Stephen Hodge is Tackling the Linebacking Learning Curve

[BAT]

I think that's right. We basically have two backup Mos (Moes?) and nobody behind Bradie. I'm pretty sure I've read that if Bradie got hurt, Brooking would slide over and play the Mike and one of the kids would be the Mo.

No backup Mike is why I was hoping we'd draft Brinkley somewhere, but oh well.

IMO, Jason Williams is best suited for the MIKE spot. Due to his athleticism and speed, it is natural to believe that the MO spot his ultimate destination. But JWill is a very physical player and makes the most impact, at his playmaking best, going downhill. He is already accostumed to taking on and shedding OL and attacking the LOS. Not saying he would not be a good MO, but he would be a better MIKE, in time.

Hodge on the other hand, has no experience taking on and redirecting OL, he is at his best in space, reading and reacting to the play, whether it is in coverage, blitzing or tracking down a ball carrier. At his current size, his instincts & first step (he gets a real good jump on plays_not sure if this is instinct or study, or both), he would be a better fit at MO.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

IMO, Jason Williams is best suited for the MIKE spot. Due to his athleticism and speed, it is natural to believe that the MO spot his ultimate destination. But JWill is a very physical player and makes the most impact, at his playmaking best, going downhill. He is already accostumed to taking on and shedding OL and attacking the LOS. Not saying he would not be a good MO, but he would be a better MIKE, in time.

Hodge on the other hand, has no experience taking on and redirecting OL, he is at his best in space, reading and reacting to the play, whether it is in coverage, blitzing or tracking down a ball carrier. At his current size, his instincts & first step (he gets a real good jump on plays_not sure if this is instinct or study, or both), he would be a better fit at MO.

I get what you're saying, but my impression is that they see Williams as the future starter at Mo where, being relatively covered up, he can use his speed to get to the ball and make bad things happen. I think they see Hodge as first and foremost that nickel LB/S that Burnett played, and it'll be a year or two before he really learns to be a LB.

In other words, Williams is the "real" LB they'd play in the base defense, where Hodge is the nickel cover specialist. Of course, they have to put them somewhere on the depth chart after one of the starting 11.

 

[BAT]

I get what you're saying, but my impression is that they see Williams as the future starter at Mo where, being relatively covered up, he can use his speed to get to the ball and make bad things happen. I think they see Hodge as first and foremost that nickel LB/S that Burnett played, and it'll be a year or two before he really learns to be a LB.

In other words, Williams is the "real" LB they'd play in the base defense, where Hodge is the nickel cover specialist. Of course, they have to put them somewhere on the depth chart after one of the starting 11.

Yeah, I know that this is the general consensus, but I think these guys can be starters TOGETHER inside eventually. It would be nice to be able to shift sets and fronts w/out having to tip off the opposing team when the coverage backer comes into the game.

 

[Dawgs0916]

I hope Hodge takes this job away from Barbie.
Otherwise i am gonna call him Stephanie

Hahahaha that just had me cracking up for some reason

 

[cowboyschmps3]

yep all of the draft picks seem like their going to make the team....they got great attitude and great skills to getting better at their game...

 

[jobberone]

well you do draft players who will do nothing but play special teams until they are able to contribute as valuable backups, or role players

like the article said, Hodge has some things he needs to work on:

1. gaining weight - seems he's done enough of that so far
2. gaining strength
3. learning the nuances of playing ILB

Yes, you draft players and expect them to play STs esp until they are too valuable to play there or don't need the extra snaps.

But you draft players to play football and contribute on offense and/or defense. And before anyone says it, yes, STs are 1/3 of football. Other than kickers and return men, most are not drafted to play STs primarily. There is no reason not to select players for position first then STs second.

IOWs, scouts don't say, "Coach, this is a great STs player." It's this guy projects to SOLB for us and he's gonna be a terror on STs, too.

 

[jobberone]

I think that's right. We basically have two backup Mos (Moes?) and nobody behind Bradie. I'm pretty sure I've read that if Bradie got hurt, Brooking would slide over and play the Mike and one of the kids would be the Mo.

No backup Mike is why I was hoping we'd draft Brinkley somewhere, but oh well.

I would have loved that. Someone out of that group will step up. Octavian is strong and fast. I expect him to get squeezed out this year by faster and bigger players like Williams but an injury to Bradie could force someone out of the woodwork like him or.....Stewart is likely to be the early runnerup at the Mike. Hodge is a Mo. Williams is really an OLB but I could see him as an interior LB in a pinch. Not now though..