I’ve chosen to separate this unit as the OLB component is so complex. White is an excellent fit. He knows the system well and he’s likely critical to the Cards optimizing it. He’s solid against the run and doesn’t mind mixing it up. His weakness is in pass coverage. He typically can’t keep up with the better receivers, so he gets targeted in key situations. He also has issues in zone. He doesn’t get deep enough to cut down the middle targets. Like several of the Cards he responds too slowly to sitting down receivers and attempts to flood a zone. He’s worth keeping but the Cards must push hard to get better zone adjustments.
Wilson is the prototypical downhill LB. He was strongest going forward so he could fill and shoot gaps. He was particularly good at shooting the B gap and disrupting the play. He was less effective chasing down runaway ball carriers and in pass defense.
As a tandem these 2 identified running plays, filled gaps and stuffed runs with consistency. They were the key to the Cards controlling their opponents running game in many contests.
The backups filled in marginally. Barnes was solid, though not special. Pappoe was a puzzle in college and continued to be for the Cards. He’s a fine athlete but has never been able to translate those skills into consistent performances. He’s a lousy tackler. He’d make a play here and there, but then disappear for several snaps. The other backups were just space holders. I don’t see a bunch of change happening tipo this unit. I’d like someone who’s better in pass defense and maybe could contribute an interception here and there. A great inside blitzing LB would help. Overall a decent unit, but not a priority to upgrade yet.
Wilson is the prototypical downhill LB. He was strongest going forward so he could fill and shoot gaps. He was particularly good at shooting the B gap and disrupting the play. He was less effective chasing down runaway ball carriers and in pass defense.
As a tandem these 2 identified running plays, filled gaps and stuffed runs with consistency. They were the key to the Cards controlling their opponents running game in many contests.
The backups filled in marginally. Barnes was solid, though not special. Pappoe was a puzzle in college and continued to be for the Cards. He’s a fine athlete but has never been able to translate those skills into consistent performances. He’s a lousy tackler. He’d make a play here and there, but then disappear for several snaps. The other backups were just space holders. I don’t see a bunch of change happening tipo this unit. I’d like someone who’s better in pass defense and maybe could contribute an interception here and there. A great inside blitzing LB would help. Overall a decent unit, but not a priority to upgrade yet.
