Ellerbe wants to be the leader of the defense. “I wanted to come to a team where I can be a leader, where they needed me, and I can be a voice on the team,” Ellerbe told ESPN.com’s AFC East blog this week. “Basically, [the Dolphins] showed me that they really wanted me. ... They want me to be a leader of this defense.” Superbowl champion, taught by the best, lets see what this thumper can bring to our team.
I wanted Dansby retained b/c I felt he provided a man coverage ability superior to what we have. They offered him a reduced contract, which he declined. I guessed it was a money/pride issue. I wonder if part of the reason for his decision to move on was that Dansby felt he wasn't being looked at as the leader of the D anymore?
Not sure he had the makeup Philbin was looking for, I really don't think Philbin and Dansby saw eye to eye, hard knocks showed me that neither could look each other in the eye.. I know Dansby roughed it out playing with that bicep, but Dansby imo disappointed as a leader even though I think he had the presence to be a good one, coming into camp the way he did the year before was a direct reflection as to how he trained for his craft during the offseason.. He was a good player, but we had a chance to get younger and we took it.
I agree that Dansby was not fully successful as a leader here. He just had too much of a tendency to put his foot in his mouth. And I love the LB additions. I think they give us an increased ability to cover the flats. I see that increased speed as being of primary importance with the amount of zone D I expect. I had just hoped that Dansby could have been retained. I think he has an athleticism and man coverage ability we lack and that would have moved Misi to depth. I see Misi as a passable but limited starter, but as a very good depth player. IMO we have a good LB unit, maybe very good, but with Dansby added they would have had "best LB unit in the league" potential.
Everyone knows that the first step to becoming a leader is letting everyone know you wish to become their leader.
Well, I'm stoked that you love the additions, I think it won't be long before Dion man that position of Misi.
If Ellerbe wants be like the title suggests, we need another leader for the D. Hope he becomes one ,tbh. Can never have enough leadership.
