Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

[Swivel Hips]

I think we can all agree that one area of priority for the Eskimos next season is at linebacker and, particularly, middle linebacker.

Who might we see audition for the position next year - since Zeke Moreno is now in Winnipeg, do you think the Bombers would make a deal for Barrin Simpson, although he will be 32 years old - a little long in the tooth, or perhaps Joe Lobendahn? What does everyone think?

[Angelus]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

I think this thread is better suited for the offseason.

[Sgt. Nuke]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

What difference does it make?

I think Rick Campbell is going to be the middle linebacker.

[Swivel Hips]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

What difference does it make?

I think Rick Campbell is going to be the middle linebacker.

I'd like that!

[cmbuk]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

is eiben a MLB? Then him.....

[turftoe27]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Definitely a position that has to be upgraded. I thought Auggie played well in Steeltown , but like most here I was expecting more from him . Could be the system as some of our high profile free agent DB signings have not turned out as we had hoped also.

Gotta admit though with Ecuyer , Bass , Pless , Kep. ,and A.J. , we've come to expect a lot from the MLB position.

[Beerfish]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Some guy we have never heard of or perhaps Doggit. It all depends on the ratio.

[eskimoses]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Doggitt, Hollis, Onatulo,Cooper, Shabazz... I don't think finding a GODD MLB is gonna be that tough really. We just need a freakin' coach that can assess talent and have them play in positions according to their strengths!!!

[Oiler]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Yes, that is an area we sorely lacked this year. A run stopping speedy MLB. I wouldn't get an old vet again like previous years. I would look for an experienced free agent like Eiben.

[Numberz]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Onatolu/Doggett/Shabazz...my hope for LBs next season.

[acura]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Onatolu/Doggett/Shabazz...my hope for LBs next season.

Numberz, I think you hit the nail on the head.
If we move Shabazz back who plays free safety.
Do you think Garrett can assune that position?
I know he is up there in terms of age but he is still a damn good ball player.
Maybe get another year or two out of him and groom someone else.

[Tucker83]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Onatolu/Doggett/Shabazz...my hope for LBs next season.

Agreed.
Shabazz is a freak of an athlete and could assume the SAM linebacker role covering the other teams inside slots like Clermont, Lewis, Cahoon etc.

Maybe Bradley Robinson could grab the safety spot and we role with...
Younger-Goss-Robinson-L.Williams-Buhl
Not sure if Robinson could be that hard hitting safety we seem to love.

[Numberz]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Garrett doesn't have the speed anymore, safety is a lot about positioning, and he would be good with that, but I don't think he's the guy there. I think this might be his last season. Shabazz should be our future at the SAM spot. Onatolu might be a decent MAC as well. I'm actually not sold on Doggett, but I've been impressed with his special teams work and have high hopes for him when he has a TC under his belt.

Of course through all this we need to think of the import ratio. Perhaps Coe would be a good filler at the MAC position, or even WIL. I'd also like a NI safety. There's a bunch of them around the league. I forget the guys name in Hamilton, but I like what he's done and Hamilton won't need him with Barker coming back next season. If Braidwood can stay healthy, that helps us a lot with the ratio, but it would be nice to 2-3 legit NI starters on defense.

[Numberz]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Agreed.
Shabazz is a freak of an athlete and could assume the SAM linebacker role covering the other teams inside slots like Clermont, Lewis, Cahoon etc.

Maybe Bradley Robinson could grab the safety spot and we role with...
Younger-Goss-Robinson-L.Williams-Buhl
Not sure if Robinson could be that hard hitting safety we seem to love.

Robinson is a stud corner, why mess with that? IMO, if we're going to move someone, move Buhl. He has experience at safety, and he can learn. His improvement this season is 100% on effort. It might not be the best idea, because he's not a very good tackler....but I don't want to move anyone else. Lenny is doing great at half, Goss is best at jumping routes, and not covering downfield...and Younger is really coming into his own on the short side corner. It would be best for us to go out and get an actual safety, and then keep Buhl around as the 6th guy who can fill any position in a pinch.

[Eskiediehard]

Re: Who Plays Middle Linebacker Next Year?

Yes, that is an area we sorely lacked this year. A run stopping speedy MLB. I wouldn't get an old vet again like previous years. I would look for an experienced free agent like Eiben.

No thanks. Eiben isn't exactly "speedy" or a great run-stopper. He has racked up the tackles in Toronto in recent years, but they also had the worst run-defenses for a long time. It was often their system that made him look/seem better than he is (with tackles stats). I'd take Goose over Eiben in a heart-beat. IIRC, Eiben isn't very young either. Goose has got better and better as this season has gone on. His birth certificate is a huge plus too.