Did we really miss Dat

[sportsman]

should Dat be the starting MLB?

 

[TheHustler]

When he's healthy, without a doubt.

 

[Murph80]

In the 3-4 defense I am not so sure. Dat is a hell of a player I just don't think he is big enough for this style of D. Shanle is perfect for this D.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

without a doubt

 

[Eskimo]

We haven't missed Dat much yet because neither the Giants nor the Eagles tried to run the ball much. As for the Eagles, that is the nature of their offense. As for the Giants, they fell in love with Eli throwing and did not commit to the running attack - but they did run effectively when they tried to do so.

I really hope Dat will be back because I don't have much confidence in the James/Shanle combo against the run.

 

[baj1dallas]

I think it's a weakness teams will start looking to exploit if Dat doesn't come back.

 

[blindzebra]

In the 3-4 defense I am not so sure. Dat is a hell of a player I just don't think he is big enough for this style of D. Shanle is perfect for this D.

Dat 238

Shanle 237

Hmmm.

 

[followthestar]

Dat 238

Shanle 237

Hmmm.

all factual material must go on the "Fact Forum" not here where we make personal attacks, sling rumors, and generally behave like children. when in doubt, please read the guidelines... *roll eyes*

 

[Murph80]

Dat 5'11 238 Shanle 6'2 237


Shanle Bigger

 

[blindzebra]

Dat 5'11 238 Shanle 6'2 237


Shanle Bigger

No he's taller, and based on that weight/height ratio Dat is bigger in muscle mass, and is stronger.

But keep living in la-la land.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Word is.. Dat plays the run better than Shanle. Shanle plays the pass better than Dat. The last two games have been passing teams. Shanle shined.

Seahawks have a good running threat and a great QB. Dat will get his share of plays as well as Shanle, no matter who starts. JMO.

And to add... There will come a time when Dat will go bye bye, but he's still a productive veteran. Not sure why everyone is ready to push him out the door.

 

[Murph80]

Shanle 245 nfl.com

 

[TheHustler]

DC.com has Dat at 238 and Shanle at 237. I'll go with DC.com.

Not to mention Dat is just better.

 

[Sarge]

We haven't missed Dat much yet because neither the Giants nor the Eagles tried to run the ball much. As for the Eagles, that is the nature of their offense. As for the Giants, they fell in love with Eli throwing and did not commit to the running attack - but they did run effectively when they tried to do so.

I really hope Dat will be back because I don't have much confidence in the James/Shanle combo against the run.

Bingo.

 

[ghst187]

Word is.. Dat plays the run better than Shanle. Shanle plays the pass better than Dat. The last two games have been passing teams. Shanle shined.

Seahawks have a good running threat and a great QB. Dat will get his share of plays as well as Shanle, no matter who starts. JMO.

And to add... There will come a time when Dat will go bye bye, but he's still a productive veteran. Not sure why everyone is ready to push him out the door.

I agree on all accounts.
I will add though that playing as an undersized, run stopping LB is probably taking a heavy toll on Dat and his career will probably be shorter than some expect. I'm not sure if Dat may already be playing on borrowed time. I'm definitely not ready to push Dat out the door but I think we definitely need to make contingency plans at his position. Not sure if Shanle is that guy yet.

On a related note, what happened to Kalen Thorton? I liked that guy quite a bit. Seemed to have good quickness and speed and he got after the QB really well.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I'm really not sure why Shanle isn't starting outside of the fact he can play special teams better than Dat. According to Parcells, Shanle is a better cover guy than Dat and IMHO, he makes more plays.

Sure, I like having Dat around because he adds to the depth and is a good players. But, I honestly think Shanle is better.


Rich.....

 

[AbeBeta]

Is it really Shanle? Or is it Bradie James stepping up that makes it look like we don't miss Dat? I think it is about James playing better. And for the record BP said Shanle and Dat were about equal against the pass but Dat is better against the run.

 

[SupermanXx]

I think I'll go with Bill Parcells' evaluation and not Yakuza Rich's.

 

[junk]

I'm really not sure why Shanle isn't starting outside of the fact he can play special teams better than Dat. According to Parcells, Shanle is a better cover guy than Dat and IMHO, he makes more plays.

Sure, I like having Dat around because he adds to the depth and is a good players. But, I honestly think Shanle is better.


Rich.....

Dat was making way more plays than Shanle is. Shanle's big plays came when he is only playing nickel.

Shanle's stats in his two starts:
5 tackles.

Not trying to take anything away from Shanle because he has far exceeded my expectations of him. I was pretty much dead wrong on what I thought he could be in the league, but I still think he is a better situational/rotational guy.

In his two starts, teams haven't done much running on him. This is a real test for him this week.

Eventually (as in the next couple of years) Dat will be phased out. Until then though, he and Ware are the only LBers making big plays.

 

[Derinyar]

When we replace Dat I expect it to be for someone who is a clear upgrade. Shanle isn't a clear upgrade, and could well be a downgrade. Why replace Dat other than some people don't seem to like him as a player on here.