Middle Linebacker Competition

[ClintLB8]

Who do you guys think did the best last night between the inside linebackers?


McClain looked a little rough to me both in the run and against the pass. Ellerbe didn't look too much better either. Surprisingly Gooden did a good job last night in my opinion.

[Alexir]

If I had never watched the Ravens, and had turned the game on last night for the first time ever, I would think that the team had trouble stopping the run more than pass defense. Our defense was disgusting. I think McClain won't be starting next saturday.

However Cody, Miller, Williams, Zibby (for most part) and Barnes showed a lot of potential.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1281753810' post='451201']
If I had never watched the Ravens, and had turned the game on last night for the first time ever, I would think that the team had trouble stopping the run more than pass defense. [b]O[b]ur defense was disgusting.[/b][/b] I think McClain won't be starting next saturday.

However Cody, Miller, Williams, Zibby (for most part) and Barnes showed a lot of potential.
[/quote]

Woahhhh I don't think anyone would call allowing 12 points "disgusting" especially considering the defense didn't allow any touchdowns all night.

I think we were weak against the run because everyone was so focused on the pass rushing to impress the coaches. I'm not really worried about our run defense... we were one of the best in the league last year and we still have all same players (and terrence cody, who was phenomenal last night IMO). We were trying things out and easing into the season, I think we'll to continue our dominant run defense in 2010.

And I think that none of the ILBs didn't much to help their case, we'll just have to wait till next week to see if they intend to change that.

[RavensAllTheWay]

Ellerbe is the only one of these three that has shown starting quality at some point in his career.

But that was then this is now, and the competition continues. Before last night I would've said that out of all the competition on this team, starting ILB next to Ray was arguably the biggest, but like you said none of them were really impressive last night. Although Gooden was the best.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Yeah no-one really impressed me that much in all honesty. I really don't know who I'd pick as my number 2 MLB after that effort.

[Alexir]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' timestamp='1281754323' post='451215']
Woahhhh I don't think anyone would call allowing 12 points "disgusting" especially considering the defense didn't allow any touchdowns all night.

I think we were weak against the run because everyone [b]was so focused on the pass rushing to impress the coaches.[/b] I'm not really worried about our run defense... we were one of the best in the league last year and we still have all same players (and terrence cody, who was phenomenal last night IMO). We were trying things out and easing into the season, I think we'll to continue our dominant run defense in 2010.

And I think that none of the ILBs didn't much to help their case, we'll just have to wait till next week to see if they intend to change that.
[/quote]


No. We were getting man handled by the guards coming off the line and we couldnt tackle. Our pass rush was good but wow, Ellerbe needs to start next game or even T Good.

[BloodRaven]

None of them played well and block shedding was an issue, somebody really needs to be hungry for this. Remember, these guys aren't just competing to play next to Ray, they have to prove that we don't need the draft when it comes time to replace him.

[DrMoonTooth]

None of them stood out to me. The only plays that I can really even remember is Gooden rushing the passer pretty well on one play and McClain getting demolished by the Panthers' Fullback.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1281755724' post='451249']
None of them played well and block shedding was an issue, somebody really needs to be hungry for this. Remember, these guys aren't just competing to play next to Ray, they have to prove that we don't need the draft when it comes time to replace him.
[/quote]
That's for sure.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1281755721' post='451248']
No. We were getting man handled by the guards coming off the line and we couldnt tackle. Our pass rush was good but wow, Ellerbe needs to start next game or even T Good.
[/quote]

I don't think it's an excuse but I think we really were trying to get after the passer more than stop the run. I wouldn't worry too much about it, I think that this game will be enough to get the coaches to kick our players in the *** a bit and get them to start playing the run harder.

And Carolina has an excellent running game, it's not like we were getting stomped on by a bunch of amateurs. We didn't allow any touchdowns defensively either. I don't think we were "disgusting" by any means but we do need to strike a better balance between pass rushing and run stuffing. And during the regular season we'll have Ray for almost every down and that should help our run D out a lot.

I don't care who starts a ILB as long as it's the best player available. We might just rotate and use all of them if none of them can really claim the starting spot.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

I watched the first half twice and the second half once, and don't really remember our inside backers really doing much... I honestly don't know in what order I'd rank them.

[Bltravens]

Granted I dont get to see Training Camp to see how the guys are, but if we're talking game situations I dont see how this isnt a no brain decision. McClain is out of place all the time and is a natural pass rusher, why he's inside I dont know. Gooden is a phenomenal athlete but his football IQ is equivalent to a college sophmore's, and Ellerbe came in last year and settled down our rush D. I dont know why this is even an issue.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

Because McClain is apparently doing the best at camp.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed_Pick_Six' timestamp='1281759942' post='451309']
Because McClain is apparently doing the best at camp.
[/quote]
Which is why I said I know I dont get to see camp, but I find it hard to believe hes playing that much better in camp than Ellerbe who stabilized the position during actual games last year, considering McClain couldnt even get on the field last year.

[PuRock]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1281763419' post='451383']
Which is why I said I know I dont get to see camp, but I find it hard to believe hes playing that much better in camp than Ellerbe who stabilized the position during actual games last year, considering McClain couldnt even get on the field last year.
[/quote]

It seems like they already had McClain slated for MLB even before training camp started. He just started off TC paired with Ray Lewis in drills. It's not like McClain impressed in TC for him to be slated as the guy.

I agree with you. I though Ellerbe came in last year and really seized the ILB position with his consistent play. But I guess the coaches have different plans.

Maybe something like trade baiting plays into it or something.

[ed.s52]

McClain really wasn't terrible, he actually wasn't bad and imo did slightly better than Ellerbee and Gooden if you take away the sack.

Right now I think McClain is the best because he is a good balance between Ellerbee and Gooden. Ellerbee is a good run-stopper, Gooden excells in coverage, and McClain is kind of in the middle with both. And he is a good inside pass rusher.

Not that I'm sure of this, just my guess based on what we know, although his sudden 1st-team status could be a trade bait thing considering he was released before being resigned this offseason.

[Ed_Reed_Pick_Six]

[quote name='ed.s52' timestamp='1281769545' post='451420']
McClain really wasn't terrible, he actually wasn't bad and imo did slightly better than Ellerbee and Gooden if you take away the sack.

Right now I think McClain is the best because he is a good balance between Ellerbee and Gooden. Ellerbee is a good run-stopper, Gooden excells in coverage, and McClain is kind of in the middle with both. And he is a good inside pass rusher.

Not that I'm sure of this, just my guess based on what we know, [b]although his sudden 1st-team status could be a trade bait thing considering he was released before being resigned this offseason.[/b]
[/quote]
Interesting thought there. It does seem strange Ellerbe was displaced after having a relatively strong finish to the end of the previous season.

[RavenousUK]

[quote name='Ed_Reed_Pick_Six' timestamp='1281793978' post='451461']
Interesting thought there. It does seem strange Ellerbe was displaced after having a relatively strong finish to the end of the previous season.
[/quote]

Agreed- I was impressed by Ellerbe late last season and had him as shoo-in next to Ray. I hope he gets a chance to shine further as I love his footballing smarts and the way he plays the game. I was and still am tipping this guy for a break-out season.

[JEEPercreepermd]

Honestly, I think they all have different strengths and weaknesses so maybe we can just go with all of them situationally.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='JEEPercreepermd' timestamp='1281800589' post='451492']
Honestly, I think they all have different strengths and weaknesses so maybe we can just go with all of them situationally.
[/quote]

They did that early last season before Gooden to hurt and Ellerbe emerged.

[jdynamite]

Well the Panthers are a Running Team first.. so it is to be expected that they have some success in that area... But McClain was made out of highlight by that fullback, and later he was out of position a few times..

Overall all 3 linebackers to play slightly undisciplined running all over rather than reading the blocks. Gooden displayed he his speed as always but we need consistency and health from someone