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-   -   NFL.com/News/ Curtis Lofton interest? (https://blackandgold.com/saints/42188-curtis-lofton-interest.html)

Crusader 03-15-2012 05:20 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by FinSaint (Post 387951)
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
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danno (Post 387982)
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
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danno (Post 387982)
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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