Re: Saints' Vilma says he's in his best shape in years
 

Mangini's 3-4 was a 2-gap, which requires both ILB's to frequently take on OG's head up.

Ryan's 3-4 will play Vilma at the weak inside LB which is very similar to playing the WILL in a 4-3. He won't be asked to take on OG's nearly as frequently as he had to in Mangini's 3-4.

Also, we will be in a base 3-4 less than 50% of the snaps (according to Payton).

Shouldn't be a problem at all,maybe.

I know he was hurt, but Vilma graded out horribly as an OLB last year (100 out of 109), but as we all know everyone did under the Spags debacle.

I guess the real question is can Vilma play WILL?

Re: Saints' Vilma says he's in his best shape in years
 

I don't see him playing more than 4 games before the steam runs out . We need a big lb. in the middle if Lofton is the other ILB, or our middle is open. Our front 3 would have to play lights out.

Re: Saints' Vilma says he's in his best shape in years
 

I think he'll be fine. Yeah, he's a lighter LB, but Ryan will make that an advantage.

Re: Saints' Vilma says he's in his best shape in years
 

I know he's getting older, but I'm hoping he still has some gas left in the tank like Sharper did. Not sayin it's probable, but I definitely think it's possible.
C'mon Vilma-one more time for ya boy!

Re: Saints' Vilma says he's in his best shape in years
 

Sorry but I think Vilma is done. He has been for several years now. At best he is a leader but with lofton taking over the leadership role what else is there? I predict he will start but won't finish the season as a starter.

Re: Saints' Vilma says he's in his best shape in years
 

31 is not too old for a LB. Age wise he could play another 4 or 5 years if his knees hold up.

Re: Saints' Vilma says he's in his best shape in years
 

Yeah. It's not his age, it's his knees. He was already a slow LB before but with bad knees he is even more limited and it shows.

Re: Saints' Vilma says he's in his best shape in years
 

:confused:

That was one of his strengths before the knee surgeries. He was undersized and fast for a Mike LB...