bowlingtwig Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/sep/15/be...lb/sports-bucs/ Any ideas who the other Vet LB's are??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connorbear Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/sep/15/be...lb/sports-bucs/ Any ideas who the other Vet LB's are??? Possibly Zach Thomas or Napoleon Harris. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowlingtwig Posted September 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 Possibly Zach Thomas or Napoleon Harris. Peace Does either one have anything left though is the question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chitownhustla Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 If Brooks has anything left in the tank then there is no reason to not bring him. If another LB goes down I would rather have had him on the team for a couple of weeks then scramble to get him in. We r in week 2 and we have 1 starting lb done for the year and another with a sprained PCL. Off topic: Why cant Urlacher put a cast on his wrist and play?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 Off topic: Why cant Urlacher put a cast on his wrist and play?? That was one of my thoughts too, and I have seen many who asked the same. I did read a pretty good article that talks about it. Per the article, Urlacher's injury is to the main wrist bone. It is the bone which all others spread out from. Per the article, most all the wrist injuries you read about are to the outer bones which connect to this one. Anyway, it is a pretty serious injury. Said if he comes back too soon, he could have permanent nerve damage. Sorry, but if I am Brian, I am not really wanting to risk the use of my hand for the rest of my life. I guess its all about the actual bone he damaged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowlingtwig Posted September 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 Off topic: Why cant Urlacher put a cast on his wrist and play?? That was one of my thoughts too, and I have seen many who asked the same. I did read a pretty good article that talks about it. Per the article, Urlacher's injury is to the main wrist bone. It is the bone which all others spread out from. Per the article, most all the wrist injuries you read about are to the outer bones which connect to this one. Anyway, it is a pretty serious injury. Said if he comes back too soon, he could have permanent nerve damage. Sorry, but if I am Brian, I am not really wanting to risk the use of my hand for the rest of my life. I guess its all about the actual bone he damaged. NFO is right. Per the trib, there are 3 bones and the one that he injured is the middle way which controls the movement of his hands and he could do some serious damage to the nerves as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearFan2000 Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 thanks for passing along and explaining that, now it does make sense why he's saying done for the year. Despite what we as fans want these things are a quality of life decision. Like when a player retires while they are still effective so they can physically enjoy the rest of their lives. Perm nerve damage is a serious thing. I can't blame him making that call. Brian has had his share of injuries and when you stop and think about these guys that have surgery after surgery when they get old are likely going to have problems. I too was thinking why not just get one of those big casts and keep playing when I heard just dislocated wrist I though, come on man tough it out. but knowing the details I don't blame him. Let it heal properly and be ready to go for the 2010 season. This season may in fact have many growing pains while I still think we can overcome the poor play of this past week and salvage this season and make the playoffs. I'm not going to expect anything beyond that. It's easy to loose sight that we have a lot of young inexperienced guys at WR and we have only had Jay with us since this offseason. Chemistry doesn't just happen it's built over time. I'm thinking that next year might be the year we make a push for the SB. This year I'm looking for improvement, and a playoff birth. Not having Brian will hurt but, it is what it is, and he's not there. Time for the other guys to step up. Brian left the game fairly early and to be honest I don't think that Hilly didn't do that bad of a job filling in for him. He didn't stand out but he also didn't make a negative impact either. I do think the idea of moving Briggs to the middle would work out. Aside from URL he's our most athletic LB. If we get Pisa back soon then we can fill the other spot with Hilly, Roach, or Williams and it may not be as bad as we think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 While at the bar, I too wondered why he wouldn't just tape it up and get back out there. When I heard he was done for the year, wondered, but I never once read anyone (aside from fans) question it. Reality is, we don't know crap when it comes to medical, and the fact that not one media guy seemed to be questioning the decision, I just assumed the injury was more serious than I realized. Honestly, I wonder about Briggs to MLB. He is an exceptional WLB, but to be honest, I always wondered about something. When you look at someone like Brooks, who I believed play WLB in a system like ours, he seemed to rack up a ton more playmaking stats. Briggs is a hell of a tackler, but he has never been a big sack or interception guy. I think he could thrive in the MLB role. Further, we have Williams backing up at WLB, and that is the position the staff seems to feel he is best at. I think Williams is the most starter grade of our depth, so moving Briggs gets all our best LBs on the field. Further, if Urlacher is not capable of returning (worst case scenario) we will have begun the transition. thanks for passing along and explaining that, now it does make sense why he's saying done for the year. Despite what we as fans want these things are a quality of life decision. Like when a player retires while they are still effective so they can physically enjoy the rest of their lives. Perm nerve damage is a serious thing. I can't blame him making that call. Brian has had his share of injuries and when you stop and think about these guys that have surgery after surgery when they get old are likely going to have problems. I too was thinking why not just get one of those big casts and keep playing when I heard just dislocated wrist I though, come on man tough it out. but knowing the details I don't blame him. Let it heal properly and be ready to go for the 2010 season. This season may in fact have many growing pains while I still think we can overcome the poor play of this past week and salvage this season and make the playoffs. I'm not going to expect anything beyond that. It's easy to loose sight that we have a lot of young inexperienced guys at WR and we have only had Jay with us since this offseason. Chemistry doesn't just happen it's built over time. I'm thinking that next year might be the year we make a push for the SB. This year I'm looking for improvement, and a playoff birth. Not having Brian will hurt but, it is what it is, and he's not there. Time for the other guys to step up. Brian left the game fairly early and to be honest I don't think that Hilly didn't do that bad of a job filling in for him. He didn't stand out but he also didn't make a negative impact either. I do think the idea of moving Briggs to the middle would work out. Aside from URL he's our most athletic LB. If we get Pisa back soon then we can fill the other spot with Hilly, Roach, or Williams and it may not be as bad as we think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bears4Ever_34 Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Ah who cares, He's just a football player after all, he should be out there and stop being such a wimp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DABEARSDABOMB Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 Briggs has been the best player on our defense for 3 seasons and he'll take over as the leader. I'm very confident in my Briggsy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TerraTor Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 this doesnt make sense especially with Pisa being out too. I cant imagine Jamar Williams or Nick Roach being able to offer more than Brooks, even at his age. Not to mention who the hell is the captain/signal called on defense out there now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 A key reason I would like to see us add Brooks now is, I think he is going to need time w/ any team before he is ready to play. Yes, he knows the system, and would be about as natural of a fit as any, but look at Tillman. Tillman missed most of camp, and while he practiced leading up to the game, the staff had to rotate him as he was not in game condition. I would sign Brooks now, and at least get him into practice and working out. We don't have to start him immediately. If the staff wants to see if our depth is capable of stepping up, fine. But if that doesn't work, Brooks will have already been added, have practiced w/ the team and be in game shape. http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/sep/15/be...lb/sports-bucs/ Any ideas who the other Vet LB's are??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 I couldn't agree more... If they think he can play, get him in NOW! Or he'll be making game saving tackles for the Pats... A key reason I would like to see us add Brooks now is, I think he is going to need time w/ any team before he is ready to play. Yes, he knows the system, and would be about as natural of a fit as any, but look at Tillman. Tillman missed most of camp, and while he practiced leading up to the game, the staff had to rotate him as he was not in game condition. I would sign Brooks now, and at least get him into practice and working out. We don't have to start him immediately. If the staff wants to see if our depth is capable of stepping up, fine. But if that doesn't work, Brooks will have already been added, have practiced w/ the team and be in game shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemonej Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 While at the bar, I too wondered why he wouldn't just tape it up and get back out there. When I heard he was done for the year, wondered, but I never once read anyone (aside from fans) question it. Reality is, we don't know crap when it comes to medical, and the fact that not one media guy seemed to be questioning the decision, I just assumed the injury was more serious than I realized. Honestly, I wonder about Briggs to MLB. He is an exceptional WLB, but to be honest, I always wondered about something. When you look at someone like Brooks, who I believed play WLB in a system like ours, he seemed to rack up a ton more playmaking stats. Briggs is a hell of a tackler, but he has never been a big sack or interception guy. I think he could thrive in the MLB role. Further, we have Williams backing up at WLB, and that is the position the staff seems to feel he is best at. I think Williams is the most starter grade of our depth, so moving Briggs gets all our best LBs on the field. Further, if Urlacher is not capable of returning (worst case scenario) we will have begun the transition. Briggs has 3 Ints for TDs that ranks him behind Mike Brown and our MLB needs to get deep down the middle in our defense. Briggs may be better in short zones than deep middle. IMHO he is a play maker but if he is not playing the SLB its hard to get picks when basically you are covering backs who have caught a check down pass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 The reality is, while Briggs has made some great plays (not arguing that) he lacks in the playmaking stat department. You say its hard to get those stats when you are covering backs, but Urlacher often seems to be our LB covering backs as he is our LB w/ speed to do that. And even though Urlacher more often seems to be playing coverage, he also seems to be more capable of racking up the playmaking stats. I think Briggs is one hell of a tackle machine. At the same time, I would say that either (a) his role at WLB limits his playmaking potential or ( he is simply not a playmaking stat (int/sack) sort of player. Briggs has 3 Ints for TDs that ranks him behind Mike Brown and our MLB needs to get deep down the middle in our defense. Briggs may be better in short zones than deep middle. IMHO he is a play maker but if he is not playing the SLB its hard to get picks when basically you are covering backs who have caught a check down pass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 I recall Briggs wanted to be the "man" when he was looking for a new contract. Well, he's got his wish now. Now, he's got to make the most of it, and show us all that he's ready to take the baton and run with it. I think he's got it in him to do it. The reality is, while Briggs has made some great plays (not arguing that) he lacks in the playmaking stat department. You say its hard to get those stats when you are covering backs, but Urlacher often seems to be our LB covering backs as he is our LB w/ speed to do that. And even though Urlacher more often seems to be playing coverage, he also seems to be more capable of racking up the playmaking stats. I think Briggs is one hell of a tackle machine. At the same time, I would say that either (a) his role at WLB limits his playmaking potential or ( he is simply not a playmaking stat (int/sack) sort of player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemonej Posted September 16, 2009 Report Share Posted September 16, 2009 The reality is, while Briggs has made some great plays (not arguing that) he lacks in the playmaking stat department. You say its hard to get those stats when you are covering backs, but Urlacher often seems to be our LB covering backs as he is our LB w/ speed to do that. And even though Urlacher more often seems to be playing coverage, he also seems to be more capable of racking up the playmaking stats. I think Briggs is one hell of a tackle machine. At the same time, I would say that either (a) his role at WLB limits his playmaking potential or ( he is simply not a playmaking stat (int/sack) sort of player. What is a playmaking stat? Isn't forced fumbles one of them? I think Briggs is one of the leaders on the team in that stat along with Tillman. You have been on record as saying you didn't think Briggs was good without Urlacher on the field and now you still seem to be reluctant to acknowledge that this defense's success may hinge on what Briggs can do. This is so important to the team that they all felt it was important to name Briggs a defensive captain. Who was covering those backs when Urlacher has been injured which seems to be a constant recently? I think Briggs and Hillenmeyer are decent at coverage but none of our LBs are sack guys. Instead we have more sacks recently from DBs than LBs. Until they take Vasher of the field look for Manning to play LB in some Nickel situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DABEARSDABOMB Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Briggs has been by far the best player on the D for 3 years people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Yes, there was a time I was not Briggs biggest supporter, but I have since eaten my crow. He is a great LB. Period. I am not arguing that. But there are different sorts of LBs. You have some that are pure tackle machines. You have some that can't hardly tackle, but can rush the passer. Some are awesome in coverage, but weak vs the run. Few dominate in all areas. I believe Briggs is a tackle machine. I think he may well also be solid in coverage, though I honestly do not know how great he is as I have not really seen him play a lot of coverage. Not knocking him, just saying I don't know. But in terms of playmaking stats, he has never really been huge in that regard. 2 sacks is the most he has had in a season, and he has a total of 6 in his 7 seasons. Last year, he had 3 picks, which was his record high, but only a total of 9 through 7 seasons. You mentioned FFs, and yes, I would agree that is a playmaking stat. He once had as many as 4, and another season had 3, but in the last two years, only 2 and 1, w/ a total of 10 through 7 years. For the record, I will also say part of this may be the position. Often, your WLB is in position to make the big plays, while your MLB is a tackle machine, but due to our having a LB like Urlacher, I think our system, while keeping the players at their respective positions, sort of reversed the roles. In our system, we had the MLB covering RBs, even though that is often the duty of the WLB. In our system, we most often blitzed our MLB, even though again that is usually the WLB. So this may be part of it too. In the end though, we have a system that really revolves around the MLB. How much can we change that now? Hunter, while a good LB, is a huge drop from Urlacher and is not going to play MLB as he did. So, unless we are going to change our system, I think we may be best served moving Briggs inside. That allows us to move Williams, likely our best backup LB, into the position the staff all felt he was best suited for. Roach/Hunter can play SLB until Pisa returns. At the end of the day, I simply think a trio of Williams - Briggs - Pisa is better than Briggs - Hunter - Pisa. What is a playmaking stat? Isn't forced fumbles one of them? I think Briggs is one of the leaders on the team in that stat along with Tillman. You have been on record as saying you didn't think Briggs was good without Urlacher on the field and now you still seem to be reluctant to acknowledge that this defense's success may hinge on what Briggs can do. This is so important to the team that they all felt it was important to name Briggs a defensive captain. Who was covering those backs when Urlacher has been injured which seems to be a constant recently? I think Briggs and Hillenmeyer are decent at coverage but none of our LBs are sack guys. Instead we have more sacks recently from DBs than LBs. Until they take Vasher of the field look for Manning to play LB in some Nickel situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connorbear Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Briggs has been by far the best player on the D for 3 years people. Absofrigginlutely! Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xvflutop Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 I just saw a report that Brooks said he is very much still in talks with the bears. He said they just want to see how the D holds up this weekend and they said they will go from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clnr Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 I disagree with moving Briggs inside. Why have 2 subpar positions instead of one subpar and one excellent? Williams is supposed to be able to play all three LB positions and while Hunter is no physical freak like Urlacher, he got the brain instead. I am sure that he is as good or better than Urlacher in 'quarterbacking' the defense and call out assignments. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowlingtwig Posted September 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 I disagree with moving Briggs inside. Why have 2 subpar positions instead of one subpar and one excellent? Williams is supposed to be able to play all three LB positions and while Hunter is no physical freak like Urlacher, he got the brain instead. I am sure that he is as good or better than Urlacher in 'quarterbacking' the defense and call out assignments. Right this has well been said that as good as Urlacher is he is not genuis out there like Mike Brown was. Mike Brown was such a genius that he just knew where to be at the right time. Its been said that Hunter has great insticts because of how much of a genius that he is. I agree that there is going to be a drop off but lets remember that Hunter has been with us for a long time now and although he didn't play all that well when Urlacher went down in 2004 Hunter was just starting his stay with us and was fairly new to the system. Now he knows this system inside and out and has the luxury of knowing where all the LB's should be lined up and should be able to help Roach/williams out if there are problems or they forget something or maybe that he sees something while they don't because they are new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemonej Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Right this has well been said that as good as Urlacher is he is not genuis out there like Mike Brown was. Mike Brown was such a genius that he just knew where to be at the right time. Its been said that Hunter has great insticts because of how much of a genius that he is. I agree that there is going to be a drop off but lets remember that Hunter has been with us for a long time now and although he didn't play all that well when Urlacher went down in 2004 Hunter was just starting his stay with us and was fairly new to the system. Now he knows this system inside and out and has the luxury of knowing where all the LB's should be lined up and should be able to help Roach/williams out if there are problems or they forget something or maybe that he sees something while they don't because they are new. Who was the leading tackler on the Rams last season? What position did he play? Its Pisa and he was the MLB on the Rams last season. So no one has asked the team if he is going to be moved to the middle but if Hunter does poorly in the next couple of games he is a likely candidate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bowlingtwig Posted September 17, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Who was the leading tackler on the Rams last season? What position did he play? Its Pisa and he was the MLB on the Rams last season. So no one has asked the team if he is going to be moved to the middle but if Hunter does poorly in the next couple of games he is a likely candidate. Great point, I didn't realize that he played the Mike with the Rams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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