Why would a team that has another big guy like McClain trade for him? Can any of those dudes cover all that well?
They probably just consider it a good opportunity regardless of their particular need. I have to admit I'd be tempted myself. I mean, you take guys like A.J. Hawk and Derrick Johnson...those guys were BUSTS. No two ways about it. They were drafted to make impacts that after a few years in the NFL, they just weren't making. Derrick Johnson was drafted in 2005 and by 2008 he still wasn't playing that well, after his 4th year in the league. But by 2009 he was playing much better, and last year 2010 he was pretty awesome, and even this year he's still playing well. A.J. Hawk basically the same story, except I think some (not the Packers) would argue he's still not playing particularly well. But he was drafted in 2006 and I'd say right around 2009, wasn't he being benched or having his snap counts significantly reduced? Had his best year in 2010 and helped them win a Super Bowl. I don't know, it seems like that LB position is one where the veterans seem to always be performing better than you'd have thought of them, as in it's a position where players just keep getting better and better every year and teams are often not patient enough with those players. I swear Zach Thomas had some of his best years as a pro in 2005 and 2006 under Nick Saban...many would say that was probably after his prime. I know London Fletcher seems to age like a fine wine. If Miami hadn't already overpaid for two veterans in Burnett and Dansby, I'd have been wondering if they shouldn't take a bite out of that apple, trade for Aaron Curry.
The thing about Miami though is that their two guys would probably be better off split to WLB and SLB with a big guy like Curry inside. Then you design a defense to allow them to play in front of them like that. You'd need a big left end, but I think that that is what we'll see maybe even very soon from Mike Nolan. I don't think he'd be opposed to it. Basically he'd shed all of the 2-gap responsibility for the defense and let his linemen fire into their gaps early. It's a missed opportunity honestly.
Aaron Curry is awful IMO. One of the bigger busts in draft history. He's not physical at all, and he's not disciplined enough to not be physical.
He's actually really good in run defense. A better Channing Crowder. He has his role, same with guys like Ray Maulaluga.
Jaj, I had a question for you about the spill technique on the PFF coaches thread from last night., when you get a chance
I saw it. You're right. It usually involves going inside shoulder of the T. I don't think Starks can come out of the five technique though, spill and then recover to the ball carrier. Takes someone faster. He can probably get to the inside and force the action east-west though. Really not the best use of the dude. I never found anything about a contain and spill player though on the same snap. As far as Starks though, again I didn't see him doing it throughout his career. I think he was always trying to contain the run.