10 things to know about Jasper Brinkley

[AsthmaField]

Several of the local media that are close to the team are convinced that RoMc wouldn't be back if not for Jerry. It's well know that some of the coaches were not in favor of him returning. They gave Brinkley a good bit of money to be a backup player at a position that is only on they field 34% of the snaps.

That doesn't convince me, although I admit it could be true. Local media has said things like that about Jerry for years now, and that aren't nearly as plugged-in as they like people to believe.

For instance, this summer just about everything that Fisher said was the opposite of what really happened.

I'm not saying it isn't true, because we don't know... but just because the media guessed at what they always guess at, doesn't mean it is true.

 

[AsthmaField]

Yes, he was the biggest off the line (non 3-4 OLB) LB that I've seen. His position as an ILB in the Steelers 3-4 was a little more forgiving in regards to coverage duties than a LB in a 4-3, but he was still better in coverage than Bradie James ever was.

I think the 285 was at the end of his career. He was probably not quite that big at his peak.

His coverage was actually pretty decent. Very surprising for his size. I remember him dropping straight back down the middle and coming away with a very acrobatic over the shoulder INT.

He was a unique player.

Like you mentioned... I think he started at about 275... which is still huge, even for a 34 ILB. I don't think he had McClain's length either, although I can't remember for sure.

 

[AsthmaField]

Sure. But McClain really makes plays in the passing game - he isn't great in coverage but he's got nice instincts.

I agree, McClain is better in coverage than you'd think looking at his size.

With everything being equal, I'd rather have McClain in there... but at least Brinkley can be that physical presence in the middle if Ro isn't available.

 

[StarBoyz83]

The whole lb core is question marks. I can't find really anything about any of the guys we picked up. All journeyman but that doesn't mean that they can't find a home here for now.

 

[AsthmaField]

The whole lb core is question marks. I can't find really anything about any of the guys we picked up. All journeyman but that doesn't mean that they can't find a home here for now.

I remember watching Brinkley at S Carolina and thinking what a strong and brutal run defender he was. His problem comes into play on passing downs. In the modern NFL game, guys like Brinkley are a limited commodity because of all the passing involved these days.

Like xwalker said... 30 years ago he very well could have been a star MLB.

But for an intimidating presence in the middle similar to McClain on run downs, you just about couldn't find a better guy than Brinkley.

With Marinelli, who loves substitutions and to keep guys fresh, Brinkley was a very smart get.

 

[xwalker]

That doesn't convince me, although I admit it could be true. Local media has said things like that about Jerry for years now, and that aren't nearly as plugged-in as they like people to believe.

For instance, this summer just about everything that Fisher said was the opposite of what really happened.

I'm not saying it isn't true, because we don't know... but just because the media guessed at what they always guess at, doesn't mean it is true.

Was Fisher himself really wrong? The problem I remember is that his minions were wrong and he would then come along a couple of days later and say the exact opposite of what his minions said. I mostly listen to him when he comes on the radio more than what he writes, but the things he says on he radio seem to be fairly accurate. He bought that website last year and is not great at managing his minions over there, but his own opinions were fairly accurate from what I recall.

There is certain group of local media that when they all say the same thing, it normally turns out to be true.

 

[xwalker]

His coverage was actually pretty decent. Very surprising for his size. I remember him dropping straight back down the middle and coming away with a very acrobatic over the shoulder INT.

He was a unique player.

Like you mentioned... I think he started at about 275... which is still huge, even for a 34 ILB. I don't think he had McClain's length either, although I can't remember for sure.

I don't think he was over 6-2.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

LOL @ Turd Quota.

 

[AbeBeta]

[quote="AsthmaField, post: 6188523, member: 428]

With Marinelli, who loves substitutions and to keep guys fresh, Brinkley was a very smart get.[/quote]

I honestly don't think there is much to the sub here. Brinkley leaves the field and Lee and Hitch remain. Hitch played OK in coverage last year

 

[AsthmaField]

I honestly don't think there is much to the sub here. Brinkley leaves the field and Lee and Hitch remain. Hitch played OK in coverage last year

Speaking of the LB's, I agree. Lee and Hitch will play a ton and Brinkley (or Ro) will be subbed out for a DB on passing downs.

The DL will have a ton of rotation among all of the positions.

 

[Redball Express]

Funny how things seem to fall in place like that sometimes. I can't remember when we've been this set at LB.

Yeah..

Like maybe back in 70's with Chuck Howley and Leroy Jordan and Hollywood Henderson.

Or the 90s with Ken Norton Jr.

LBer has always been a tween position b/w the old flex defense and going to the 3-4 under Parcells.

So glad we are back to 4-3 and we can find guys to fit roles instead of inventing roles to fit players like they had to do with Ware and Ratcliff and Spencer and so many others that just never were a good fit.

I think Lee is going to be the surprise for us all.

I'm hoping like heck he plays a full season.

 

[ufcrules1]

It appears our LB's are loaded. Our DE's are loaded our DB's need a little something.
But we are looking pretty good.

No team can ever be awesome in all positions but we are pretty close. Super Bowl 2015!

 

[casmith07]

It appears our LB's are loaded. Our DE's are loaded our DB's need a little something.
But we are looking pretty good.

Barring major injury concerns, we're built to win.

 

[AbeBeta]

Speaking of the LB's, I agree. Lee and Hitch will play a ton and Brinkley (or Ro) will be subbed out for a DB on passing downs.

The DL will have a ton of rotation among all of the positions.

Oh, I expect Ro is in over Hitch on passing downs. He's just got an instinct thing that makes him better. Not perfect but does make some plays

 

[Irvin88_4life]

But his big, physical presence will be a continuation of what McClain brings to the middle of the base D (minus the crazy gene, of course). If one goes out for a couple of games, that intimidator in the middle is still there.

Looking forward to a WR coming across the middle and get planted by MLB or safety

 

[Irvin88_4life]

Oh, I expect Ro is in over Hitch on passing downs. He's just got an instinct thing that makes him better. Not perfect but does make some plays

I thought Hitchens did well in the pass last year, the play against Detroit in the playoffs showed him in perfect position

 

[AsthmaField]

Oh, I expect Ro is in over Hitch on passing downs. He's just got an instinct thing that makes him better. Not perfect but does make some plays

Do you really? I didn't think so but you could be right. McClain does seem to cover better than you'd think.

If I had to guess I'd say Hitch is in when they're in the nickle, but they could end up with Ro in there.

 

[AsthmaField]

Looking forward to a WR coming across the middle and get planted by MLB or safety

Me too... but these days it will just be a 15 yard penalty for hitting a "defenseless" receiver.

 

[TrailBlazer]

Funny how things seem to fall in place like that sometimes. I can't remember when we've been this set at LB.

We lost carter and Durant from last year. Don't think we replaced them with better players. Sean Lee and Ro can't be trusted. That leaves hitchens as the only legit starter. The LB corp was deeper going in to last season. Then Lee got hurt. If that happens again dallas won't have the same depth behind him.

They also lost Holloman last offseason.

 

[AbeBeta]

I thought Hitchens did well in the pass last year, the play against Detroit in the playoffs showed him in perfect position

Pretty sure that back turned to the play, arms up in desperation isn't a good position