LB Production?

[VAPanther91]

I watch the game and I get frustrated because the DL doesn't sack the QB before the DBs give up a long play or get called for DPI. However, is the real problem our lack of LB production??? It seems disproportionately low how often the LBs are involved in normal run stopping or underneath pass coverage plays or big plays of any type. The big plays are almost always the DLs tackling/pressuring or the DBs giving something up. Last year at Blacksburg, we had good production out of our LBs and won. This year, it doesn't seem like we have had much production except for the PSU game.

Where are the LBs? If they were more productive, I don't think we would have this conversation. Hopefully, a couple of last year's LB recruits will be productive next year.

Thoughts?

 

[cruzer]

I watch the game and I get frustrated because the DL doesn't sack the QB before the DBs give up a long play or get called for DPI. However, is the real problem our lack of LB production??? It seems disproportionately low how often the LBs are involved in normal run stopping or underneath pass coverage plays or big plays of any type. The big plays are almost always the DLs tackling/pressuring or the DBs giving something up. Last year at Blacksburg, we had good production out of our LBs and won. This year, it doesn't seem like we have had much production except for the PSU game.

Where are the LBs? If they were more productive, I don't think we would have this conversation. Hopefully, a couple of last year's LB recruits will be productive next year.

Thoughts?

Well, without overanalyzing the situation, I'd simply say that our LB's are extremely average (at best). Lacking speed and not very good at shedding blocks. Not the worst group I've ever seen, but certainly not helping a weak defense.

Cruzer

 

[pitts-lament]

Our line backers are a 4 on a scale of 10.

 

[MajorMajors]

I think 2 of our 3 LBs are playing more for their brains than their brawn or speed; the third is playing because we have few options and no one better and has probably hit a wall in his first season of playing. Bam's injury came at a bad time - he seemed to be playing better the last two games.

Not a good recipe but I don't want to start burning more redshirts.

Go Pitt.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

oxymoron

 

[CentPaPittFan]

I am at least a little bit surprised that some consideration was not given to moving Aston to LB... he is NOT slow and was a VERY good LB in high school who had 100's of tackles. Plus there are other options at FB with Parrish or even using Ollison there. He surely has the toughness and heart. Just a thought. Coaches surely aren't doing it now.

 

[Pitt-Chains]

I think 2 of our 3 LBs are playing more for their brains than their brawn or speed; the third is playing because we have few options and no one better and has probably hit a wall in his first season of playing. Bam's injury came at a bad time - he seemed to be playing better the last two games.

Not a good recipe but I don't want to start burning more redshirts.

Go Pitt.

Bam's injury and don't forget about Zeise..

 

[VAPITTALUM]

I am at least a little bit surprised that some consideration was not given to moving Aston to LB... he is NOT slow and was a VERY good LB in high school who had 100's of tackles. Plus there are other options at FB with Parrish or even using Ollison there. He surely has the toughness and heart. Just a thought. Coaches surely aren't doing it now.

Aston has been incredibly productive at the FB position , no way I'd move him to LB now.

Pugh will be an incredibly fast and aggressive player at LB, as well as McKee, Brightwell, and Pugh. That group is just incredibly young.

 

[CentPaPittFan]

Agree, not now.... I was thinking back in the summer, but all hindsight as injuries did not hit till early in season.

 

[VAPITTALUM]

Agree, not now.... I was thinking back in the summer, but all hindsight as injuries did not hit till early in season.

Zeise and Hendrix going down very early in the season hurt. not to mention, Caprara was out for a few games.

 

[deepelemblues]

no reason to move anyone to LB when next year the LB corps will hopefully be chase pine / saleem brightwell / kaezon pugh / wirginis (all he does when he gets in the game is make plays) / hopefully mckee gets off the bench and contributes too

then you got guys like cam bright and nunn coming in too

LB is gonna be significantly better in 2 years at the latest, hopefully next year