kearly":2vfcnblh said:
I'm guessing it will remain the same as last year, with Irvin and Smith platooning the SAM LB position. I'm sure "compete" is the word coach Carroll would prefer but both guys are situational players who each shine in different kinds of situations.
I think there are a few issues with that. For one, Smith played 1000x better at WLB in those final six games than he did in those first 13 games at SLB. He is not a natural SLB by any means because he lacks the bulk to get off blocks against the run or the length to consistently match up against TEs in the passing game. In six games at his natural WLB position, Smith had 6.8 tackles per game, 7 TFL, four INTs with two returned for TDs. Why would they move Smith back to SLB when they now have three natural SLBs on the roster (Wright, Irvin, and Morgan)?
The second issue is with Wright. At 6'4, 246 lbs, he is a natural SLB who can fight through blocks and cover taller receivers. He took a step back last year after being moved to WLB, where his lack of quickness in space was sometimes exploited.
The third issue is with the change in circumstances at the LEO position. They now need someone to replace Chris Clemons' contributions at LEO. Irvin had eight sacks his rookie season while playing primarily out of the LEO or Spinner position. Even though one of his strengths is as a pass rusher, Irvin had just two sacks last year because he had little opportunity to blitz from SLB.
It seems if the coaches were to play to everyone's strengths this year, Smith would stay at WLB, Wright would be allowed to move back to SLB, and Irvin would get more opportunities as an edge rusher.