I'm just going to take one grouping and let you guys have your say on what's what, and who's where.
Remember, the biggest "diss" against Bama this season is replacing defensive starters and most importantly the group taking their place.
Linebackers, specifically inside guys, is what I want you to think about.
We've seen a lot of these writers talk about Nico, CJ, and to a degree DePriest. But, do we ever see all three on the field at the same time?
If we line up in our base defense—the 3-4—we'll likely see Nico and DePriest playing the two inside positions. That's a set we might be in a quarter of the time we are on defense. Might.
The rest of the time we'll be in our nickel set or our dime set.
So, if we take the nickel package one fixture is going to be CJ playing the MIKE position. The other "inside backer" was DePriest for the first half of the spring camp, but we also saw Nico in that role for the later part. In clearer terms, this nickel package is going to be with our JACK on the line with his hand in the dirt with three defensive linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs.
You want me to throw you for a loop here? When CJ wasn't on the field, it was DePriest who filled his role the majority of the time. But, going back to CJ he is essentially "the guy" when we are in the nickel. He's been "that guy" for the past couple of years because his talents carry over to so many different defensive approaches.
Now, if we go into our dime defense, in simpler terms a 4-1-6, it's CJ who is on the field the majority of the time as our only inside backer. Last season Barron had the "money" position which slid up and gave us a nickel look. That position is filled by Vinnie this season. It's essentially a nickel defense but with seven who can cover passing routes.
Now, who is getting the most exposure when it comes to returning starters alongside CJ? Nico. But wait, when is he in a starting role?
So, you tell me. Who are our starting linebackers? I can tell you who DOESN'T know.
Another note: This doesn't even crack the ice on how many different personnel groupings we have when we start talking about our defensive backs combined with the linebackers. Or, the defensive linemen combined with the linebackers...
I'd say I'll be glad when the season kicks so I don't have to hear who is where from pundits. But, I can't. They still won't likely know by the time we have our bye-week.
Remember, the biggest "diss" against Bama this season is replacing defensive starters and most importantly the group taking their place.
Linebackers, specifically inside guys, is what I want you to think about.
We've seen a lot of these writers talk about Nico, CJ, and to a degree DePriest. But, do we ever see all three on the field at the same time?
If we line up in our base defense—the 3-4—we'll likely see Nico and DePriest playing the two inside positions. That's a set we might be in a quarter of the time we are on defense. Might.
The rest of the time we'll be in our nickel set or our dime set.
So, if we take the nickel package one fixture is going to be CJ playing the MIKE position. The other "inside backer" was DePriest for the first half of the spring camp, but we also saw Nico in that role for the later part. In clearer terms, this nickel package is going to be with our JACK on the line with his hand in the dirt with three defensive linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs.
You want me to throw you for a loop here? When CJ wasn't on the field, it was DePriest who filled his role the majority of the time. But, going back to CJ he is essentially "the guy" when we are in the nickel. He's been "that guy" for the past couple of years because his talents carry over to so many different defensive approaches.
Now, if we go into our dime defense, in simpler terms a 4-1-6, it's CJ who is on the field the majority of the time as our only inside backer. Last season Barron had the "money" position which slid up and gave us a nickel look. That position is filled by Vinnie this season. It's essentially a nickel defense but with seven who can cover passing routes.
Now, who is getting the most exposure when it comes to returning starters alongside CJ? Nico. But wait, when is he in a starting role?
So, you tell me. Who are our starting linebackers? I can tell you who DOESN'T know.
Another note: This doesn't even crack the ice on how many different personnel groupings we have when we start talking about our defensive backs combined with the linebackers. Or, the defensive linemen combined with the linebackers...
I'd say I'll be glad when the season kicks so I don't have to hear who is where from pundits. But, I can't. They still won't likely know by the time we have our bye-week.
