Can we preserve LVE by keeping him at OLB?

[Coogiguy03]

Does it benefit the Cowboys playing LVE at OLB instead of MLB? I'm drawing a blank if he plays MLB or OLB, I know we wanted him to go to OLB because he struggled getting off blocks, etc. In the long run, is this the best solution going forward? We need to keep him away from getting injured with the neck issue he has, we need him going forward. I think he can play MLB and OLB, please give your thoughts

 

[Ranching]

Does it benefit the Cowboys playing LVE at OLB instead of MLB? I'm drawing a blank if he plays MLB or OLB, I know we wanted him to go to OLB because he struggled getting off blocks, etc. In the long run, is this the best solution going forward? We need to keep him away from getting injured with the neck issue he has, we need him going forward. I think he can play MLB and OLB, please give your thoughts

I don't think he has the speed and quickness to play on the outside. Playing from 7 tech to 7 tech is Where he belongs

 

[Coogiguy03]

I don't think he has the speed and quickness to play on the outside. Playing from 7 tech to 7 tech is Where he belongs

does he have enough toughness to man the middle? or is clark stronger for the middle spot?

 

[Ranching]

does he have enough toughness to man the middle? or is clark stronger for the middle spot?

He does

 

[speedkilz88]

LVE played the Mike last year but Clark may change that.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Does it benefit the Cowboys playing LVE at OLB instead of MLB? I'm drawing a blank if he plays MLB or OLB, I know we wanted him to go to OLB because he struggled getting off blocks, etc. In the long run, is this the best solution going forward? We need to keep him away from getting injured with the neck issue he has, we need him going forward. I think he can play MLB and OLB, please give your thoughts

You mean can we hide him? Should have never resigned him.

 

[shabazz]

I would say formaldehyde would be the way to go…..


we all saw what happened to the run game against us when he was out….it was undeniable

 

[rags747]

I like Clark but he mostly did absolutely nothing last year. Yes it was great to see him on the field early but you could definitely see that he had been away for awhile. Hopefully this year he comes in much more dominant.

 

[charron]

Wanna help LVE? Get a good run stuffing DT.

 

[quickccc]

Our LB depth is utterly frightenng now .... Cox ? Harper ?

 

[thunderpimp91]

Unless we see a significant change to the roster, like signing a Bobby Wagner type of player LVE is the middle backer without question. Now we don't know what DQ may change from 2022 to 2023, but with what we know of the defense we will typically see a middle and weak side backer with a 3rd safety basically playing the strong side role. I think LVE can play all three LB positions however he's best suited for the middle, weak side is probably the worst thing you could do for him. He has the size and athleticism to run with TEs in the seam, he also does a heck of a job covering RBs. DQ didn't use LVE in a traditional run stopping middle backer position last season which I believe helped keep him healthy. Fans need to accept that LVEs role isnt an old school ultra aggressive quick fill approach, but instead more of a conservative LB having LVE take on the Olineman directly at the 2nd level and reading the RB. Ideally under this approach LVE shouldn't be racking up the tackle numbers as the goal is for the tackle to be made before the ball carrier gets to LVE....and when that doesnt happen LVE is there to clean it up and chase a RB down from behind which is where most people are critical of LVE. Reality is though that's just the system the Cowboys used in 2022. While I'm not a huge fan of this style of middle backer it fits what the Cowboys are doing and their personnel. It allows your playmakers up front be more aggressive and go for the minus plays that can kill drives for an offense. It also lets the back end of your defense be more aggressive so Kearse/Wilson can take more risks at the LOS. The interesting piece to keep an eye on though is during the playoffs DQ flipped the script a bit and had LVE playing a more aggressive style. My guess is that everyone on the Cowboys side knows this isn't a viable long term strategy with LVE, but we do know that DQ isn't afraid to let LVE attack situationally.

Moving LVE to the weak side I think is a bad move because now you need him to seal off the cutback lanes in the run game, and instead of covering TEs he is now taking on more matchups with WRs running crossing routes. Long term I think Clark could take on pretty much any role you ask him to, but the weak side backer is where I could see him plug in right away. Most backers his size get thrown inside right away, but Clark has the speed to stay outside IMO.

 

[Mr_437]

This is LVE's pre-draft scouting report:
Weaknesses

• Has just one year of starting experience
• Still filling out his frame
• Play strength has room for improvement
• Has some struggles in taking on blocks and will get washed away by down blocks
• Hasn't learned to use hands effectively to punch and separate
• Takes himself out of tackle opportunities by attacking iso-blocks and lead blocks with a shoulder
• At times, will over pursue or run himself out of position in attempt to play fast and avoid having to deal with blockers

Those weaknesses haven't changed much, and that's not the profile of a MLB who can stop the run. LVE'S best season may have been his rookie season where he played WILB with Jaylon at MLB.

The best thing they can do for #55 is get Hankins back + another big run stuffing monster to protect LVE so he can flow to the ball unbothered for the most part.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Wanna help LVE? Get a good run stuffing DT.

 

[visionary]

Does it benefit the Cowboys playing LVE at OLB instead of MLB? I'm drawing a blank if he plays MLB or OLB, I know we wanted him to go to OLB because he struggled getting off blocks, etc. In the long run, is this the best solution going forward? We need to keep him away from getting injured with the neck issue he has, we need him going forward. I think he can play MLB and OLB, please give your thoughts

Bubble wrap or mummify if you want to preserve him

 

[exciter]

Does it benefit the Cowboys playing LVE at OLB instead of MLB? I'm drawing a blank if he plays MLB or OLB, I know we wanted him to go to OLB because he struggled getting off blocks, etc. In the long run, is this the best solution going forward? We need to keep him away from getting injured with the neck issue he has, we need him going forward. I think he can play MLB and OLB, please give your thoughts

So move a player out of the best position for his current athleticism and in opposition to the scheme the DC likes to run in some convoluted scheme to “preserve” him when chances are probably at least 50% we release him before next season. Eh, think at this point he’s a nice stop gap for when Clark is ready to take over, not something they’re looking at as a long term option!