Analysts On Jj

[ball hawkin 20]

I'm pretty sure you all heard the analysts talking about how JJ was one of the best Sam linebackers and one of the most underrated players in the league. Looking at this unbiased, do you agree?

I'd have to disagree since he's really limited on pass rushing ability but he's good against the run.

[marylandmike12]

Well when yu have sizzle and ngata double teamed you're gonna get open

[ravensfan160]

I've always like JJ but his inability to rush the passer has hurt us in the past. Fortunately, Ngata's emergence has helped but we've gotten to the point where JJ isn't a 3 down linebacker anymore and I think that says a lot. If we play the Packers in the SB I want Kruger taking every snap. He may not be the run defender JJ is but he can get to the QB and that is the way this league is headed.

[ball hawkin 20]

[quote name='ravensfan160' timestamp='1322240172' post='886211']
I've always like JJ but his inability to rush the passer has hurt us in the past. Fortunately, Ngata's emergence has helped but we've gotten to the point where JJ isn't a 3 down linebacker anymore and I think that says a lot. If we play the Packers in the SB I want Kruger taking every snap. He may not be the run defender JJ is but he can get to the QB and that is the way this league is headed.
[/quote]

def i don't think there average RBs would even try against our run D. Hell i'd be happy going 4-3 against them and just blitzing our WLB and SLB

[Guest RBates]

[quote name='ball hawkin 20' timestamp='1322239711' post='886196']
[b]I'm pretty sure you all heard the analysts talking about how JJ was one of the best Sam linebackers and one of the most underrated players in the league. Looking at this unbiased, do you agree?[/b]

I'd have to agree since he's really limited on pass rushing ability but he's good against the run.
[/quote]


Not at all, in fact Kruger might be ready to start right now.

[colljb9]

I definitely agree this guy really does set the edge very well and rarely lets people get outside of him. A few things that help us is JJ actually has 2.5 sacks on the season and has gotten more pressure this year, but the rise of kruger and mcphee are huge. On that last drive the 49ers our front line was actually kruger, ngata, mcphee. Thats a great formation that would help us to keep JJ in the game but also allows suggs to get pass rushing help. I think hes to critical in the run game especially with Lewis out to not have in the game except in third and long situations which it seems we cant prevent against anyway

[The Raven]

I agree, but only to a certain extent. He's a great RUN defender. But nothing more. And honestly, I still think he's slightly overrated against the run. He's good at setting the edge, but there are times when the runningback gets right up his side on sweeps and stretches.

[berad]

Everyone was Mayock's "favorite player" last night. JJ does what he does very well, setting the edge on running plays, man-handling TEs, and occasionally dropping into coverage or pass-rushing. There's a reason he comes off on passing downs, though. Definitely not one of the best in the league but an extremely valuable role player.

[gabefergy]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1322244079' post='886307']
Everyone was Mayock's "favorite player" last night. JJ does what he does very well, setting the edge on running plays, man-handling TEs, and occasionally dropping into coverage or pass-rushing. There's a reason he comes off on passing downs, though. Definitely not one of the best in the league but an extremely valuable role player.
[/quote]

Agreed about JJ. And I really like Mayock too, he is one of the best analysts out there.

Just an aside, I like how "setting the edge" has become such a buzzword this year almost up there with "wide 9" lol. I'll bet 90% of football fans dont even know what it means.

[keebl3rs]

I've only recently heard the term but it's pretty well known to fans that you want to keep running backs from being able to kick it outside.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Said this for years, he's the best role player in the league. Kind of like a Kendrick Perkins.

Oh yeah, btw:

[media='']http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a9rnkY2-wQ[/media]

[PurpleReign92]

I have seen the man drop back just like the up and coming Paul krugar and that his how JJ laid a hit on Ward and some TE running a cross route...

[Gordo52]

Id say the Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson is the most underated. Then JJ probably. Or a 49ers LB thats not Willis

[BloodRaven]

He does what he does better than anyone else at the position, but like someone mentioned earlier Ngata's pass rush ability is helping cover his deficiencies.

He really needs to come off during obvious passing downs though.

[BrawltimoreRavens]

Always been a huge JJ fan. He is an important piece of the D. Makes a lot of adjustment and alignment calls. Might not be as good of a pass rusher as kruger or the best pass defender but still important.

[Irish Raven]

I fear he'll be gone after this season

Rex and the Jets probably offer him a huge deal

He deserves a big pay-day but I'll miss him

[mrwideout]

Lewis may retire soon. We need to keep JJ. He is a veteran of this defense, and is still as good as anybody in run defense.

[Militant X 1]

double-J knows his role on this defense and he plays it well. however, Kruger is a young stud that needs to be unleashed!

~Mili

[jus'_crAzy]

[quote name='berad' timestamp='1322244079' post='886307']
Everyone was Mayock's "favorite player" last night. JJ does what he does very well, setting the edge on running plays, man-handling TEs, and occasionally dropping into coverage or pass-rushing. There's a reason he comes off on passing downs, though. Definitely not one of the best in the league but an extremely valuable role player.
[/quote]
What you said there, describing what JJ does well; THAT is the definition of a Sam Linebacker. So yes, that does make him one of the best Sam backers out there.

I think some of you are confused because you see Lamarr Woodley out there blowing up QBs, but that's not the primary role of the position. Shutting down the TE and RB is what they're supposed to do. So in that respect, I'd say Michael Boley of the Giants is a better Sam than Woodley.

[Suggs Package]

[quote name='jus'_crAzy' timestamp='1322260743' post='886682']
What you said there, describing what JJ does well; THAT is the definition of a Sam Linebacker. So yes, that does make him one of the best Sam backers out there.

I think some of you are confused because you see Lamarr Woodley out there blowing up QBs, but that's not the primary role of the position. Shutting down the TE and RB is what they're supposed to do. So in that respect, I'd say Michael Boley of the Giants is a better Sam than Woodley.
[/quote]

I agree with everything you said. Although it doesn't show up in his individual stats, MIchael Boley is having a big year this year and Woodley isn't an elite pure linebacker but is a phenomenal pass rusher. SAMs in 3-4s and 4-3 have different responsibilities however and its pretty hard to compare the two though. I've always said that JJ is the prototypical 4-3 SAM trapped inside of a 3-4 SAMs body. We do have a hybrid scheme so it works out for everyone.

[ravensfan160]

I remember JJ being interviewed earlier this year and he mentioned how he thought he was going to get cut. He saw all the veterans getting cut and mentioned rushing the passer is a priority after last years dismal team sack performance.

My point is JJ himself understands which is why he's not making a fuss about being taken off the field on third down now. He used to play every snap for us but now he's being substituted out for younger guys who can get the the QB.

[RayRiceRunningfortheRavns]

We need that kind of team player on the ravens. JJ is a straight up bully when it comes to stopping the run.

[Alexir]

I disagreed with the statement. And I don't think he will be with us next year with the way Kruger is playing.

[The King]

JJ is an excellent Sam LB. While he may not be an elite pass rusher, he can get after the QB when we really need him, as seen when he had 6.5 sacks to lead the team a couple years back. He also plays the run well and helps keep TEs from having big games against us. He's invaluable, especially considering how little we pay him.