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foreverfan

05-23-2017 09:50 PM

Re: Saints' plan to fix linebacker woes: More is better

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI (Post 750692)

I'm watching some Panthers highlights from last season and trying to really get a read on AJ Klein's coverage abilities. I actually think he has really great awareness in zone coverage. He seems to really sense receiver's coming into his zone and doesn't get caught flat-footed. Very smart.

He seems to struggle a bit as the Mike in Cover 2 which isn't uncommon. Not many LB's can cover WR's on deep routes.

Hoping to find some plays where he's in man coverage on TE's. So far I've only seen him in man to man against RB's and he does have terrific lateral quickness.

Watching promotional videos where he makes all the tackles are worthless. You have to watch over 100 videos where he doesn't make the tackle to get a valid idea. Then it depends on the guys in front of him... who was hurt for the game... and what offensive line men were playing.

This is why I stick to cats and boobs...

http://memeguy.com/photos/thumbs/fam...nts-101270.gif

spkb25

05-24-2017 05:44 AM

Re: Saints' plan to fix linebacker woes: More is better

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI (Post 750640)

I'm hoping for the best like everyone. But I'll be completely honest with you guys... I think we're still gonna suck at the LB position. We have a bunch of crap that we're hoping Mike Nolan can work a miracle with.

I'm not being pessimistic at all... remember, I'm hoping for the best here. Just taking the black and gold glasses off for a second.

this is an honest assessment and not some BS remark. I am with you. Piling guys so you hope something sticks

spkb25

05-24-2017 05:58 AM

Re: Saints' plan to fix linebacker woes: More is better

Quote:

Originally Posted by triman (Post 750688)

I realistically think that we are incrementally better at LB. Of course that was very easy to do because we really bad.
If Ellerbe is not completely healthy I think we cut bait and keep younger talent.

Yep, depends on so many what ifs. What if Anthony becomes what we thought he would be? What if Ellerbe plays 12 games instead of the normal 8, which I still wouldn't cut him this year since he is our best talent at LB. What if the dude out of Florida stays healthy, etc. Incrementally better is a reasonable analysis. Possible it could be a little more but we don't know and have to hope.

ChrisXVI

05-24-2017 06:24 AM

Re: Saints' plan to fix linebacker woes: More is better

Quote:

Originally Posted by spkb25 (Post 750705)

this is an honest assessment and not some BS remark. I am with you. Piling guys so you hope something sticks

I do have hope for AJ Klein. I sort of bought in to the criticism that he was bad in coverage but I spent a little time watching some Panthers games from last season and he didn't look that bad at all.

My whole thing though is that we talk about Nolan being a great LB coach but he didn't exactly have to polish a turd when he had the likes of Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis.

K Major

05-24-2017 08:07 AM

Re: Saints' plan to fix linebacker woes: More is better

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI (Post 750707)

My whole thing though is that we talk about Nolan being a great LB coach but he didn't exactly have to polish a turd when he had the likes of Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis.

I think we will see the best of what Anthony can do under Nolan's tutelage. Maybe, just maybe he can find the untapped potential.

On the other hand, did you by chance check out the sound byte from Raider HC Jack Del Rio discussing how he isn't sold on their LB position .. even after the draft? Sometimes I wonder if at any point Stephone (or any other young player we have) is subject to trade talk . We have a ton of guys in camp (specifically LB) & it's a numbers game so we can't hold on to all of them.

Just something to think about as we approach training camp ;).

jlaw8920

05-24-2017 10:12 AM

Re: Saints' plan to fix linebacker woes: More is better

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisXVI (Post 750707)

I agree, I think Klein looked good for the most part last year, and I'm honestly excited about him. The only thing that scares me a little bit is remembering when we played Carolina last year. The game when Kuechly got hurt in the 3rd quarter. We were losing 23-3, then dropped 17 to Carolina's 0 in the fourth, and almost came back to win. It seemed like the coverage drastically dropped off after Klein subbed in. At the same time, they had other injuries happen that game.

Rugby Saint II

05-24-2017 03:53 PM

Re: Saints' plan to fix linebacker woes: More is better

Klein will be flanked by Ellerbe in a 4-2-5 I believe. Sam should have plenty of talented players when they play a baser 4-3.

Incidentally, if Anthony doesn't get up to speed with Nolan then we may move him to a 3-4 team where I believe he's better suited.

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