Not really. I find that I like the intellectual challenges of the complexity of building a winning team. The season is simply grading how well you did. Did your theories hold water or sink?
It might be my imagination (if so I stand ready to be corrected), but it doesn’t seem like there are a lot of two ILB formations, Steelers excluded. The trend seems to be to have more athletic DLmen, and one very athletic ILB who can cover the field (and TEs and RBs) and contribute to the run defense. So I think Gluten is looking for one stud to replace Martinez.
Agreed, but a lot to ask of a rookie. For the average player he was, Martinez was the D’s QB.
As to your last point, I hope so.
This year, more!
Hey Sunshine you’re last point is significant. Once their rookie contracts expire, and assuming they’ve produced, you’re looking at $15 to $20 mil/year for a stud TE/WR. Not so with ILBs, who probably max out between $7 and $8 mil (a guess). The point is they’re less expensive down the road.
You're 100% right brother. Luckily, Martinez didnt have to take on that role for the first few weeks. I think Jake Ryan handled the calls until he got injured? I thinkk. I remember listening to a podcast interview with Martinez (i'll link it if i find it) where Martinez talks about his first year calling the defense and how nervous he was until he finally "got it."
How could I forget about Jake Ryan? Thx for the reminder. I actually liked that pick. I think he was drafted 3rd or 4th round out of Michigan. And yeah, I think he got hurt and never really made it back.
Yes they were both day 3 selections. That just goes to show you that ILB Can be impactful very early. Even as early as a Rookie season. Same with C
Yeah the Ds rarely run their base defense, 4-3 or 3-4 anyway. And the trend has been towards lighter, faster ILBs who can drop, cover SDS, and impact the running and rushing game. All while acting as field generals for the D. These guys are RARE. I also tend to agree that any D needs two ILBs. That can be adjusted depending on the situation. But in GB’s case last year, runners were getting to the second level untouched too many times. Keeping an ILB home to defend the RPO ain’t a bad idea. That means those four down DLs, the safeties and CBs need to also be fast with the ability to anticipate.
Yeah I think Linsley started his first year, and he was a fifth round pick if I recall.
I’ll never forget him starting against Seattle early that season. He messed up on a particular play and Rodgers chewed him out. But what was impressive is he ultimately swam verses sinking. He played pretty solid from that point on and that showed me he’s good under pressure.
Yeah and it shows that a team can, rarely, find a starter in the later rounds. I wouldn’t count on it, but Linsley is certainly an exception.
Good point. The interior guys are expected to have a lower impact on the game than the tackles. That’s not completely fair to Gs and Cs, but tackle is a more coveted position just based on their need to protect the QB more than others on the OL.
