Raiders Breakdown: LB
by KA1Z3R
on Sep 5, 2008 1:23 PM PDT
The Raiders LB's were a strong unit last year with the exception of Robert Thomas. Morrison and Howard are a great group of pass defenders out to make a name as run stoppers. It'll be interesting to see if Ricky Brown will solidify this unit.
Weak Side Linebacker:
1. Thomas Howard- Howard is the faster in my opinion, and the better pass specialist. Howard is fast enough to run step for step with McFadden (major accomplishment) meaning he should be able to cover anyone he has to. Howard saw some time blitzing in the preseason and doing a good job of it. Howard is a dominant LB who needs to use his speed to add a little something extra when hitting a RB. If Howard can develop more ability to play the run, he'll become a pro Bowl player. He may not have to though, with QB's trying to avoid the corners, more passes will be thrown to the safeties and LB's meaning more than the already impressive 6 INT's last season. Grade: A-
2. Jon Alston- see Isiah Ekejiuba
Middle Linebacker:
1. Kirk Morrison- Aw the middle linebacker, the general of the defensive front. And with new helmet communications systems, the position is even more evolved. With Morrison calling the shots, we have one of the best linebackers at one of the most important defensive positions. Morrison is, in my opinion, the stronger and more physical of the Law Firm. From what I've seen of Kirk, he plays the run well and is a good tackler. There is room for improvement, but after this year he'll be Pro Bowl caliber. In the passing game, Morrison is a savvy, opportunistic guy. He takes advantage of bad throws and makes teams pay for it. Morrison also saw some blitzes and I think this speedy linebacker corps will blitz well. Morrison has underrated strength and does everything right. Very solid linebacker. Grade: A
2. Isiah Ekejiuba- As a special teams man, Ekejiuba is a crucial player. As a linebacker, well not so much. Ekejiuba is nowhere near the backup I'd like, but since Morrison is never injured, I don't think there's much need for concern. Grade: C- as a backup. A as a special teams man
Strong Side Linebacker:
1. Ricky Brown- A name no one expected to see appear as the starter, Brown really stepped up his game. Probably seeing how players like Fred Wakefield and Chris Morris get so much liking from the coaches, he decided to contest for the starting job instead of just play special teams. Seeing him in the preseason, I like this move. Brown has the speed of Morrison and Howard, and he plays the pass well. I look forward to seein what he can do in a regular season game. Grade: B
2. Sam Williams- I'm happy Williams is still on roster. Williams has a a lot of potential and will be contesting Brown for the starting job and is a worth competitor. Williams is full of speed and explosiveness. He can be a real blitzing force.I'm glad the team is giving him a second chance, but at this point I doubt he'll be a starter again. Grade: C+
Overall grade: A-
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LB's
First of all not only is this unit underrated they are obviously fast and instinctive. For the first time in ages this unit will be blitzing more, as matter of fact it is essential. With the secondary being the best in years this unit needs to blitz often, design the scheme to do camouflage it,if necessary but that will not be an issue. The Raiders were the least most blitzing team in the NFL last year, that needs to change. Ricky Brown is solid really think he is a major plus over Thomas/Williams too. The Raiders have never been a big blitzing team but it should now, even in the exhibition games it proved effective.
by Ellraid on Sep 5, 2008 4:59 PM PDT 0 recs
I don't know what to think of the LB's.
They are fast to be sure, and got some interceptions last year which was great, but until Ricky ‘Brown shows he is a top flight LB I will withhold judgment. I have always felt that the strong side backer was a major weakness on this team so will see. I sure hope that they blitz more this year, the vanilla defense doesn’t work for me.
by Laoren on Sep 6, 2008 9:13 AM PDT 0 recs
I don't think they'd blitz so much in preseason
if they weren’t going to transfer that into the regular season.
"Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward. Whoever cannot take care of themselves without that law is both. For a wounded man shall say to his assailant, 'If I live, I will kill you. If I die, You are forgiven.' Such is the rule of honor." Omerta by Lamb of God
by KA1Z3R on Sep 6, 2008 11:57 AM PDT 0 recs
Our linebackers
will all be A+’s now that we are blitzing finally. We know they can make picks but now it’s time to add some sacks and make the pro bowl. It’s crap that Morrison and Howard didn’t make the pro bowl last year, but it’s ok because it’ll be a no brainer this year that they will both make it.
Win, Lose, or Tie, Raiders til' I die.
by thepunisher00187 on Sep 6, 2008 9:43 PM PDT 0 recs
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