Big Blue Huddle

Was the brunch time a typo?  I am think 9 at night is a bit late for brunch

Good for you Andrew   Hopefully you will share all the good inside info you get.

The Will LB is the outside (weak side) linebacker in the 4-3 defense that lines up on the side opposite of the tight end.  He tends to be the lightest and fastest of the three linebackers.   His job mainly consists of pursuit on running plays and pass coverage responsibilities either on a running back or sometimes the slot receiver.   If he plays zone, his zone is usually 12-15 yards off the line of scrimmage and on the weak side.  In his role he rarely has to deal with blocking from the offensive linemen. 


The Mike is the middle linebacker.  Traditionally he is the QB of the defense.   He usually has difficult run assignments since he is playing in the middle of the field.  He often has to fight fight through traffic or blocks by FBs or H-backs to take down the runner.  He often leads the team in tackles.  On the pass side he either has a shallow middle zone or if he is in the Tampa 2 he plays deeper and in the middle of the field.   So he often finds himself covering TEs or running backs.   

I am up there from Thurs to Tuesday so count me in for everything.

QuoteI'm already down for Shipyard Ale

I'll be arriving Thursday and leaving Tuesday.  So tell me what you are going to need me to bring.

Dave,

You cutting and pasting skills were dead on

Welcome aboard Matt, sound like you will fit in well.  Enjoy the forums.

JG,
I think all 11 men on any defense are inportant.  I think what does differ from defense to defense is who has the play maker role.  As a general rule, with exceptions, the LBs are the play makers in the 3-4 and the DLs the play makers in the 4-3.

Quote from: jerseyguy on May 14, 2010, 10:26:08 AM
didn't Fewell say when he was hired that he wasn't locked into any particular defense and that he would fit what he did to the talent available to him, if thats true then how does the media know what Fewell doesn't...

It's an assumption on their part based on what Fewell ran in Buffalo.   The style of defense will become more clear as the press sees mini-camp and OTAs and can see what they are running.  Plus as the players start to play in the new system their comments will also give hints as to what to expect.

My problem with Wiilks is the lack of a second player with a similar skill set.  It's not a good idea to build a defense around a player that has a bad injury history.   The only way one should do that, is if they have a solid backup behind them, and that simply isn't the case with the Giants.

Cover 2 means two players deep in zone.  In front of that can be zone or M2M or some hybrid

Dasher here is why I can't see the Giants using a Tampa 2 as their base D:

QuoteThe Mike Backer is the key to this defense and the reason I highlighted his drop in red. He has to be able to run with that inside vertical throughout the route and only at the throw will he get safety help. Think of Chicago and Brian Urlacher

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/2009/09bramel_idpguide.php

From former NFL scout:

QB Dominic Randolph (Holy Cross)- No report

TE Jake Ballard (Ohio State)- Ballard is simply a solid free agent signing with size for an NFL team next spring. He has played in a lot of
big games over the course of his career with limited production. He has just enough ability to get into a camp
as a 4th/5th TE for a team with a need. Overall, Ballard is not likely to be drafted, but may be given a chance
as a free agent. He is going to need to improve as a player if he is going to stick and make an NFL roster.

WR Tim Brown (Rutgers)- Brown is a player that was not highly thought of entering the 2009 season because of his size and lack of great production, but he changed our mind
with his consistency making big plays throughout the 2009 season. He is a smart receiver who knows how to get open and has shown the hands
to make tough catches seem routine. When he gets the ball in his hands he is a dangerous play maker who can make tacklers miss, has excellent
instincts running with the ball and a quick burst thru holes. He does not however have the size or playing strength to consistently run thru contact
or break tackles to gain yards after contact. An added bonus is his experience returning kickoffs where he is a good returner