News: Film Room: Can Anthony Hitchens be a successful SAM linebacker for Dallas?

[CCBoy]

Film Room: Can Anthony Hitchens be a successful SAM linebacker for Dallas?
By Marcus Mosher


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 more at http://cover32.com/cowboys/2015/05/...am-linebacker-for-dallas/#MMDAemkfi6bvJSgJ.99

 

[Corso]

Film Room: Can Anthony Hitchens be a successful SAM linebacker for Dallas?
By Marcus Mosher


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 more at http://cover32.com/cowboys/2015/05/...am-linebacker-for-dallas/#MMDAemkfi6bvJSgJ.99

Good stuff- I have a gut feeling him and Lee in the film sessions will make McClain pay even more attention and I know the guy already is a smart player that studies, but I have a feeling that LB room with Eberflus are going to be near-foaming at the mouth guys who hardcore study film.

Hitchens appears to be an avid film guy and we know Lee's passion in the study of knowing your opponent. That kind of stuff is infectious.
That includes Gach and that other guy and that other guy and... that other guy there. And maybe there's another guy there too- well him also!

I'm extremely happy Lee's back and I hope and pray for an entire season from him. We got it from Murray last year... It ain't impossible.

 

[NextGenBoys]

Not a fan of the article. There is no reason to believe that he will not continue to improve.

Not to mention he will most likely come off the field on nickel packages, (If Lee can stay healthy) which means we will only be on the fieldl for maybe half the snaps. So he will be an improved player from his rookie season, with a most likely reduced role. I'm bias because I watched him for four years, but he will be just fine at strong side. Not a pro bowler, but you can't have all stars at every position, and he is the type of player you want on your team.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

Hitch will get better and better.
i am glad that the Cowboys are not expending him so much so early.
A good player take time when Arrow Flynn ask the director, "what is mein motivation?"
Hitch will be a blue chip players this year.