DMN Blog: Outside linebacker rotation up in the air (Wade pokes fun at Ellis)

[WoodysGirl]

10:51 AM Fri, Sep 18, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
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Wade Phillips would like to be able to rotate some of his outside linebackers, but Victor Butler, Steve Octavien and Curtis Johnson are not ready yet. As a result DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer have to play more.

So does that affect Phillips' scheme?

"DeMarcus played much of the season except when he was hiding behind the bench," Phillips said jokingly referring to Greg Ellis' comment in the off-season. "But those guys [Ware, Spencer] can go. Now last week was a little different because it was so hot. But it just depends on what you have. If you've got three guys you think can make a difference you try to play three. If you have two you think can make a difference, you play them."

Johnson has practiced this week after missing the opener with a hamstring injury but it does not sound like Phillips is ready to put him in this week.

"I think he can help too," Phillips said. "He's played. He's had a sack in an NFL game, so he's ahead of the other guys. He's got some skills. We'll just have to see how he comes along."



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[pancakeman]

I'll say it: I like Wade.

 

[sureletsrace]

I've always liked Wade, I'm not afraid to say it. I think he's a good coach. People don't give him the credit he deserves.

 

[dogunwo]

I've always liked Wade, I'm not afraid to say it. I think he's a good coach. People don't give him the credit he deserves.

Well, he's not a "rah, rah" guy and publicly chew people out and throw them under the bus, so people think he is soft. Yes, he is a player's coach, but that taskmaster style of coaching only works for a short period of time. This team is fairly young, but it is a veteran team with the headaches removed.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Outside linebacker rotation up in the air
10:51 AM Fri, Sep 18, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Todd Archer/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips


Wade Phillips would like to be able to rotate some of his outside linebackers, but Victor Butler, Steve Octavien and Curtis Johnson are not ready yet. As a result DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer have to play more.

So does that affect Phillips' scheme?

"DeMarcus played much of the season except when he was hiding behind the bench," Phillips saidm jokingly referring to Greg Ellis' comment in the off-season. "But those guys [Ware, Spencer] can go. Now last week was a little different because it was so hot. But it just depends on what you have. If you've got three guys you think can make a difference you try to play three. If you have two you think can make a difference, you play them."

Johnson has practiced this week after missing the opener with a hamstring injury but it does not sound like Phillips is ready to put him in this week.

"I think he can help too," Phillips said. "He's played. He's had a sack in an NFL game, so he's ahead of the other guys. He's got some skills. We'll just have to see how he comes along."

 

[DBOY3141]

Didn't we go down a similiar route last year with Felix, Bennett, Choice. Phillips hesitant to put them in the game. They can't get better if they don't play.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Johnson? He's only had literally three days of practice in a new defense playing a new position. Not a surprise he wouldn't be ready yet.

 

[NinePointOh]

Didn't we go down a similiar route last year with Felix, Bennett, Choice. Phillips hesitant to put them in the game. They can't get better if they don't play.

Those players seemed to improve just fine, didn't they?

 

[Bob Sacamano]

to be fair, RB is easy to transition to if you have talent

a little harder for OLBs, and then if the D wants to isolate one of them in coverage, it could be trouble

 

[Doomsday101]

Didn't we go down a similiar route last year with Felix, Bennett, Choice. Phillips hesitant to put them in the game. They can't get better if they don't play.

You don't play until you start showing enough to the coaching staff during the practice and meetings. This is not pre-season, when you go in they expect you to do the job not be lost out there

 

[ArmyCowboy]

Didn't we go down a similiar route last year with Felix, Bennett, Choice. Phillips hesitant to put them in the game. They can't get better if they don't play.

Most coaches are hesitant to put rookies into starting positions until they prove to the coach that they can be trusted.