Jaylon Smith is a major key in turning around this defense

Cowboyny

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Many will argue that Jaylon Smith production took a major hit last season. The novice fans who watched the games would see:

-Jaylon struggling against the run. Had a very difficult time disengaging from blocks.
-Was exposed somewhat in pass coverage
-Probably his best attribute was as an inside blitzer.
-Certainly didn't help losing LVE, along with assistant coaches fighting over how to use him.
-Clearly still has some physical limitations
-Doesn't possess elite instincts at the position
-Possesses elite athletic attributes, tremendous short area burst and straightline speed.

In my opinion, Jaylon Smith has been miscast playing the Middle Linebacker position. He clearly is a run and hit type of linebacker, not the type who can consistently take on oncoming blockers in the run game. The new staff needs to put him into better positions to succeed, need to have him play more to his strengths. Mike Nolan last stop was as a LB Coach, it's up to him to figure out how to best use Jaylon. If Jaylon can return to 2019 form, it will be a major key in turning around this defense.
 

Bowdown27

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You’re correct. He shouldn’t have been middle linebacker. He shouldn’t be the mike. He needs to blitz more and have free reign. Lve should be middle linebacker and qb the defense.

I do think jaylon is a piece of getting the defense back to being disruptive. They need a lot of guys to step up. Nolan is the biggest factor and what he brings.
 

big dog cowboy

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darthseinfeld

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Many will argue that Jaylon Smith production took a major hit last season. The novice fans who watched the games would see:

-Jaylon struggling against the run. Had a very difficult time disengaging from blocks.
-Was exposed somewhat in pass coverage
-Probably his best attribute was as an inside blitzer.
-Certainly didn't help losing LVE, along with assistant coaches fighting over how to use him.
-Clearly still has some physical limitations
-Doesn't possess elite instincts at the position
-Possesses elite athletic attributes, tremendous short area burst and straightline speed.

In my opinion, Jaylon Smith has been miscast playing the Middle Linebacker position. He clearly is a run and hit type of linebacker, not the type who can consistently take on oncoming blockers in the run game. The new staff needs to put him into better positions to succeed, need to have him play more to his strengths. Mike Nolan last stop was as a LB Coach, it's up to him to figure out how to best use Jaylon. If Jaylon can return to 2019 form, it will be a major key in turning around this defense.
It looks as they they intended on playing him at Will
 

PAPPYDOG

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Love this kid even though he's still a Kid many times(fur coat anyone).
Just worried that injury was fatal in him not reaching his true potential.
Either way, Jerry got major heaven points with this one!!!
 

CowboyRoy

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Many will argue that Jaylon Smith production took a major hit last season. The novice fans who watched the games would see:

-Jaylon struggling against the run. Had a very difficult time disengaging from blocks.
-Was exposed somewhat in pass coverage
-Probably his best attribute was as an inside blitzer.
-Certainly didn't help losing LVE, along with assistant coaches fighting over how to use him.
-Clearly still has some physical limitations
-Doesn't possess elite instincts at the position
-Possesses elite athletic attributes, tremendous short area burst and straightline speed.

In my opinion, Jaylon Smith has been miscast playing the Middle Linebacker position. He clearly is a run and hit type of linebacker, not the type who can consistently take on oncoming blockers in the run game. The new staff needs to put him into better positions to succeed, need to have him play more to his strengths. Mike Nolan last stop was as a LB Coach, it's up to him to figure out how to best use Jaylon. If Jaylon can return to 2019 form, it will be a major key in turning around this defense.

I have been saying this for a couple years now. he is an outside backer, not a middle backer.

But...…………...the big reason he will have a good season is those two big DT's we signed in FA. Linebackers will be free to roam.
 

CalPolyTechnique

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Many will argue that Jaylon Smith production took a major hit last season. The novice fans who watched the games would see:

-Jaylon struggling against the run. Had a very difficult time disengaging from blocks.
-Was exposed somewhat in pass coverage
-Probably his best attribute was as an inside blitzer.
-Certainly didn't help losing LVE, along with assistant coaches fighting over how to use him.
-Clearly still has some physical limitations
-Doesn't possess elite instincts at the position
-Possesses elite athletic attributes, tremendous short area burst and straightline speed.

In my opinion, Jaylon Smith has been miscast playing the Middle Linebacker position. He clearly is a run and hit type of linebacker, not the type who can consistently take on oncoming blockers in the run game. The new staff needs to put him into better positions to succeed, need to have him play more to his strengths. Mike Nolan last stop was as a LB Coach, it's up to him to figure out how to best use Jaylon. If Jaylon can return to 2019 form, it will be a major key in turning around this defense.

I would agree with your overall assessment of Jaylon.

He needs to be given assignments e.g. blitz this gap; spy the QB or this RB; et cetera.

You do not want him reading and trying to diagnose. I think he’s an athletic linebacker with some chase and hit qualities but glaring weaknesses.
 

JBS

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I think one of the biggest positives to Nolan coming in as dc is the work he will do w our lbs..Nolan did a great job in NO w far less talent at lb than what Dallas has...I agree that a big piece to this defenses success will be what Nolan does w Jaylon and LVE.
 

CouchCoach

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If he is the major key, the D is in trouble. He's as healthy as he's going to get and if you've watched him closely you can see him read but he can't react quickly enough.

I think they should try Vander Esch at MLB, if his neck is completely healed and he gives them the advantage of a 6'4" rangy player in the middle of the field. Smith could be used in the blitz package more because his forward movement seems to be a lot easier than his lateral.

The major key to this D is going to be that DL. They've got to bring it to keep the stress off that secondary.
 

CWR

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Many will argue that Jaylon Smith production took a major hit last season. The novice fans who watched the games would see:

-Jaylon struggling against the run. Had a very difficult time disengaging from blocks.
-Was exposed somewhat in pass coverage
-Probably his best attribute was as an inside blitzer.
-Certainly didn't help losing LVE, along with assistant coaches fighting over how to use him.
-Clearly still has some physical limitations
-Doesn't possess elite instincts at the position
-Possesses elite athletic attributes, tremendous short area burst and straightline speed.

In my opinion, Jaylon Smith has been miscast playing the Middle Linebacker position. He clearly is a run and hit type of linebacker, not the type who can consistently take on oncoming blockers in the run game. The new staff needs to put him into better positions to succeed, need to have him play more to his strengths. Mike Nolan last stop was as a LB Coach, it's up to him to figure out how to best use Jaylon. If Jaylon can return to 2019 form, it will be a major key in turning around this defense.

All I know is he was damn good in 2018. I know hes capable. Having a couple of real DTs should keep him clean and free to head hunt.

Disclaimer - Bruce Carter had my approval as well.
 

DominantD

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There was good logic to trying Jaylon at MLB last year: Utilize his speed to get sideline to sideline. It wasn't a bad idea to see if he could develop the instincts & timing. However, the experiment didn't work as it takes more than pure speed. He has a chance to be a really good if we move him back outside.
 

InTheZone

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I like Smth, but whatever position he plays if he's going to be the Greg Ellis of 3-4 outside linebackers I don't think we need to be keeping him on the team any longer. If he still plays light on his feet and can't actually maneuver around a block he might not make it past preseason under MM.
 

Williamsboys

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"Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right"
"Here I am, Stuck in the middle thanks to Garrett".
Leave J Smith outside and use that speed.
 

Praxit

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...not that Jaylon is really good LB. He's needs coaching attributes to make him at his position better. Someone like Lee, wouldn't.
 

Cowboyny

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I have been saying this for a couple years now. he is an outside backer, not a middle backer.

But...…………...the big reason he will have a good season is those two big DT's we signed in FA. Linebackers will be free to roam.
Playing clean is the most important thing when it comes to Jaylon. I seen almost every time he's block, he never makes the play.
 

TheMarathonContinues

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People talk about how bad our good this defense was......but if Leighton and Jaylon had played like they did the year prior....?This defense would've been top 5 in the league.
 

Cowboyny

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I would agree with your overall assessment of Jaylon.

He needs to be given assignments e.g. blitz this gap; spy the QB or this RB; et cetera.

You do not want him reading and trying to diagnose. I think he’s an athletic linebacker with some chase and hit qualities but glaring weaknesses.

Team needs to find a role that will play more to his strengths. Last year was a total mess for him and how the coaches wanted to use him.
 
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