Time for a rerun of LaVar Leap?
The LaVar Leap might be back.
Washington Commanders linebacker LaVar Arrington yesterday speculated that he might unleash the highlight reel move from his Penn State days now that he is positioned off the line of scrimmage and more frequently in front of the ball.
Arrington's new positioning was on display in Saturday's preseason loss to the Carolina Panthers. On third-and-goal from the 1, the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker helped Antonio Pierce stuff running back Stephen Davis just short of the goal line.
There was no need for a leap on that play, but Arrington sounded ready for the maneuver — in which he soars over the line just as the ball is snapped and crumples the ballcarrier — as he discussed stuffing Davis.
"Go figure. It was the first time somebody's put me in a situation where I'm behind the ball," Arrington said after practice last night. "Like, I can actually have an opportunity to do a leap."
Arrington's positioning is an annual topic of debate. He played strongside linebacker his first four NFL seasons, though his specific positioning vacillated as Washington cycled through defensive coordinators. In each usage, he often had to cover a tight end or shed the tight end's block before chasing the ballcarrier.
Now with Marcus Washington taking over the strong side, Arrington is making an intriguing switch to the weak side, where his speed is appropriate and his 6-foot-3, 253-pound frame adds a wicked dimension. Weakside linebackers (think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Derrick Brooks) are often matched up against running backs and positioned to make more tackles.
Arrington sat out a second practice yesterday with a sore knee but isn't considered seriously injured.
