Vitt’s description of Casillas as a linebacker.

“Speed. Quickness. Range. Great space tackler,” Vitt said. “He has good hands. And I think he is really mature where he can pattern read now. He has had a positive growth experience.”

Casillas, when healthy, adds an athletic dimension to a Saints defense in transition. Yet, for the fourth-year professional who came to New Orleans as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2009, injuries have been his downfall.

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Danno 08-14-2012 06:25 PM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
Reminds me a bit of Cie Grant. If he can stay healthy I think he can be a solid player in this league.

Its gonna be tough since he's a bit of a LB/SS tweener.

foreverfan 08-14-2012 06:32 PM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
Injury in 3...2...1....

Luda34 08-14-2012 06:54 PM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
Man I hope he stay healthy this year he's the most athletic LB we have and I really want to see what he can do for a complete season.

blackangold 08-14-2012 07:18 PM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
Problem for Casillas is he can't play SLB, he is to small. WLB is taken firmly by Hawthorne. SLB is where we need someone to step up.

RockyMountainSaint 08-14-2012 08:15 PM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
At camp this morning Saw that play.
Turned to my son and said:"If he could only stay healthy."

It was a special, athletic play.

The Dude 08-14-2012 10:01 PM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
God it looks like its true about Spags being a genius getting the most out of young talent because ours are looking good by all reports. I am VERY happy with how these young uns are contributing so far. Cant wait to see them on the field.

FinSaint 08-15-2012 03:47 AM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by blackangold (Post 427879)
Problem for Casillas is he can't play SLB, he is to small. WLB is taken firmly by Hawthorne. SLB is where we need someone to step up.


True, but I think he did a fine job against the Pats' 1st string offense at SLB along with Lofton at MLB and Herring at WLB.

There was a lot of movement and speed in that trio - especially by the OLBs -and it was a joy to watch in that regard after the somewhat immobile LB corps the Saints have had the past two seasons.

I just hope he can stay healthy long enough to actually be a contributor in this year's defense.

Stealthman 08-15-2012 08:20 AM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
We'll see him vs. the Jags.

A strong performance for Casillas there would be a gamechanger in the LB sweepstakes!

Mardigras9 08-15-2012 09:06 AM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
I like Casillas and agree with FinSaint. Think he did a good job against the Pats.

halloween 65 08-15-2012 09:12 AM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
If Cass. was 15 to 20 lbs. heavier and stayed healthy he probably would start.

Rugby Saint II 08-15-2012 01:17 PM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
He does stand out when he's on the field.

blackangold 08-15-2012 03:37 PM

Re: Saints LB Jonathan Casillas healthy, ready to contribute on defense
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by FinSaint (Post 427972)
True, but I think he did a fine job against the Pats' 1st string offense at SLB along with Lofton at MLB and Herring at WLB.

There was a lot of movement and speed in that trio - especially by the OLBs -and it was a joy to watch in that regard after the somewhat immobile LB corps the Saints have had the past two seasons.

I just hope he can stay healthy long enough to actually be a contributor in this year's defense.

That wasn't the position he played. The starting line-up was:
Slb-Shanle
Mlb-Lofton
Wlb- Herring

Casillas comes out in the nickle package on the 3rd play when he slots in next to Lofton at Wlb. When they go back into the base 4-3 Herring comes out taking his place at Wlb. The first series is a mixture of this, but the only time Casillas sees the field is in nickle at Wlb.

Second series is the same as above.

Third series the 2nd string D comes in line-up is:
Slb-Herring
Mlb-Chamberlain
Wlb-Shanle

Nickle package is Shanle and Chamerlain.

1st QTR ends.

Forth series looks the same...

Fifth series is when Casillas gets to play with the base D.
Slb- Herring
Mlb-Chamberlain
Wlb-Casillas

He is a great Wlb in my opinion but Hawthorne will be at that position. Chamberlain looked great as did Herring so I could see one of them take the Slb slot from Shanle.


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