Excited about Upshaw

[The Raven]

[quote name='nextgen_RavensFan' timestamp='1352156972' post='1211677']
I think at this point they feel that experience on the defensive side of the ball is limited and hoping someone will try to be the leader on the defense. I think this time next year you will have to drag Upshaw off of the field. Soon i think he will be ready to assume JJ's spot and i still think he is about maybe 3 years away or so but i think he will do JJ's job and probably be better at it. I mean this guy has speed, power and is learning quickly. Does anyone think he could put on a few more pounds or no ? Maybe just 15 to 20 lbs. I have not felt this excited on the defensive side of the ball in a long time but he just seems special and that his talent will land him in quite a few pro bowls if the league does not stop them.
[/quote]

What on earth? You want Upshaw to put on more weight? He's already like 270-275. Speed is already a weakness for him, do you want to make him even slower? Just 15-20 pounds? [i]Just[/i] 15-20 pounds cost Kruger a year of development. 15-20 pounds is a lot!

You haven't felt this excited about the defense in a long time? What about this defense is more exciting than last year's defense? Or 2010's defense?

[BenMir]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1352161145' post='1211732']
What on earth? You want Upshaw to put on more weight? He's already like 270-275. Speed is already a weakness for him, do you want to make him even slower? Just 15-20 pounds? [i]Just[/i] 15-20 pounds cost Kruger a year of development. 15-20 pounds is a lot!

You haven't felt this excited about the defense in a long time? What about this defense is more exciting than last year's defense? Or 2010's defense?
[/quote]
Heck, with Upshaw's current strength if he puts another 20 pounds you might as well put him at DE\DT. He's probably stronger than McPhee, Kemo and Cody right now..

[The Raven]

[quote name='BenMir' timestamp='1352161339' post='1211738']
Heck, with Upshaw's current strength if he puts another 20 pounds you might as well put him at DE\DT. He's probably stronger than McPhee, Kemo and Cody right now..
[/quote]

With his skill set, it wouldn't be a terrible idea. Unfortunately, that would mean Kruger/McClellan starting at OLB next year...

He would fit nicely as a 3-4 DE. He's strong at the point of attack, he's our sole defender who can shed blocks, he can tackle, and all of his pass rush moves are power moves. Based on where his talents are, he wouldn't be a bad 3-4 DE. I'm definitely not advocating a position change, but it's one of those things I might do on Madden later.

[BenMir]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1352161548' post='1211741']
With his skill set, it wouldn't be a terrible idea. Unfortunately, that would mean Kruger/McClellan starting at OLB next year...

He would fit nicely as a 3-4 DE. He's strong at the point of attack, he's our sole defender who can shed blocks, he can tackle, and all of his pass rush moves are power moves. Based on where his talents are, he wouldn't be a bad 3-4 DE. I'm definitely not advocating a position change, but it's one of those things I might do on Madden later.
[/quote]
Well, once in a couple seasons the coaching staff decides on a weight goal for a player.. Kruger couple seasons ago, then Kruger again, now Ray, Jameel and McPhee.. Maybe next season? I do hope we move to 4-3 though. But who cares, Upshaw is one of my favourites Ravens, as long he's out there on the field and preforming I'll take it.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1352161145' post='1211732']
What on earth? You want Upshaw to put on more weight? He's already like 270-275. Speed is already a weakness for him, do you want to make him even slower? Just 15-20 pounds? [i]Just[/i] 15-20 pounds cost Kruger a year of development. 15-20 pounds is a lot!

You haven't felt this excited about the defense in a long time? What about this defense is more exciting than last year's defense? Or 2010's defense?
[/quote]
I think he meant he hasn't been this excited about a player on the defensive side lol.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1352163648' post='1211766']
I think he meant he hasn't been this excited about a player on the defensive side lol.
[/quote]

I really hope so, lol.

[Guest RBates]

[quote name='K-Dog' timestamp='1352039032' post='1208533']
A few people were calling him that. It didnt completely catch on.
Interstate 95 is the major highway that goes through Baltimore.
[/quote]Virginia is the i-95 champ....... (DMV) is Torrey's nickname.

[lowrider]

Upshaw is a stud, and needs to be on the field more. He makes plays everytime he is playing. If Suggs and Upshaw can be our consistent playmakers it will greatly improve our defense. It will mask the cb issues and the lack of run defense

[-Truth-]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1352015039' post='1208474']
He lacks the explosiveness to be a double digit sack artist, but he's a great all around gamer with a nose for the ball.
[/quote]

As of this moment, this arguably a proper assessment, although I hope that it doesn't apply in the future. I love what Upshaw does in run support. He could be the ideal LOLB when Terrell Suggs mans the right side at 100%. But the knock on him coming out was the lack of explosiveness, and it has been somewhat evident. He does have very heavy hands, so if he works on his technique in the offseason, it could offset any physical drawbacks. I'm sure he'd like to have more than just 7 pressures. To his credit, he has rushed the passer on only 190 snaps, which is the least of any 3-4 OLB playing over 50% of the defensive snaps. But he's last among that group in total pressures, and second to last in pass rush productivity per PFF.

[BloodRaven]

[quote name='-Truth-' timestamp='1352221003' post='1212149']
As of this moment, this arguably a proper assessment, although I hope that it doesn't apply in the future. I love what Upshaw does in run support. He could be the ideal LOLB when Terrell Suggs mans the right side at 100%. But the knock on him coming out was the lack of explosiveness, and it has been somewhat evident. He does have very heavy hands, so if he works on his technique in the offseason, it could offset any physical drawbacks. I'm sure he'd like to have more than just 7 pressures. To his credit, he has rushed the passer on only 190 snaps, which is the least of any 3-4 OLB playing over 50% of the defensive snaps. But he's last among that group in total pressures, [b]and second to last in pass rush productivity per PFF[/b].
[/quote]

Ouch. I suppose if he can't be another Suggs at least he can be another JJ.

So he's not a great pass rusher? he's seems to disengage blocks at will, maybe a position change is in the cards?

[FerrariFan87]

I love how Upshaw hustles to the ball and his backside pursuit in the running game... he's evolving and growing in this defense, and I think he's gonna be a stud.

[K-Dog]

[quote name='RBates' timestamp='1352203270' post='1212015']
Virginia is the i-95 champ....... (DMV) is Torrey's nickname.
[/quote]

No clue what this post means...

[-Truth-]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1352249180' post='1212512']
Ouch. I suppose if he can't be another Suggs at least he can be another JJ.

So he's not a great pass rusher? he's seems to disengage blocks at will, maybe a position change is in the cards?
[/quote]

I wouldn't mind if he developed into another JJ, although I'm sure we'd prefer a bit more help in the pass rushing department. And unfortunately, no, not at this moment. Referring to the numbers above, he ranks 2nd worst in terms of pure statistics and 3rd worst in terms of their grading system. Yes, he certainly does. And he takes very good pursuit angles. It's no surprise that he has the 2nd highest grade in run support among 3-4 OLBs, nearly doubling the 3rd placer. I'd personally prefer to keep him at OLB because of Paul Kruger's struggles in a starter's role, but where else would you rather see him at? ILB, I'm assuming?

[-Truth-]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1352249180' post='1212512']
Ouch. I suppose if he can't be another Suggs at least he can be another JJ.

So he's not a great pass rusher? he's seems to disengage blocks at will, maybe a position change is in the cards?
[/quote]

I wouldn't mind if he developed into another JJ, although I'm sure we'd prefer a bit more help in the pass rushing department. And unfortunately, no, not at this moment. Referring to the numbers above, he ranks 2nd worst in terms of pure statistics and 3rd worst in terms of their grading system. Yes, he certainly does. And he takes very good pursuit angles. It's no surprise that he has the 2nd highest grade in run support among 3-4 OLBs, nearly doubling the 3rd placer. I'd personally prefer to keep him at OLB because of Paul Kruger's struggles in a starter's role, but where else would you try him at? ILB, I'm assuming?

[BenMir]

[quote name='-Truth-' timestamp='1352326553' post='1212975']


I wouldn't mind if he developed into another JJ, although I'm sure we'd prefer a bit more help in the pass rushing department. And unfortunately, no, not at this moment. Referring to the numbers above, he ranks 2nd worst in terms of pure statistics and 3rd worst in terms of their grading system. Yes, he certainly does. And he takes very good pursuit angles. It's no surprise that he has the 2nd highest grade in run support among 3-4 OLBs, nearly doubling the 3rd placer. I'd personally prefer to keep him at OLB because of Paul Kruger's struggles in a starter's role, but where else would you try him at? ILB, I'm assuming?
[/quote]
Wait,he's second among all 3-4 olbs or only rookies?

[-Truth-]

[quote name='BenMir' timestamp='1352327158' post='1212985']
Wait,he's second among all 3-4 olbs or only rookies?
[/quote]

Second highest run support grade of all 3-4 OLBs, trailing only Anthony Spencer by a very small margin.

[BenMir]

[quote name='-Truth-' timestamp='1352328934' post='1213003']
Second highest run support grade of all 3-4 OLBs, trailing only Anthony Spencer by a very small margin.
[/quote]
A rookie grading second in run support. How can people say he's not having any impact? Heck, he's better than JJ!

[CalvinSmoke]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1352249180' post='1212512']


Ouch. I suppose if he can't be another Suggs at least he can be another JJ.

So he's not a great pass rusher? he's seems to disengage blocks at will, maybe a position change is in the cards?
[/quote]
I dont think he'll need a position change. He plays JJ's position.

[CalvinSmoke]

[quote name='BenMir' timestamp='1352329212' post='1213007']

A rookie grading second in run support. How can people say he's not having any impact? Heck, he's better than JJ!
[/quote] There's some truth to that. I've seen on 3 occasions where Upshaw seals his edge and then the running back runs into a brick wall and then bounces back to Kruger's side. It is successful nearly every time to...

[BenMir]

[quote name='CalvinSmoke' timestamp='1352330906' post='1213033']
There's some truth to that. I've seen on 3 occasions where Upshaw seals his edge and then the running back runs into a brick wall and then bounces back to Kruger's side. It is successful nearly every time to...
[/quote]
This shouldn't happen once Sizzle is good to go. The most interesting part is that Upshaw's doing it even with the current crappy line. Once we get a decent line he's production should increase.. just think about that!
Give him a year and he'll probably increase his pass rush productivity as well.. I JUST LOVE HIM

[BloodRaven]

His angles and hustle give him great range and I think he has the instincts and strength to bounce inside next to Ray/Ellerbe etc if we needed him to.

[izvoodoo]

You guys realize his pass rush would be better if we had better overall run support? If we were third and ten and could cover we'd have some sacks.

[Trevelyan]

I see that lack of explosiveness as well, it's almost as if he is hesitating, which can be the case due to the fact he is a rookie. A lot of rookies tend to sometimes seem slow because they are thinking of their moves instead of being instinctive. Once Upshaw gets that initial instinct for the play and where the ball is going, look out. I can see Upshaw easily bullying OT's and G's like he did back in college.

[nextgen_RavensFan]

In your opinion do you think he could bulk up a bit more ? Would that help or do you think his weight is ok and he just needs a few more reps to be a real force on the field. Right now he gets around the ball a lot and i have a feeling this time next year he will be able to seal the edge and rush with a huge impact as well. He has a great football mind.

[The Raven]

[quote name='nextgen_RavensFan' timestamp='1352392618' post='1213258']
In your opinion do you think he could bulk up a bit more ? Would that help or do you think his weight is ok and he just needs a few more reps to be a real force on the field. Right now he gets around the ball a lot and i have a feeling this time next year he will be able to seal the edge and rush with a huge impact as well. He has a great football mind.
[/quote]

Nope! He's nearly 275 pounds. That's plenty. If he changes his weight at all, I'd like to see him drop weight to get quicker. He's strong as an ox and he really doesn't need to add bulk. Adding bulk would be a bad idea for him.

[-Truth-]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1352392906' post='1213263']
Nope! He's nearly 275 pounds. That's plenty. If he changes his weight at all, I'd like to see him drop weight to get quicker. He's strong as an ox and he really doesn't need to add bulk. Adding bulk would be a bad idea for him.
[/quote]

Agree with this 100%. Upshaw is one of the bigger LOLBs in the league, if I'm not mistaken. Typically, if an LB is looking to bulk up, it's to help them with any deficiencies in run support. But it has been well-documented that Upshaw's had no such issues whatsoever.