Position Series: Linebacker

[RealCowboyfan]

This season the Cowboys have alot of competition at linebacker. Everybody on here haves their own opinion on how certain positions will fare out this season. I believe that it would fair out like this::

STARTERS*

Demarcus Ware - Will start. Like always he's a force on the defense. Hopefully in Wade Phillips Defense he could really prove who's better between him and Shawne Merriman.

Bobby Carpenter - I believe he beats Bradie James out for a starting position because of his instincts and ability to be aware of different coverages. He's an Blitzer than Bradie James which is going to give him the edge in the competition.

Akin Adoyle - This year he will be even better because he had a year working with the same guys and it's going to help having the Nose Tackle in a certain position where as so Adoyle could make plays when WP blitz him. He's diffently good on the run.

Greg Ellis - If durable he will have a pro bowl year and get another contract. In Wade Phillips defense he will be more aggressive and probably get more sacks this year than he ever did. I think he's going for a double digit sack season.

*Back-ups

Junior Glymph - I believe he will be Demarcus Ware true back-up. He showed in preseason he could be a monster at getting to the Quarterback and it would be a plus if Wade Phillips elevate him into being a starter behind a starter.

Bradie James - From his experience and playing ability he will be a excellent back-up that will be getting alot of playing along with Bobby Carpenter and Akin Adoyle. But who knows he might just keep his starting position.

Kevin Burnett - His pt will increase this season diffently if he could show off in training camp and preseason. Look for him to break into the scene of possibly battling for a starting position next season. I believe he's going to have his best season this year.

Anthony Spencer - First round draft choice, who might just be splitting time with Ellis or just starting in some situations like Nickle and Dime as a Defensive End. If he's anything like he was in college he's going to end up DROY.

:starspin Runners Up~~:starspin

Alex Obomese
Dedrick Harrington
Jon Saldi
Blair Phillips

 

[burmafrd]

Can't say I disagree with any of that. I do think Carp beats out James unless James improves a WHOLE LOT.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Can't say I disagree with any of that. I do think Carp beats out James unless James improves a WHOLE LOT.

It would have to be a transformation on the order of that from Frog to Prince. I don't see it.

:laugh2:

 

[Clove]

Can't say I disagree with any of that. I do think Carp beats out James unless James improves a WHOLE LOT.

Their's no way Carp should allow James to beat him out.. He's more talented than James across the board.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Their's no way Carp should allow James to beat him out.. He's more talented than James across the board.

I think much could depend on if Adoyle can make the defensive calls or not. If Adoyle can take this role over, then I think Carp could probably make a serious run at starting. If not, then James probably still has the inside track.

 

[RealCowboyfan]

Bobby Carpenter showed the last game which was the playoffs he could make plays in games that really mean something... Even against the Falcons.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Man, we are stacked at this position!

 

[Vintage]

We're going to need great LB play for us to be a great defense next year.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

This season the Cowboys have alot of competition at linebacker. Everybody on here haves their own opinion on how certain positions will fare out this season. I believe that it would fair out like this::

STARTERS*

Demarcus Ware - Will start. Like always he's a force on the defense. Hopefully in Wade Phillips Defense he could really prove who's better between him and Shawne Merriman.

Bobby Carpenter - I believe he beats Bradie James out for a starting position because of his instincts and ability to be aware of different coverages. He's an Blitzer than Bradie James which is going to give him the edge in the competition.

Akin Adoyle - This year he will be even better because he had a year working with the same guys and it's going to help having the Nose Tackle in a certain position where as so Adoyle could make plays when WP blitz him. He's diffently good on the run.

Greg Ellis - If durable he will have a pro bowl year and get another contract. In Wade Phillips defense he will be more aggressive and probably get more sacks this year than he ever did. I think he's going for a double digit sack season.

*Back-ups

Junior Glymph - I believe he will be Demarcus Ware true back-up. He showed in preseason he could be a monster at getting to the Quarterback and it would be a plus if Wade Phillips elevate him into being a starter behind a starter.

Bradie James - From his experience and playing ability he will be a excellent back-up that will be getting alot of playing along with Bobby Carpenter and Akin Adoyle. But who knows he might just keep his starting position.

Kevin Burnett - His pt will increase this season diffently if he could show off in training camp and preseason. Look for him to break into the scene of possibly battling for a starting position next season. I believe he's going to have his best season this year.

Anthony Spencer - First round draft choice, who might just be splitting time with Ellis or just starting in some situations like Nickle and Dime as a Defensive End. If he's anything like he was in college he's going to end up DROY.

:starspin Runners Up~~:starspin

Alex Obomese
Dedrick Harrington
Jon Saldi
Blair Phillips

Excellent
you were way too kind to Ellis and James
But a post we can sink our teeth into

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I think much could depend on if Adoyle can make the defensive calls or not. If Adoyle can take this role over, then I think Carp could probably make a serious run at starting. If not, then James probably still has the inside track.

Why do you say that, ABQ? Carpenter is very bright, and Bradie shouldn't know it any better than anyone else with everyone learning it from scratch.

Unless you think Wade just wants experience out there, which would make sense. But I still think Carpenter is a better talent than James, especially in this defense.

 

[RealCowboyfan]

Why do you say that, ABQ? Carpenter is very bright, and Bradie shouldn't know it any better than anyone else with everyone learning it from scratch.

Unless you think Wade just wants experience out there, which would make sense. But I still think Carpenter is a better talent than James, especially in this defense.

Bobby Carpenter showed his skills in that playoff game against Seattle. He made plays and in the Atlanta Falcon game. He showed he could be a pass-rusher and someone who stays around the ball.

 

[Laker24diehard]

It's all good as long as ware gets more sacks rushing the passer!

 

[Stautner]

This season the Cowboys have alot of competition at linebacker. Everybody on here haves their own opinion on how certain positions will fare out this season. I believe that it would fair out like this::

STARTERS*

Demarcus Ware - Will start. Like always he's a force on the defense. Hopefully in Wade Phillips Defense he could really prove who's better between him and Shawne Merriman.

Bobby Carpenter - I believe he beats Bradie James out for a starting position because of his instincts and ability to be aware of different coverages. He's an Blitzer than Bradie James which is going to give him the edge in the competition.

Akin Adoyle - This year he will be even better because he had a year working with the same guys and it's going to help having the Nose Tackle in a certain position where as so Adoyle could make plays when WP blitz him. He's diffently good on the run.

Greg Ellis - If durable he will have a pro bowl year and get another contract. In Wade Phillips defense he will be more aggressive and probably get more sacks this year than he ever did. I think he's going for a double digit sack season.

*Back-ups

Junior Glymph - I believe he will be Demarcus Ware true back-up. He showed in preseason he could be a monster at getting to the Quarterback and it would be a plus if Wade Phillips elevate him into being a starter behind a starter.

Bradie James - From his experience and playing ability he will be a excellent back-up that will be getting alot of playing along with Bobby Carpenter and Akin Adoyle. But who knows he might just keep his starting position.

Kevin Burnett - His pt will increase this season diffently if he could show off in training camp and preseason. Look for him to break into the scene of possibly battling for a starting position next season. I believe he's going to have his best season this year.

Anthony Spencer - First round draft choice, who might just be splitting time with Ellis or just starting in some situations like Nickle and Dime as a Defensive End. If he's anything like he was in college he's going to end up DROY.

:starspin Runners Up~~:starspin

Alex Obomese
Dedrick Harrington
Jon Saldi
Blair Phillips

While I agree with some of this, it is without a doubt an overly optimistic view.

For example, how can Ellis play enough to make the pro-bowl AND Spencer play enough to get DROY? Since they play the same position it isn't realistic.

Calling Glympf a "monster" is another example. Last year he made a few nice plays late in a preseason game or two against the opponents 3rd teamers or in some cases against guys who ended up getting cut - we've never seen him do anything yet against quality NFL talent.

And what about Burnett ....... you've already got 3 guys getting a lot of playing time at ILB - which is where the team has Burnett for the time being. Then you say Burnett will have his best season - I'm wondering who is going to sit in his favor, although admittedly it wouldn't take much for Burnett to have his best season so far.

With regard to Burnett, you say you see him battling for a starting spot next season ....... I'm wondering at what position? And why not this year? After all, we are likely to have the same LB's next year, although I suppose Ellis could retire, but I still don't see the that opportunity is there for him to beat out any of the other guys.

As for Carp - you give him the edge over James because of his instincts and ability to "be aware of different coverages", but he is an outstanding physical talent with great size and speed, yet he struggled to even get any playing time last year, so the instincts must not be that good.

I too think Carp has a good chance to beat out James, but it will be based more on Carp being better athletically and James having trouble with coverage.

DON'T GET ME WRONG FOLKS: I think we will have a solid and possibly a VERY good group of LB's, but let's also be realiistic.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

Why do you say that, ABQ? Carpenter is very bright, and Bradie shouldn't know it any better than anyone else with everyone learning it from scratch.

Unless you think Wade just wants experience out there, which would make sense. But I still think Carpenter is a better talent than James, especially in this defense.

I say it because Carpenter doesn't even have one full year at ILB in a 34. I see Carpenter being the long term answer for us but it still comes down to the fact that he must be able to replace James. If he can't do this, then I don't think he can unseat the guy. JMO