Prepping Kruger For Starting Slb

[ball hawkin 20]

Do you think we should start putting him in for running downs instead of JJ so he could get some valueable experience? So far he's great on 3rd downs, but that's pretty much all he's done so far. I'd like to see Harbaugh groom this kid as JJs successor. He has a lot more upside then JJ and he's hitting his prime.

[Guest RBates]

He's looks like he could be ready right now. Lets let him finish the season in his current role, I love how we rotate guys in to stay fresh.

[The Raven]

I agree. People always think "JJ is the greatest OLB in the league at setting the edge, and thats a talent that is not easily replaced"

But the fact of the matter is he's 31 and he's reached his ceiling. He's not getting better. Why resign a 31 yr old vet OLB when he have 2 young OLBs at his position? Oh yeah "Umm, I don't know if Kruger or Kindle can handle starting" That lame excuse. How do we know they can't? Kruger is a good, maybe great, pass rusher, he's solid in coverage, and who's to say he's not good at setting the edge? Everyone likes to assume that just because he's not Jarret Johnson that he can't set the edge but thats simply naive and ignorant to assume that. I highly doubt JJ returns next season, and I'm confident that Paul Kruger will be the starting LOLB.

[RoflDogs]

I'm interested in seeing how much we'll have to pay Kruger this year.

[H8R]

I absolutely think Kruger should and will be getting more snaps. Not to say JJ isnt a valuable member of the team.... Kruger is a more polished JJ at the same point in his carrer. Remember, JJ came to be because Adalius Thomas left for NE. Kruger is more physically giftef then JJ.

[slowj0e]

is kruger a free agent after this season?

[BloodRaven]

Of course he needs the snaps, Kruger can rush but so could Antwan Barnes. It would be idiotic to assume Kruger can just step in and automatically do what JJ does, we need to see what the dropoff is.

[Militant X 1]

i want to see more of Kruger.

~Mili

[XxSizzleXx]

Not on run downs, JJ is one of the best OLB in the game against the run.

[Kevin Mullins]

I for one do not want to see anyone else but JJ at the SLB for the time being. Everyone always loves the backups, because they are young and full of potential, until you realize what you had with the previous guy.

Johnson is not flashy, does not fill up the stat sheet, or make the highlight reels. However, he sets the edge, and collapses pockets on the regular. Sure, these don't show up in the box score...but when you limit the space the ball carrier has to move around freely, whether its the QB or a RB, you are going to have more success on defense. JJ doesn't get home often on sacks, but he does shrink the strong side down and make the qb start moving in one direction, which allows Sizzle, Kruger, or whoever else is rushing to close the gap and at least get a hit.

Furthermore, the dude shuts down the run. He slides well, and knifes well. He blows up plays by taking the FB out of the play, or smashing the TE down into the line, thus creating an alleyway for the other linebackers to flow down onto the ball.

Sure, he isn't getting younger, and I've said he is likely in his last 2 or 3 productive years...but to just start Kruger simply because he is younger and has produced decently in limited snaps is comical. Not to mention, as someone else said....the rotation is amazing.

You don't get 9 sacks in a game without a solid rotation of guys beating up the same o-lineman all game. I personally would have liked to see one of the young backers like Chavis or Bynes DOWN for the game and so you would see Kindle get P.T. Guess he's not ready, whether mentally or physically.

[Corvus]

JJ is a free agent next year I am fairly certain, so it could already be in the pipeline for next year. JJ has been our iron man, and we'll always appreciate what all he has given to this franchise. But as others have pointed out he isn't getting any younger and Kruger has been alright in his run stopping when he's been in there anyway. The roles our guys have are fine for this year, we'll need Jarret and Paul for the playoff run, no doubt, but I think the business aspects of the league will likely make this a reality next season, especially if Kruger keeps improving as I think we're all confident he will.

[ball hawkin 20]

[quote name='Corvus' timestamp='1322257539' post='886625']
JJ is a free agent next year I am fairly certain, so it could already be in the pipeline for next year. JJ has been our iron man, and we'll always appreciate what all he has given to this franchise. But as others have pointed out he isn't getting any younger and Kruger has been alright in his run stopping when he's been in there anyway. The roles our guys have are fine for this year, we'll need Jarret and Paul for the playoff run, no doubt, but I think the business aspects of the league will likely make this a reality next season, especially if Kruger keeps improving as I think we're all confident he will.
[/quote]

yeah probably. It's crazy how much important FA we have next year.

[The Raven]

There's no doubt that JJ does a lot for this defense that goes unnoticed, and he is essential to our run defense, but he is going to be a 32 year old FA OLB. Good player, but how many 32 year old run stopping OLBs actually get resigned? I have immense respect for what he does, but the fact is that his replacement is already on the roster, and JJ is over the hill. If we resign him, great! I support it. I'm not saying I don't like him, or that I don't like him being resigned. I'm saying I can see it from a salary cap and trying to get younger/faster perspective.

[codizzle]

[quote name='XxSizzleXx' timestamp='1322254922' post='886571']
Not on run downs, JJ is one of the best OLB in the game against the run.
[/quote]
this times a 1000