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2012 Every-Down Linebacker Thread (1 Viewer)

Jene Bramel

Footballguy
This thread will (eventually) be linked in the pinned IDP Warehouse thread and will be bumped with every update to this initial post (usually on Wednesdays) during the regular season.

We've proven in recent seasons that dismissing the importance of knowing which linebackers come off the field on passing downs is a recipe for statistical disaster. Backers who don't play in their team's subpackages often miss at least 40% of their team's defensive snaps over a full season and may miss 70-80% of their team's snaps in any given week. This will be the third season that we'll closely track each team's every-down backers in this thread.

I'll use a combination of film study and internet resources to confirm these names during the season, but during the preseason months, this list will be our best guess at which backers would play every-down if the season started today. For the purposes of discussion, we’ll list any linebacker expected to take at least 80% of his team’s snaps each week regardless of subpackage usage.

Recent week's changes (inseason) in BOLD.

Baltimore: Josh Bynes (Ray Lewis, Dannell Ellerbe-inj)

Buffalo: Nick Barnett

Cincinnati: Rey Maualuga, Vontaze Burfict

Cleveland: D'Qwell Jackson

Denver: Von Miller*, Wes Woodyard

Houston: Connor Barwin, Whitney Mercilus*

Indianapolis: Jerrell Freeman, Dwight Freeney*

Jacksonville: Paul Posluszny, Russell Allen

Kansas City: Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Justin Houston

Miami:: Karlos Dansby, Kevin Burnett

New England: Jerod Mayo, Dont'a Hightower

New York Jets: David Harris, Calvin Pace

Oakland: Miles Burris, Philip Wheeler

Pittsburgh: Lawrence Timmons, Larry Foote, James Harrison

San Diego: Takeo Spikes (Donald Butler-inj)

Tennessee: Zach Brown (Colin McCarthy-inj)

Arizona: Daryl Washington, Paris Lenon, Sam Acho*

Atlanta: Sean Weatherspoon, Stephen Nicholas

Carolina: Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis

Chicago: Lance Briggs, Nick Roach (Brian Urlacher-inj)

Dallas: Alex Albright* (Ernie Sims-inj), Demarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer*

Detroit: Stephen Tulloch, Justin Durant*, DeAndre Levy*

Green Bay: Brad Jones, Clay Matthews

Minnesota: Chad Greenway, Jasper Brinkley*

New Orleans: Curtis Lofton

New York Giants: Michael Boley*, Chase Blackburn*

Philadelphia: DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks

St. Louis: James Laurinaitis, Jo-Lonn Dunbar

San Francisco: Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman, Aldon Smith

Seattle: KJ Wright, Bobby Wagner

Tampa Bay: Mason Foster*, Lavonte David

Washington: London Fletcher, Perry Riley, Ryan Kerrigan

*May rotate out in a small number of nickel and dime packages

 
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Jene

Do you think Maualuga still has a chance to produce and keep an every down position? He didn't exactly meet expectations last year and has done nothing but keep us on hold or disappoint so far in his career.

thanks

 
Do you think Maualuga still has a chance to produce and keep an every down position? He didn't exactly meet expectations last year and has done nothing but keep us on hold or disappoint so far in his career.
I thought he turned the corner during preseason last year, but that level of play didn't carry over until the regular season. I wouldn't have projected him as a possibility here except the Bengals don't have another viable option on the depth chart and there's been some suggestion that, while Thomas Howard will be calling subpackage signals, Maualuga could be in the mix for a nickel job again.Until he's productive over a period of time in the regular season, I'd view him as a matchup/depth roster player.
 
Zach Brown
:unsure: Witherspoon and McRath are certainly part of the equation.
Not in subpackages. There's absolutely no guarantee that Brown earns a starting role early this season, and I'm not willing to give him more than "question/possible" notice here yet. However, if he does, he's much more likely to force the Titans to consider their options with Akeem Ayers than Witherspoon or McRath.
 
This thread will (eventually) be linked in the pinned IDP Warehouse thread and will be bumped with every update to this initial post (usually on Wednesdays) during the regular season.

We've proven in recent seasons that dismissing the importance of knowing which linebackers come off the field on passing downs is a recipe for statistical disaster. Backers who don't play in their team's subpackages often miss at least 40% of their team's defensive snaps over a full season and may miss 70-80% of their team's snaps in any given week. This will be the third season that we'll closely track each team's every-down backers in this thread.

I'll use a combination of film study and internet resources to confirm these names during the season, but during the preseason months, this list will be our best guess at which backers would play every-down if the season started today. For the purposes of discussion, we’ll list any linebacker expected to take at least 80% of his team’s snaps each week regardless of subpackage usage.

Recent week's changes (inseason) in BOLD.

Baltimore: Ray Lewis

Buffalo: Nick Barnett

Cincinnati: Thomas Howard, ? Rey Maualuga

Cleveland: D'Qwell Jackson, Scott Fujita

Denver: Von Miller, Wes Woodyard (while DJ Williams susp)

Houston: Brian Cushing, Connor Barwin

Indianapolis: Pat Angerer, Kavell Conner, Robert Mathis

Jacksonville: Paul Posluszny, Daryl Smith

Kansas City: Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Justin Houston

Miami:: Karlos Dansby, Kevin Burnett

New England: Jerod Mayo, ? Brandon Spikes

New York Jets: David Harris, Calvin Pace

Oakland: Rolando McClain, ? Aaron Curry

Pittsburgh: Lawrence Timmons, James Harrison, Lamarr Woodley

San Diego: Takeo Spikes, Donald Butler, ? Shaun Phillips

Tennessee: Colin McCarthy, Akeem Ayers, ? Zach Brown

Arizona: Daryl Washington, Paris Lenon, Sam Acho, ? O'Brien Schofield

Atlanta: Sean Weatherspoon, Stephen Nicholas

Carolina: Luke Kuechly, Jon Beason

Chicago: Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher

Dallas: Sean Lee, Demarcus Ware, Anthony Spencer

Detroit: Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy

Green Bay: Desmond Bishop, AJ Hawk, Clay Matthews

Minnesota: Chad Greenway, Erin Henderson

New Orleans: Curtis Lofton, David Hawthorne

New York Giants: Michael Boley, Mathias Kiwanuka

Philadelphia: DeMeco Ryans, ? Mychal Kendricks

St. Louis: James Laurinaitis, ? Jo-Lonn Dunbar

San Francisco: Patrick Willis, Navorro Bowman, Aldon Smith

Seattle: KJ Wright, ? Leroy Hill/Barrett Ruud/Bobby Wagner

Tampa Bay: Lavonte David, ? Mason Foster/Quincy Black

Washington: London Fletcher, Perry Riley, Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan

*May rotate out in a small number of nickel and dime packages
:goodposting:
 
Jon Beason - LB - Panthers

Jon Beason opened training camp as the Panthers' starting middle linebacker.

First-rounder Luke Kuechly is stationed on the weak side. Beason was cleared to practice after 2011 Achilles' surgery, and it appears he'll return as an every-down player. SLB James Anderson figures to leave the field in nickel sets.

 
'Shane Falco said:
Jon Beason - LB - Panthers

Jon Beason opened training camp as the Panthers' starting middle linebacker.

First-rounder Luke Kuechly is stationed on the weak side. Beason was cleared to practice after 2011 Achilles' surgery, and it appears he'll return as an every-down player. SLB James Anderson figures to leave the field in nickel sets.
Does this mean Beason is back to being an IDP stud? Where does he rank in terms of other LB's?
 
I'd be careful on crowning his ###, considering the nature of the injury he's coming back from, as well as the constant threat of kuechly stealing his job.

 
Made a few changes to the opening post, but still lots of uncertainty surrounding many of these situations. If I've read something specific, I've adjusted the list (e.g. Mychal Kendricks behind Brian Rolle and now Jamar Chaney). Otherwise, I'll leave things open for interpretation until we see alignments on the field. Please post if you've seen updates on Twitter or on the beat blogs I've missed.

Looking forward to seeing how things develop during the first preseason game.

 
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San Diego: Takeo Spikes, Donald Butler, ? Shaun PhillipsJonas Mouton got any chance?
Not as an every-down backer this year. Spikes is entrenched at one position and I think Butler takes over as the centerpiece of the defense this year. Small chance Mouton earns a rotational role sometime this year, but it may take an injury for extended playing time.
 
'Spartans346 said:
I thought Ruud would start for Seattle?
Ruud was a known commodity for Gus Bradley and a smart hedge in case the Seahawks didn't get a guy they liked in the second round or that player flopped in camp. But Ruud barely took any snaps in OTAs due to injury and Wagner took advantage. Wagner is still running with the ones in camp almost exclusively.
 
Is Dent being forced into an every down role now that Tatupu is out for the year?
He'll have to earn it. Nicholas has always had a role in subpackages in Atlanta -- played in the 3-3-5, some in the 4-2-5, too -- and I think it's his job to lose.
 
Is Dent being forced into an every down role now that Tatupu is out for the year?
He'll have to earn it. Nicholas has always had a role in subpackages in Atlanta -- played in the 3-3-5, some in the 4-2-5, too -- and I think it's his job to lose.
This yesterday from PFF's camp tours...In nickel, Akeem Dent left the field leaving Stephen Nicholas with Sean Weatherspoon at linebacker. http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/08/06/camp-tour-2012-flowery-branch/
 
from rotoworld:

Brian Rolle opened training camp as the Eagles' starting weak-side linebacker.

Rolle is also playing in nickel packages as an every-down linebacker. Rookie Mychal Kendricks, the starter at SAM, left the field on obvious passing downs. Rolle and MLB DeMeco Ryans practiced as the Eagles' two nickel linebackers. Jul 27 - 8:49 PMSource: Birds 24/7 Blog
if Rolle plays 3 downs this year what is his value?
 
from rotoworld:

Brian Rolle opened training camp as the Eagles' starting weak-side linebacker.

Rolle is also playing in nickel packages as an every-down linebacker. Rookie Mychal Kendricks, the starter at SAM, left the field on obvious passing downs. Rolle and MLB DeMeco Ryans practiced as the Eagles' two nickel linebackers. Jul 27 - 8:49 PMSource: Birds 24/7 Blog
if Rolle plays 3 downs this year what is his value?
Not much, in a similar role with less talent around him last year he did not take advantage. He's one of those types that's got it mentally but doesn't physically.
 
Still reviewing this week's games, but some quick observations today. A couple of surprises with the rookie alignments, but most of the veteran situations are as expected.

**Kelvin Sheppard out as expected in subpackages.

**Rey Maualuga in the nickel with Thomas Howard before his injury.

**Joe Mays in most subpackages with Wes Woodyard.

**Still early, but lots of 6-7 DB subs in New England, Mayo the primary LB.

**Donald Butler playing every down. Demorrio Williams in for Takeo Spikes in nickel.

**Stephen Nicholas stays, Akeem Dent goes in nickel.

**More Justin Durant than DeAndre Levy in nickel, though remains package dependent.

**DJ Smith likely stays in nickel.

**Curtis Brinkley out in the nickel.

**Mychal Kendricks took every nickel snap ahead of Brian Rolle, though Jamar Chaney out.

**KJ Wright every down, Leroy Hill over Bobby Wagner when in nickel.

**Mason Foster and Quincy Black first team nickel. (Still think David takes over for Black soon.)

**Perry Riley and London Fletcher in nickel.

 
Still reviewing this week's games, but some quick observations today. A couple of surprises with the rookie alignments, but most of the veteran situations are as expected.

**Kelvin Sheppard out as expected in subpackages.

**Rey Maualuga in the nickel with Thomas Howard before his injury.

**Joe Mays in most subpackages with Wes Woodyard.

**Still early, but lots of 6-7 DB subs in New England, Mayo the primary LB.

**Donald Butler playing every down. Demorrio Williams in for Takeo Spikes in nickel.

**Stephen Nicholas stays, Akeem Dent goes in nickel.

**More Justin Durant than DeAndre Levy in nickel, though remains package dependent.

**DJ Smith likely stays in nickel.

**Curtis Brinkley out in the nickel.

**Mychal Kendricks took every nickel snap ahead of Brian Rolle, though Jamar Chaney out.

**KJ Wright every down, Leroy Hill over Bobby Wagner when in nickel.

**Mason Foster and Quincy Black first team nickel. (Still think David takes over for Black soon.)

**Perry Riley and London Fletcher in nickel.

:thumbup:

What about Kuechly?
 
Still reviewing this week's games, but some quick observations today. A couple of surprises with the rookie alignments, but most of the veteran situations are as expected.**Kelvin Sheppard out as expected in subpackages.**Rey Maualuga in the nickel with Thomas Howard before his injury.**Joe Mays in most subpackages with Wes Woodyard.**Still early, but lots of 6-7 DB subs in New England, Mayo the primary LB.**Donald Butler playing every down. Demorrio Williams in for Takeo Spikes in nickel.**Stephen Nicholas stays, Akeem Dent goes in nickel.**More Justin Durant than DeAndre Levy in nickel, though remains package dependent.**DJ Smith likely stays in nickel.**Curtis Brinkley out in the nickel.**Mychal Kendricks took every nickel snap ahead of Brian Rolle, though Jamar Chaney out.**KJ Wright every down, Leroy Hill over Bobby Wagner when in nickel.**Mason Foster and Quincy Black first team nickel. (Still think David takes over for Black soon.)**Perry Riley and London Fletcher in nickel.
Curtis brinkley?
 
Still reviewing this week's games, but some quick observations today. A couple of surprises with the rookie alignments, but most of the veteran situations are as expected.**Kelvin Sheppard out as expected in subpackages.**Rey Maualuga in the nickel with Thomas Howard before his injury.**Joe Mays in most subpackages with Wes Woodyard.**Still early, but lots of 6-7 DB subs in New England, Mayo the primary LB.**Donald Butler playing every down. Demorrio Williams in for Takeo Spikes in nickel.**Stephen Nicholas stays, Akeem Dent goes in nickel.**More Justin Durant than DeAndre Levy in nickel, though remains package dependent.**DJ Smith likely stays in nickel.**Curtis Brinkley out in the nickel.**Mychal Kendricks took every nickel snap ahead of Brian Rolle, though Jamar Chaney out.**KJ Wright every down, Leroy Hill over Bobby Wagner when in nickel.**Mason Foster and Quincy Black first team nickel. (Still think David takes over for Black soon.)**Perry Riley and London Fletcher in nickel.
Curtis brinkley?
Jasper Brinkley
 
Still reviewing this week's games, but some quick observations today. A couple of surprises with the rookie alignments, but most of the veteran situations are as expected.**Kelvin Sheppard out as expected in subpackages.**Rey Maualuga in the nickel with Thomas Howard before his injury.**Joe Mays in most subpackages with Wes Woodyard.**Still early, but lots of 6-7 DB subs in New England, Mayo the primary LB.**Donald Butler playing every down. Demorrio Williams in for Takeo Spikes in nickel.**Stephen Nicholas stays, Akeem Dent goes in nickel.**More Justin Durant than DeAndre Levy in nickel, though remains package dependent.**DJ Smith likely stays in nickel.**Curtis Brinkley out in the nickel.**Mychal Kendricks took every nickel snap ahead of Brian Rolle, though Jamar Chaney out.**KJ Wright every down, Leroy Hill over Bobby Wagner when in nickel.**Mason Foster and Quincy Black first team nickel. (Still think David takes over for Black soon.)**Perry Riley and London Fletcher in nickel.
Curtis brinkley?
Jasper Brinkley
Oof, yes, thanks.
 
'Jene Bramel said:
'SeanTaylor21 said:
Still reviewing this week's games, but some quick observations today. A couple of surprises with the rookie alignments, but most of the veteran situations are as expected.**Kelvin Sheppard out as expected in subpackages.**Rey Maualuga in the nickel with Thomas Howard before his injury.**Joe Mays in most subpackages with Wes Woodyard.**Still early, but lots of 6-7 DB subs in New England, Mayo the primary LB.**Donald Butler playing every down. Demorrio Williams in for Takeo Spikes in nickel.**Stephen Nicholas stays, Akeem Dent goes in nickel.**More Justin Durant than DeAndre Levy in nickel, though remains package dependent.**DJ Smith likely stays in nickel.**Curtis Brinkley out in the nickel.**Mychal Kendricks took every nickel snap ahead of Brian Rolle, though Jamar Chaney out.**KJ Wright every down, Leroy Hill over Bobby Wagner when in nickel.**Mason Foster and Quincy Black first team nickel. (Still think David takes over for Black soon.)**Perry Riley and London Fletcher in nickel.
Curtis brinkley?
Jasper Brinkley
Oof, yes, thanks.
I noticed Conner was coming out in the nickle yesterday b4 Angerer went down?Anything 2 be worried about?
 
San Diego: Takeo Spikes, Donald Butler, ? Shaun PhillipsJonas Mouton got any chance?
Not as an every-down backer this year. Spikes is entrenched at one position and I think Butler takes over as the centerpiece of the defense this year. Small chance Mouton earns a rotational role sometime this year, but it may take an injury for extended playing time.
Awesome first half for Butler tonight.
 
The Buccaneers have inserted rookie WLB Lavonte David into their nickel package.Already holding a starting job, David will be an every-down player in Greg Schiano's defense. David will square off with Jimmy Graham, Tony Gonzalez, and Greg Olsen in the NFC South, so his coverage skills will be tested. It's still great news for his IDP value. We like his chances of leading the Bucs in tackles.
From Rotoworld
 
The Buccaneers have inserted rookie WLB Lavonte David into their nickel package.

Already holding a starting job, David will be an every-down player in Greg Schiano's defense. David will square off with Jimmy Graham, Tony Gonzalez, and Greg Olsen in the NFC South, so his coverage skills will be tested. It's still great news for his IDP value. We like his chances of leading the Bucs in tackles.
From Rotoworld
Click the actual link

"The Bucs sometimes include David in their nickel package"

He may end up being a 3-down guy, but nothing is confirmed.

Terrible journalism by rotoworld.

 
think NYG needs an Update

Giants WLB Michael Boley has missed almost all of training camp due to a hamstring pull.Boley admitted he's "very concerned" after he struggled to even run at full speed on Tuesday. IDP owners in search of linebacker depth can do better. Aug 22 - 9:56 AM

 
think NYG needs an UpdateGiants WLB Michael Boley has missed almost all of training camp due to a hamstring pull.Boley admitted he's "very concerned" after he struggled to even run at full speed on Tuesday. IDP owners in search of linebacker depth can do better. Aug 22 - 9:56 AM
Boley is a clear every-down linebacker when healthy. I doubt he misses much time if any. The other linebackers on that team are nothing special. Once Boley gets back, he doesn't have a whole lot of serious competition for tackles in my opinion.
 
Kuechly was not an every down LB during the 3rd preseason game.

How much is he downgraded by this?

DeMeco Ryans is a available in my league.

 
think NYG needs an UpdateGiants WLB Michael Boley has missed almost all of training camp due to a hamstring pull.Boley admitted he's "very concerned" after he struggled to even run at full speed on Tuesday. IDP owners in search of linebacker depth can do better. Aug 22 - 9:56 AM
Boley is a clear every-down linebacker when healthy. I doubt he misses much time if any. The other linebackers on that team are nothing special. Once Boley gets back, he doesn't have a whole lot of serious competition for tackles in my opinion.
Listen to Anthony
 
Kuechly was not an every down LB during the 3rd preseason game. How much is he downgraded by this?DeMeco Ryans is a available in my league.
I noticed the same thing but dang he was in on every tackle. His final stats were 2 tackles and 8 assists. I thought he had more tackles then that. Ironically, the Sunday night crew were talking about as good a tackler Kuechly is, he is even better in pass protection. :confused:
 
Kuechly was not an every down LB during the 3rd preseason game. How much is he downgraded by this?DeMeco Ryans is a available in my league.
I noticed the same thing but dang he was in on every tackle. His final stats were 2 tackles and 8 assists. I thought he had more tackles then that. Ironically, the Sunday night crew were talking about as good a tackler Kuechly is, he is even better in pass protection. :confused:
The stat keeper tonight was imitating the Colts stat keeper with all the assists but he did look impressive. I just hope if he is not in the nickel/dime that he can be consistent week to week.
 
think NYG needs an UpdateGiants WLB Michael Boley has missed almost all of training camp due to a hamstring pull.Boley admitted he's "very concerned" after he struggled to even run at full speed on Tuesday. IDP owners in search of linebacker depth can do better. Aug 22 - 9:56 AM
Boley is a clear every-down linebacker when healthy. I doubt he misses much time if any. The other linebackers on that team are nothing special. Once Boley gets back, he doesn't have a whole lot of serious competition for tackles in my opinion.
Listen to Anthony
Thanks, been holding Bol and will keep him now;
 
Kuechly was not an every down LB during the 3rd preseason game. How much is he downgraded by this?DeMeco Ryans is a available in my league.
I noticed the same thing but dang he was in on every tackle. His final stats were 2 tackles and 8 assists. I thought he had more tackles then that. Ironically, the Sunday night crew were talking about as good a tackler Kuechly is, he is even better in pass protection. :confused:
The stat keeper tonight was imitating the Colts stat keeper with all the assists but he did look impressive. I just hope if he is not in the nickel/dime that he can be consistent week to week.
As impressive as Keuchly looks, I can't see him being a 2-down linebacker for long. His instincts are impressive. He may not start the year as a 3-down LB, but in my opinion, it's just a matter of time. Might be a good time to buy low in redraft leagues.
 
The Carolina game isn't yet available on Game Rewind, but I can't imagine a scenario in which a healthy Kuechly isn't on the field every down.

Of the situations I've reviewed, two important changes seem evident.

Lavonte David is now a nickel linebacker (was always a matter of time). Adam Hayward played over Quincy Black with David (Foster missed the game) so it would appear it'll be Foster and David as the every-down backers in Tampa.

Jamar Chaney was in uniform and playing for Philly but Mychal Kendricks was still playing in the first team nickel. Will watch the practice reports closely on that this week.

 

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