Can Anthony Hitchens Be A Successful SAM LB?

[NeonDeion21]

As it stands right now (barring injury and the health of Rolando McClain) we are looking at a starting linebacker group of Sean Lee, Rolando McClain and sophomore Anthony Hitchens switching to the strong-side linebacker (or SAM) position. In year one, Hitchens lined up all over the field, but played the most (and his best) at the middle linebacker spot. Hitchens will be asked to make a big transition in 2015, and I’m not quite convinced he can do that…yet.

In today’s piece, we are going to look at how Anthony Hitchens projects as a full-time SAM linebacker and how his strengths and weakness will play into his success at the position. But before I talk about these things, I want to give you a quick over-view of what a SAM linebacker is and what they typically look like. In Pat Kirwan’s book, “Take Your Eyes Off The Ball”, he explains what a SAM linebacker’s role is for a 4-3 team:

“The SAM-backer is a bit of a hybrid player. Lining up on the strong side, he’s usually the tallest, strongest linebacker, so he probably can fit just as well as an outside backer in a 3-4. He has to be stout enough to take on the tight end (or even the right tackle) when offenses run their power plays at him, but he also must be agile enough to cover the tight end when the safety is inserted into the box to provide run support.” – Pat Kirwan

Read the rest at: http://all22breakdown.com/?p=3065

 

[EMMITTnROY]

Our starting three LBs are all basically MLBs. But they're also all very good, so I'm not worried at all about our starting corps and where they're lining up.

Their talent + Marinelli's coaching = we will be just fine.

 

[RJ_MacReady]

I like him there more than I do Wilber and he can actually give us positional flex. Hopefully, this is the year that we can finally ditch a few of the players that are only kept around because of special teams (Yeah....I'm looking at you, Cam Lawrence).

 

[Brooksey]

As it stands right now (barring injury and the health of Rolando McClain) we are looking at a starting linebacker group of Sean Lee, Rolando McClain and sophomore Anthony Hitchens switching to the strong-side linebacker (or SAM) position. In year one, Hitchens lined up all over the field, but played the most (and his best) at the middle linebacker spot. Hitchens will be asked to make a big transition in 2015, and I’m not quite convinced he can do that…yet.

In today’s piece, we are going to look at how Anthony Hitchens projects as a full-time SAM linebacker and how his strengths and weakness will play into his success at the position. But before I talk about these things, I want to give you a quick over-view of what a SAM linebacker is and what they typically look like. In Pat Kirwan’s book, “Take Your Eyes Off The Ball”, he explains what a SAM linebacker’s role is for a 4-3 team:
“The SAM-backer is a bit of a hybrid player. Lining up on the strong side, he’s usually the tallest, strongest linebacker, so he probably can fit just as well as an outside backer in a 3-4. He has to be stout enough to take on the tight end (or even the right tackle) when offenses run their power plays at him, but he also must be agile enough to cover the tight end when the safety is inserted into the box to provide run support.” – Pat Kirwan

Read the rest at: http://all22breakdown.com/?p=3065

I don't think Hitchens is or will be a SAM LB. He's a MLB or Will. Kyle Wilbur is a better SAM.

 

[EMMITTnROY]

I don't think Hitchens is or will be a SAM LB. He's a MLB or Will. Kyle Wilbur is a better SAM.

The coaches have basically come out and said that RoMac is our starting MLB, Lee is our starting WLB and Hitchens is our starting SAM LB.

 

[CyberB0b]

The coaches have basically come out and said that RoMac is our starting MLB, Lee is our starting WLB and Hitchens is our starting SAM LB.

I'm sure he'll get some work at all 3 slots. I don't expect Sean Lee or Ro Mac to make it a full season.

 

[jterrell]

Hitchens is too good to not get on the field.
So he'll play SAM if the stars stay healthy but reality is he likely plays all over again as he fills in where needed.

Wilber is not close to being better than Hitchens.

SAM will play about 1/3 the snaps so it isn't really a big deal.

In reading the article earlier I found myself lost in the assumptions.
Hitchens is a good LB so the fact he isn't real tall or weighs 5 more pounds means very little to me.
Almost no 4-3 defenses are exactly the same but generally it is accepted they need to be able to take on lead blocks and also cover TEs.
Hitchens at 6' and 240 is pretty adept at those roles.
Being shorter actually helps in filling holes due to leverage.
240 is still heavier than virtually any FB or TE coming thru the hole to block.
That leaves the only thing extra height would matter on is pass plays down the field where the LB ends up trailing and needs to bat down passes.

Justin Durant did the job VERY well at 6'1" and 230 pounds. His issue was staying healthy. I'd think the extra 10 pounds and many years younger would help Hitchens.
I find it weird there was no breakdown of how Durant played the position last year since we know it is the same scheme.

 

[xwalker]

As it stands right now (barring injury and the health of Rolando McClain) we are looking at a starting linebacker group of Sean Lee, Rolando McClain and sophomore Anthony Hitchens switching to the strong-side linebacker (or SAM) position. In year one, Hitchens lined up all over the field, but played the most (and his best) at the middle linebacker spot. Hitchens will be asked to make a big transition in 2015, and I’m not quite convinced he can do that…yet.

In today’s piece, we are going to look at how Anthony Hitchens projects as a full-time SAM linebacker and how his strengths and weakness will play into his success at the position. But before I talk about these things, I want to give you a quick over-view of what a SAM linebacker is and what they typically look like. In Pat Kirwan’s book, “Take Your Eyes Off The Ball”, he explains what a SAM linebacker’s role is for a 4-3 team:
“The SAM-backer is a bit of a hybrid player. Lining up on the strong side, he’s usually the tallest, strongest linebacker, so he probably can fit just as well as an outside backer in a 3-4. He has to be stout enough to take on the tight end (or even the right tackle) when offenses run their power plays at him, but he also must be agile enough to cover the tight end when the safety is inserted into the box to provide run support.” – Pat Kirwan

Read the rest at: http://all22breakdown.com/?p=3065

Who was the SLB in Marinelli's final year in Chicago. I think is was Hayes or Roach who both weighed less than Hitchens, IIRC and are both about Hitchens height or slightly taller.

Who was the Bucs SLB in the 2002 Super Bowl season. I have in mind it was a smallish guy.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Sure he can. After all, he's a gem.

 

[jrumann59]

The kid may not be as athletic as Carter but I think he is twice as "smart" when it comes to knowing what he is doing. The critique was a bit critical on a rookie that basically covered 3 positions during his rookie year. I do not think there are many vets that could do as well as he did.

 

[Plankton]

Who was the SLB in Marinelli's final year in Chicago. I think is was Hayes or Roach who both weighed less than Hitchens, IIRC and are both about Hitchens height or slightly taller.

Who was the Bucs SLB in the 2002 Super Bowl season. I have in mind it was a smallish guy.

Al Singleton. He signed with the Cowboys after that season. He was 6'2", 230 ish.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Who was the SLB in Marinelli's final year in Chicago. I think is was Hayes or Roach who both weighed less than Hitchens, IIRC and are both about Hitchens height or slightly taller.

Who was the Bucs SLB in the 2002 Super Bowl season. I have in mind it was a smallish guy.

Cannot remember if Nickerson was Mike or Sam. Think Mike.

 

[erod]

The defense will be in the nickel or dime most of the time anyway, so usually there will only be two linebackers.

 

[Brooksey]

The coaches have basically come out and said that RoMac is our starting MLB, Lee is our starting WLB and Hitchens is our starting SAM LB.

Link for that?

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

Link for that?

Any of the Dallas news media.

http://cowboysblog.***BANNED-URL***...ve-sean-lee-to-his-most-natural-position.html

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/05/09/matt-eberflus-sean-lee’s-transition-will

 

[Teague31]

All he has to do is beat out Wilber. Shouldn't be too hard

 

[Plankton]

Cannot remember if Nickerson was Mike or Sam. Think Mike.

Nickerson wasn't on the 2002 Bucs. Shelton Quarles was their MLB.

 

[gmoney112]

Like someone else said, we'll be in nickel a ton.

Also, the dynamics and position "labels" have changed a lot recently. There is a classic "SAM" backer as designated by definition, but it's not etched in stone. More teams are adopting "Leo" type players for the SAM, and it looks like we're adopting a "play the best 3" approach, designating the player that has the best combination of athleticism and play recognition to the Will.

I have 0 doubt he'll be a good "SAM". And if McClain/Lee stay healthy, he'll end up looking very good.

 

[Brooksey]

Any of the Dallas news media.

http://cowboysblog.***BANNED-URL***...ve-sean-lee-to-his-most-natural-position.html

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/05/09/matt-eberflus-sean-lee’s-transition-will

Thank you, can't see him excelling at SAM, but hey ya never know...wait what the hell do i know.

 

[Brooksey]

Any of the Dallas news media.

http://cowboysblog.***BANNED-URL***...ve-sean-lee-to-his-most-natural-position.html

http://www.dallascowboys.com/video/2015/05/09/matt-eberflus-sean-lee’s-transition-will

I was referring to Hitch at SAM, I know where Lee and Rolando are playing. There is nothing in the links about Hitch playing the SAM. In fact at the end of of the video with Coach Eberlus, he immediately says Hitch is a Mike or WILL. He says he could also play the SAM but didn't say he was starting at SAM. It basically sounds like he can play in a pinch, but that's not where they want him.

4:40 in the video, turn up your volume.