New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma wasn't sure how to respond when asked about his current role on the defense Friday. Vilma missed the first five games of the season on the physically unable to perform list while rehabbing a surgically repaired knee.

"That's a good question," he said. "I really don't know."

Vilma said it's not something he worries about too much. He'll play wherever the coaches let him, he said, whether that's at his former middle linebacker position, now occupied by Curtis Lofton, or primarily in nickel packages.

"That's up to the coaches," he said. "When I get a chance and my number is called, I've got to make a play. I won't worry about the roles and this that and the other. I worry about winning games."

Vilma said he just wants to play. And he'll play until someone stops him.

Read more: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

I wanna see Vilma play more he is a difference maker... and can tackle n read qbs he is a smart fella ! We need him n the lineup to beat Denver... and ugh maybe shanle can just quit the team... I get sick watchin this fool n still have no idea why he is playin every sunday !

When Vilma is dressed it makes all of our LBs better. He will play like he wants to take their spot, they will play like they want to keep it...


Except for Shanle.

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

A situational blitz LB now?

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

I think they need to have him and Lofton on the field together as much as possible against Denver. Vilma knows how to play that audible game with Peyton. I know in and interview they asked Lofton would he do that and he said no he would just follow Spags plan. But i think you put Vilma out there as a decoy. Have Vilma act like he's checkin in and out of plays as much as Peyton...just like he did in the SB. Just to cause some confusion. Doesn't necessarily means he's changing the play just making Peyton think that. Cuz its well known that if you show Peyton what you're doing he will pick you apart.

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

It would be interesting to see Vilma take over some of the MLB duties on passing downs during this game. He has certainly played that chess match with Peyton before, and he may be the most qualified on our team to mentally take him on again, especially if Lofton says he will just stick with the playcall, judging by how well that's working for us up to now. Vilma's body certainly isn't where it was in '09, but I doubt he's gotten any dumber since then

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

If he can integrate into this system and be able to make the play call that would be great. What would be super is if Vilmas knees hold up long enough to learn the system. He truly is a field general and leads his troops by example. He missed a couple of tackles last week but it takes a while to get back up to speed.

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

WLB in our base 4-3, and the MLB in our Big Nickel (Harper at OLB).

Ownage!

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

Vilma looked good vs the bucs to say it was his first game in nearly a year

he read freeman and nearly got a pick, got good pressure on the QB and made a couple stops, he can build on a solid performance like that

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

Great answer, do what is asked. Vilma speaks well which is odd considering some of his tweets but I would probably do the same if I knew I didn't do what someone said I did. Have to get that anger out so I get it.

Re: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma says he'll embrace any role on the defense
 

Good. Lofton is better in the middle anyway and Vilma is better than any outside lb we have. Win win for the team. Plus he is playing angry, unlike the rest of the defense