I read from the Miami Herald that Matt Burke are discussing a possible change that would move Kiko Alonso to the weakside linebacker position. Alonso says he's comfortable inside but will do whatever is necessary for the team. This could open up opportunities to add linebackers inside and or outside. What do you guys think about this? I've had trouble posting the link on my phone lately. Feel free to add it if you can find it.
If the weak side allows him to freewheel it, then I'm all for it. Don't want him having too much on his plate. It seems like he tends to freelance a bit. He gets caught in an over pursuit a bit much for my liking. I want an MLB creating smart havoc, not flying off the seat of his pants.
That would be a great move. Weakside LB is kiko's more natural position he is too undiciplined and lacks the insticts to play the middle at a high level. We should bring in an experienced natural middle linebacker to replace him and probably draft another linebacker in the first round. Sent from my F3111 using Tapatalk
Agree on WLB being a good fit for Kiko, but we're going to need a Reuben Foster, Kendell Beckwith, or Jarrad Davis type in the middle to free him up. Was hoping Vance would experiment with Hull in the middle and Kiko at WLB some during the season. Didn't happen.
Armando... http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article126974889.html
We have several very good linebacker options in the draft with our first pick. Kikos fate might be decided upon who we take there
Lets get our upgrades inplace. Mike Hull is too slow to be an NFL starter Misi and Jenkind are borderline starters and their injury history is worrisome. I'd like to have two LBs who can swap between MLB and weakside LB to take advantage of matchups. As the article said moving Kiko last season was simply shifting where the weakness in the D would be.
Well Burke and Gase said they will be reviewing tape to see whether this is necessary to improve our defense. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
I'm glad to hear it, I've been harping on it all season, he is clearly not a MLB, and WLB would be his best fit, but I would have a thumper to put in his place on clear run downs. He is either a WLB or just a passrushing specialist.
I don't think he'll be here. Rumor is that he'll be released very soon. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Ok so forgive me for asking but whats the difference between the weakside LB spot and the Strong side? Everyone seems to agree that MLB was not suited for him and the he needs to go to the weakside. So what qualities are better and what is the different responsibilities of the 2 outside spots? Thanks for the knowledge
Yes. Unfortunately, we moved up in the draft to draft Jordan when clearly a sack of hammers was there for the taking.
I like his athleticism and playmaking. I don't like his lack of ability to shed a block. I'm all for this.
If I'm not mistaken he started life out in Buffalo in the middle before being switched to the weak side linebacker position in his second season. Not sure what he played in Philly, but after a year at MLB here, it's not overly surprising that we are looking to move him to the weak side which should fit his skill set better.
The strong side is usually the side where the TE lineup.The weakside is usually a smaller faster linebacker to make plays from the backside.
Just to add to what pumpdogs wrote; Kiko is on the smaller side and is not a good matchup on most TEs. Not that we EVER have trouble covering them (*sarcasm alert*). Getting the right type of LBs into the right positions would make a night and day difference for improving the run defense too.
Thanks guys I appreciate the info. Ive been a crazy diehard Phins fan for about 10 years...but Xs and Os haven't been my strong suit lol. I finally just learned a lot about gap assignments about a year ago from reading some of the great breakdowns guys post on this board lol. I'm always down to learn more stuff.