Dying breed: Classic middle LBs are roaming their way to extinction
by WC-Ninerhead on Jun 30, 2009 12:20 PM PDT
27 comments
I found this article on SI today by John Lopez and thought it worth while passing it on. It is an interesting take on the changeing roll of the Middle LB in the NFL today. The article deals with the how the defensive schemes today have evolved to a point that much of the heavy load for pass rush has shifted away from the MLB position to the DE and DT positions. Of interest to the NN fans is the Mike Singletary and Willis are noted as affected by this shift.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/john_lopez/06/30/linebackers/index.html
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.
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I think this has been an ongoing trend for some time, but I think the origins were Jimmy Johnson with Ken Norton Jr. and his philosophy of a fast defense at all positions. Ray Lewis, Urlacher and Willis are actually extensions to the Ken Norton Jr. philosophy of speedy LB and aren’t throw backs to Dick Butkus’s.
What has taken a hit in the NFL is the purely thumper LB, no longer that giant bear that roams the middle of the field mauling people. Considering RB’s have been shattering NFL records for touchdowns, touches and almost yards the past decade I think the NFL has missed this type of player. If each team employed a Gary Plummer type LB, I guarantee rushing attacks won’t be so potent, but too many teams are more worried about the pass.
by bignerd on Jun 30, 2009 1:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I got the same reaction
when I read this one on the SI site. I miss that type of LB in today’s game. I guess that is some of what Mike was thinking when he hinted at a more Fysical game (phyical with an F). Kena Turner was not all that big either but he sour brought a load with him when he found you. We may have some of that old school LB attitude with Scott Mckillop. He is a big boy and pehaps Mike S. can help put some of the Old School fire in him..
by WC-Ninerhead on Jun 30, 2009 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jon Beason
I think Jon Beason is my favourite NFL player that’s not on the 49ers.
For obvious reasons its easy to love Patrick Willis. I’d like to see him rush the passer more, but he’s so good at every aspect of his game, that its hard not to take advantage of his freakish ability to cover the field.
Singletary never netted sacks as a player himself. 3.5 was his career high. Yet he still had the ability to intimidate because he was a sure tackler, and hard hitter. Patrick Willis is exactly that, but faster.
by Andrew Davidson on Jun 30, 2009 1:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
If you spread the field big guys like that get torched
A MAULER CAN’T HIT WHAT HE CAN’T CATCH
aka Optimist Prime 09...........9ers (site decorum)
by rlott#42 on Jun 30, 2009 6:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The reason why
they spread the field is because the upfront guys on the defense aren’t getting the job done dispite the big $ so the offensive focus is on the pass… If you can get a true bull rush with a very good deffensive line and good DB’s than shut down the long ball then you will force the play to the 5-20 yrd range and then you have a perfect storm for the LB core to reak havok..
Oh well just a fun thought…
by WC-Ninerhead on Jun 30, 2009 7:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Interesting read, but
it’s odd they didn’t even mention Lofa Tatupu in the article.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 1, 2009 7:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he's related to that Rey Mauluga fella
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 3, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kirk Morrison?
The Raiders’ MLB Kirk Morrison don’t get credit like he deserves because he plays for Oakland, but he can be a top 5 LB. His plays similar to Ray Lewis and Morrison credits Lewis as one of his idols that he looks up to.
That was a great piece and it have me rooting for more MLBs to have big upcoming seasons.
T.O. Estes III
by T.O.E. on Jul 3, 2009 1:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Captain Kirk is awesome, but
the Raiders front 7 is still ghastly and he’s not a very consistent tackler anymore.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 3, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anymore?
He’s only been in the league four seasons. If he goes to better team next season since he’s going to be a free agent, I think we will see a better Morrison.
T.O. Estes III
by T.O.E. on Jul 3, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen.
The Raiders defensive line looks like the Lions when it comes to run-defense.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 3, 2009 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey all NINER FANS
Don’t forget SPIKES cauxe he can bring it,, nd that lilltl ole rookie, Scott M. will be right there , so before you all start talking bunch of raider crap.,, look out the NINERS will represent
by WC-Ninerhead on Jul 3, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
o.o
okay…?
My pessimism goes to the point of suspecting the sincerity of the pessimists.
by shlecko on Jul 4, 2009 2:14 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
That was exactly my reaction.
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 4, 2009 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
McKillop
Yea, I’m excited to see McKillop play. I don’t know why he slipped to the fifth round, but I’m glad San Fran got him. I’d be even happier if Morrison comes to the Niners next year since he wants to stay in the Bay area.
T.O. Estes III
by T.O.E. on Jul 4, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
McKillop
We don’t know if he’s ever going to take over at “ted”
He’ll be a special teams player next year….let’s see where it goes from there before we start declaring him the future starter.
by chikmagnet_565 on Jul 5, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it isn't set in stone
But he is pretty much suppose to assume the role when spikes and ulbrich are gone
Go 49ers
by iaalexeeff on Jul 5, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think
T.O.E was implying McKillop was a future starter for sure, he just said he’s excited to see him play.
I’m excited to see him lay some lumber as well. Even if its only as a special teams ace.
by Andrew Davidson on Jul 6, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
Im not declaring him the starter, but he should be in the rotation and see some action
T.O. Estes III
by T.O.E. on Jul 6, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably not this year though
He’s a very good tackler but I’m concerned about his speed….
Will he be able to adjust to the speed of the NFL?
by chikmagnet_565 on Jul 6, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
From my very very little knowledge (and madden)
I heard that demeco ryans isn’t that fast. I don’t know if they play 3-4 or 4-3 and if it matters which defense you use. I’m not sure if he isn’t that fast, but that is just what I heard
Go 49ers
by iaalexeeff on Jul 7, 2009 1:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
DeMeco Ryans isn't slow
He’s just smallish
"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."
by Fearless Frog on Jul 7, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He isn't that fast,
but that’s not something you gain by sitting on the sideline. You maybe right and he doesn’t play til next year, but I don’t think it’ll be due to his speed.
T.O. Estes III
by T.O.E. on Jul 7, 2009 4:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Game speed
Not 40 speed.
He has to adjust to the NFL speed….This is usually harder for “slower” players.
Of course, if he is never out of position he won’t need speed.
by chikmagnet_565 on Jul 7, 2009 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speed is a lot less important for a TED
Ultimately, reaction and instinct can more than make up for a lack of speed. It’s not some much about getting somewhere fast it’s more about knowing where you need to get to.
Don't sweat it. I'm illiterate.
by methodrampage on Jul 7, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not some much about getting somewhere fast it’s more about knowing where you need to get to.
This is especially true in the middle of the field where the TED will only be working maybe in a 5yard by 5yard box. There isn’t a lot of room there, and the difference between 4.5 and 4.6 or 4.7 speed is tremendously reduced.
by sfgfan on Jul 7, 2009 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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