Kiwanuka back to LB (1 Viewer)

[Anthony Borbely]

Link

Mathias Kiwanuka may still move around the field and play some defensive end for Perry Fewell.

But linebackers coach Jim Herrmann says Kiwanuka will be a linebacker, at least on first and second downs.

“He’s going to play linebacker this year,” Herrmann said. “In our base package he’s a linebacker. When we go to third down, all bets are off. We try to put the best people on the field to get pressure, to cover. It’s a different game to me. First and second downs are a completely different game than third. It’s like a whole different playbook. When we go to third down, he has multiple positions on third-down plays and our third-down package.”

Last year, Kiwanuka started the season opener at linebacker. He then saw action at linebacker and on the defensive line in the next two games before a neck injury ended his season. This year, it appears he will start games at linebacker and play the position on running downs. In passing situations, he could move to defensive end or he can always be used to bring pressure from his linebacker position as well.

While things could change if Osi Umenyiora ends up not playing for the Giants this season, it certainly appears as if the Giants are moving ahead with Kiwanuka at linebacker. With Umenyiora sitting out practices, the Giants have been putting Jason Pierre-Paul at defensive end opposite Justin Tuck with Kiwanuka at linebacker.

That also means linebacker Clint Sintim likely will be relegated to the second team.

“Clint has actually had a great camp so far,” Herrmann said of Sintim. “I really like where he’s at. He’s done a great job. He looks faster. He’s leaner. He’s done a great job out here. Anytime you can’t go into a season with three legit guys and someone gets hurt and you’re putting a non-legit guy in. So, he’s competing for a job as a starter wherever it is. Really, to me, they’re all interchangeable. They should all be able to play all the positions.”

 

[matttyl]

In my league, since I got Kiwi when he was listed as a DL, I can still use him there even with this move. With this news, what do you think his tackle and sack totals will be this season? Would 50-60 solo tackles be out of the question? 7+ sacks?

 

[flooredyas]

Unless MFL lists him as a DL I'm hating this.

 

[matttyl]

Unless MFL lists him as a DL I'm hating this.

He's still listed as one in my league.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Unless MFL lists him as a DL I'm hating this.

if hes a lber in the base package, which sounds like he is, theyll change it

 

[Mikey_B]

Unless MFL lists him as a DL I'm hating this.

He's still listed as one in my league.

He is now designated as a LB on RotoWorld. MFL should follow suit soon.

 

[matttyl]

In my league, since I got Kiwi when he was listed as a DL, I can still use him there even with this move. With this news, what do you think his tackle and sack totals will be this season? Would 50-60 solo tackles be out of the question? 7+ sacks?

Can I kinda bump the above question? What expectations should I have for him in this new position?

 

[blend]

ugh.. that stinks. Thought he'd have some great value as a DE this year.

 

[KellysHeroes]

They should wait to see hows hes used before they chnge his listing... I hate when stuff gets change because of camp fluff

Offical team Site

94 Kiwanuka, Mathias DE 6-5 267 28 6 Boston College

 

[Hoodoo]

UGHH!!! As soo as I trade the guy I just know they will put him back at DE. I hate the Giants

 

[Anthony Borbely]

They should wait to see hows hes used before they chnge his listing... I hate when stuff gets change because of camp fluffOffical team Site94 Kiwanuka, Mathias DE 6-5 267 28 6 Boston College

A coach announced that he is playing LB on 1st and 2nd down at a minimum. I would agree with you if it was just a report, but it came from the coaches.