DQJ Coming Back Soon?

[Shep]

His tweet today: "Got more good news this morning, in training room working to get back! Game week baby!"

I want him back for two reasons: Eric and Barton. I think we're a much better team with Gocong and Jackson in the middle.

[TheBestPlayersPlay]

Wow, I would be THRILLED. I didn't realize he was so close, if he is indeed close.

[Tobalaz]

How much you want to bet if this wasn't a contract year he wouldn't be coming back so soon if not at all?

[MackTruck]

Wow, you actually care about DQJ. More Phil trash to excrete.

[TheBestPlayersPlay]

Mack, I never thought he was better than a avg LB, however that makes him better than who we currently have plugged inside, you disagree?

[Shep]

I just don't have another example of a bad linebacker leading the NFL in tackles. Maybe I'm wrong.

[Crow]

Originally Posted by MackTruck

Wow, you actually care about DQJ. More Phil trash to excrete.

cut joe thomas

[Vegasdogg]

Originally Posted by Shep

I just don't have another example of a bad linebacker leading the NFL in tackles. Maybe I'm wrong.

Yeah but plenty of tackles doesn't equate to playmaker. We know this. I like DQ but he is average. Tackles at his spot don't really mean much to be honest. Elam led the team last season. That's a bad thing.

Why is Gocong at ILB? I know he and Fujita can flip around but that seems backwards to me.

[Pedros Gaff]

i really like jackson he last year he was doubtful for a game i cant remeber what one and came in with double digit tackles now to me that what a true leader and player does, for that he gained my respect and thats one of the main reasons i like him, but what do i know eyy im just a 16yr old who lives in england

[Masters]

CLE's LB, including DQJ, not making plays in the backfield is not solely on them. It starts at the DL, which doesn't open up the wholes for the LB to shoot into the backfield. Instead a G or tackle is getting free and on the LBs before they can even make it to the LOS. This has been a problem for a while. It's also a problem BALT had before they got Ngata, and why Ray Lewis stopped making plays in the backfield for a year or two, and vocally complained about it.

DQJ is and should play the WILB roll, which is going to be more clean up work than heavy hitting and getting into the backfield (he's the guy you put next to a Ray Lewis, not ask him to be Ray Lewis).

[Vegasdogg]

LB's have to be able to absorb OL and beat them one on one. Good LB's don't always need a free shot. I've rarely seen our LB's beat OL on a blitz or in run support. Last season was an improvement in sacks but I didn't see a ton of playmaking other than blitzes out of the schemes we ran.

The DL begets the LB begets the DB. I get that. But LB in the 3-4 need to dominate and I didn't see much of that over 16 games. I hope this changes. Roth comes close.

[Masters]

Originally Posted by Vegasdogg

LB's have to be able to absorb OL and beat them one on one. Good LB's don't always need a free shot. I've rarely seen our LB's beat OL on a blitz or in run support. Last season was an improvement in sacks but I didn't see a ton of playmaking other than blitzes out of the schemes we ran.

The DL begets the LB begets the DB. I get that. But LB in the 3-4 need to dominate and I didn't see much of that over 16 games. I hope this changes. Roth comes close.

Yes and no on the OL and beat them. In the 3-4 the DL is supposed to tie up those OL guys so the ILBs are free to shot the gaps and make plays (OLB are a little different, since they are likely taking on a T just as a rush DE would). Now certainly you want your LBs to get off of blocks well. Even if they do, it doesn't do you much good if the OL men was able to engage you 4 yards off the LOS because no DL tied him up.

I don't see CLE LBs beating OL to get sacks either. It's been fully scheme. It's why I still have a major concern with CLEs pass rush and preseason did nothing to lessen my concern.

LBs, at least on the inside don't generally dominate if the DL aren't getting them free shots. Its why I point to Ray Lewis after a down year, and why he went public to the press complaining about BALT not having good DL guys, then BALT goes and gets a space eater in Ngata.