What to expect from Courtney Upshaw in 2013

[baltravens]

[quote name='Cville-Raven' timestamp='1362616338' post='1380115']
you act like it happens every time, cause it doesn't. Does he take a bad angle every now and then? Yes, but it's not nearly as bad as you make it out to be. Lets not forget the play he made against Julian Edleman week 3.
[/quote]
Let me clarify that. It did not happen every time, but happened too much unnecessarliy and in some key moments. I have patience with rookies like Upshaw, but he [b]must [/b]improve in this area, and I think coaching and tape study will greatly minimize that.

[Tiz]

I do see the versatility in him that we see in Suggs and that we saw in adalius.
And I don't see why we can't produce a year like we did in 2006 with 4 guys getting 9+ sacks.

Suggs healthy
Ngata healthy
Upshaw beastly
Ellerbe blitzing

Us winning
Me drinking kool aid

[GrimCoconut]

I think Upshaw has tremendous upside. He needs some serious work as a pass rusher, though. He is excellent at stopping the run. Really, really good at it. He needs to improve as a pass rusher. If anyone can get it out of him, it will be Monachino who helped Suggs develop. I like Upshaw's potential. He's about where JJ was when JJ left in that he doesn't offer much as a pass rusher but does a fairly good job of setting the edge.

But the scheme and players really helped dictate a lot of that. Things could change. Perhaps with Lewis gone, Upshaw's role will change. It's rather strange that Upshaw & JJ had very similar games when playing next to Lewis. I realize that it's the job of the SAM but I wonder how much is the job and how much is the scheme.

Regardless, things will be very interesting this year without Lewis.

[Bazooka Joe]

You don't lose your nose for the QB. I stand by my projection of 8-10 sacks. He did get a lot of pressure on the QB. Those turn to sacks once he gets in NFL shape

[Bltravens]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1362616090' post='1380098']
I don't know, but Upshaw better seal the edge in 2013. Just like a young rookie he took an inside route of the snap of the ball, and the ball carrier and team went easily around him and around the corner.
I don't know whether he has to be taught about his foot work when playing from the outside, but it has to be gotten right or he will not remain a starter if he continues to constantly let running backs seamlessly get around him.
[/quote]
Sure you're not mixing him up with Kruger's play? Upshaw graded out as one of the best 34 run stopping OLBs in the entire NFL.

[baltravens]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1362696443' post='1380843']
Sure you're not mixing him up with Kruger's play? Upshaw graded out as one of the best 34 run stopping OLBs in the entire NFL.
[/quote]
What sticks in my craw are touchdowns given up to the Squeelers and [b]I believe[/b] one in the Super Bowl around Upshaw's side. In conclusion, I am one of the big fans who watches the game and the play as a whole instead of focusing on one player. A lot are on his bandwagon, but he has a heck of a long way to get to JJ's level. He still needs to develop, but I am so glad his development is not taking as long as Jimmy Smith's.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1362698659' post='1380870']
What sticks in my craw are touchdowns given up to the Squeelers and [b]I believe[/b] one in the Super Bowl around Upshaw's side. In conclusion, I am one of the big fans who watches the game and the play as a whole instead of focusing on one player. A lot are on his bandwagon, but he has a heck of a long way to get to JJ's level. He still needs to develop, but I am so glad his development is not taking as long as Jimmy Smith's.
[/quote]

Upshaw and Sizzle switched before the snap on Gore's 6-yard TD. It was well-designed play by the 9ers but if anyone was to blame on that play, it was Ellerbe for crashing into the middle and taking himself out the play.

Going back to Upshaw, he's already a top-notch run-stuffer. A mistake against the Steelers and whatever other odd play one can recall doesn't change that. Becoming a serviceable pass rusher is his next challenge.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1362698659' post='1380870']
What sticks in my craw are touchdowns given up to the Squeelers and [b]I believe[/b] one in the Super Bowl around Upshaw's side. In conclusion, I am one of the big fans who watches the game and the play as a whole instead of focusing on one player. A lot are on his bandwagon, but [b]he has a heck of a long way to get to JJ's level[/b]. He still needs to develop, but I am so glad his development is not taking as long as Jimmy Smith's.
[/quote]
Eh, Im not of that belief but that's just my opinion. Upshaw, after one year, is in essence the same player JJ was here. He may not be as refined in his technique, but he's just as smart, tough and damn close to being as good against the run.

[The Raven]

I think Upshaw may have already matched JJ. He will surpass JJ this year.

[Footman DCXLV]

He's definitely still green in some areas, but I was impressed with him nearly every time I saw him on the field. He'll get WAY more playing time this year, especially if we lose Kruger. I don't see 8+ sacks from him, but an improved rush defense, and more opportunities to rush the passer could really let him shine. Four guys I'm excited to see this year are Upshaw, Pierce, Jimmy Smith, and Webb (one of the best corners before the injury, I hope he can still play at that level).

[H8R]

We'll see, but I say he has 8+

[Latch]

Courtney isn't perfect, but he's no sleeper, either. if he doesn't break out next year, he will at least be improving. as many have said, as long as he hits the gym during the offseason he will be as good as gold. so long as ngata and suggs get back to their old selves, he will have lots of help, too.

[Free Agent]

As a rookie, he set the edge as well as Jarret Johnson did. Imagine how good he would be if he improved as a pass rusher...

He'd be unstoppable.

[Gordo52]

I love what he did in his rookie year. He should only get better with more experience.

[Gordo52]

[quote name='H8R' timestamp='1362605553' post='1379848']
I just think Upshaw is Sooo much further along then Paul was in his rookie year. Paul still can't stop the run, CU can do that right now! He's gonna be better then JJ, in no time at all.
[/quote]
Agreed!