Will Wannstedt use Merriman at OLB situationally?

[Hedic]

We should come up with a new scheme. The 1-6-4 or the 7-2-3 defense. Maybe sneak in a 4-4-4.

I LOL on the sneaking in the 4-4-4. was the 7-2-3 intentional or an adding error?

[Hedic]

In 3rd and long situations I would love to see a 1-5-5. [if I understand, this is 5 down, 5 DBs and barnett or shep?] Its basically an honest blitz. Its like saying, hey, we are bringing 5, you know we are, we know you know we are.

No tricks, lets just see if you can stop mario, kyle, dareus, anderson and merriman.

Now that would be a sick rush. Seven blockers maybe, leaving 3 WRs vs 5 DBs.

I didn't see anyone answer this;
1-5-5 (the 1st # is the # of defensive linemen)
1-5-5 (the 2nd # is the # of linebackers)
1-5-5 (the 1st # is the # of defensive backs)

FYI what you're thinking of is a 5-1-5.

[GreggTX]

Right. This is one of the things I tried to explain. Anderson would be the outside guy, because he's the speed rusher, whereas Merriman can play the DE position with an array of pass-rush techniques, and more size. But at the same time I think it's sort of a wash, because Anderson is not in any way suited for a 4-3 OLB position. So if we see it, it won't be from the 4-3 at all, it will be from a 5-2 nickel.

Anderson isn't just a speed rushing guy any more. One of the reasons why he has suddenly rediscovered his pass rushing ability is because he has developed some new techniques. Still, his greatest asset is his speed off the edge, as you say. I'm just recalling what he said in an interview shortly after he signed with us about learning new tricks and not being one-dimensional.

[angelo73]

The OP wrote : "I can't help but think of how deadly he could be as a situational pass rusher from the OLB position"

Its amazing how some folks did not read that. Thats what the whole thread is about. And the answer to this is: im positive u will see some plays where either him shawne or even anderson might come off and rush only rush no one every said cover but likely could cover too but rush in situations to give a variation of formation based on personnel. Its the same thinking that goes into our offense "put the best players on the field"

Im positive u will see it. With less talent last season we saw lots of variations even under edwards. Im positive u will see it w dave wa.

[Hedic]

The OP wrote : "I can't help but think of how deadly he could be as a situational pass rusher from the OLB position"

Its amazing how some folks did not read that. Thats what the whole thread is about. And the answer to this is: im positive u will see some plays where either him shawne or even anderson might come off and rush only rush no one every said cover but likely could cover too but rush in situations to give a variation of formation based on personnel. Its the same thinking that goes into our offense "put the best players on the field"

Im positive u will see it. With less talent last season we saw lots of variations even under edwards. Im positive u will see it w dave wa.

Wow, that was a good point. And EVERYONE missed it but you (including me).

[Abe Froman]

Obviously, with this question, one assumes that Merriman is healthy and makes the roster at DE. I know, big assumption.

Should that be the case, I realize that he would spend 99% of his snaps at DE. HOWEVER, I can't help but think of how deadly he could be as a situational pass rusher from the OLB position. Imagine Super Mario, Kyle, Dareus, and Mark Anderson on the line and Merriman rushing off the edge from the OLB position...Now THATS a deadly look right there.

Question is, does anyone think Wannstedt would/will employ such a tactic? I understand that they don't want #56 dropping back in coverage all the time and that type of thing, but as a pure pin-your-ears-back and rush kind of thing on, say, 3rd and 11, I don't see how it wouldn't be successful. Anyone?

He will be an end, all the time. Why would you take a guy who's strength is pass rushing, and weakness is pass coverage, and have him lineup off the line and cover?

[angelo73]

Wow, that was a good point. And EVERYONE missed it but you (including me).

I know. Thats why its been a fun discussion. It usually happens on here. Most folks do not read the premise. The point of the thread. Or they read and get caught w one sentence and reply w/o completely reading the entire thread or even re-reading it before answering. Very common here. And then after reading it read the comments.

Shawne played at a 3-4 most of his career at OLB. The majority of the snaps. While here, last year he played and practiced at 3-4 and mainly nickel with his hand in the dirt. He says all this in his interview. Hes had pass deflected and even a few INTs (college-pro) he's known as fluid in pass drops. BUT again the bbmb experts know everything yet are wrong every year ive been on here since 2002, and when i came back in 2004.

Here Read a bit:
Maryland Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior. He recorded 158 tackles with three forced fumbles, two interceptions and two blocked kicks, adding 428 yards and six touchdowns on 21 catches as a tight end in his final year and his 443 tackles set a school career-record. Merriman posted a career-high 163 tackles with four pass thefts as a junior and led the team with 122 tackles as a sophomore. He earned All-County (junior and senior) and All-League (senior) honors and was rated the number one linebacker in the state of Maryland (and the 14th-best in the nation) by Super Prep. Shawne was also rated by Super Prep as the second-best player overall in the Mid-Atlantic region. He helped the team compile a 27-5 record (including a 10-0 regular season in 2000) in his three years as a starter. Shawne was also named one of the Atlantic Coast region's top five defenders on the basketball court by the Washington Post, where he averaged 13.2 points and 16.3 rebounds per game. Merriman was an immediate contributor for the Terps as a true freshman, playing in fourteen games. The reserve outside linebacker finished with 49 tackles (33 solos), five sacks, six stops for losses, four pressures and five pass deflections in 2002. Shawne battled through knee, hand and head injuries, but did not miss any games as a sophomore in 2003, starting five times at the "Leo" (left rush end/outside linebacker) hybrid position. Despite an assortment of bruises, he ranked second in the Atlantic Coast Conference with 8.5 sacks, making 55 tackles (39 solos) with 9.5 stops for losses, 13 pressures, two fumble recoveries and three pass break-ups. While the true junior played with several injuries in 2003, the player nicknamed "Lights Out," for his ability to deliver the "knockout punch" unquestionably had the light go on in 2004. Healthy in 2004, except for an ankle sprain suffered vs. North Carolina State, Shawne earned All-American and All-ACC first-team honors as he registered a career-high 85 tackles (53 solos) and led the team with 8.5 sacks, 17 stops behind the line of scrimmage, ten pressures and three forced fumbles. In 38 games at Maryland, Merriman started 17 times. He recorded 189 tackles (125 solos) with 22 sacks for minus-127 yards, 33.5 stops for losses of 170 yards, 27 quarterback pressures, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His 22 career sacks rank second on the school's career-record list, topped only by Mike Corvino (24, 1979-82). A well-liked individual with solid ties to the community, he helped organize a coat drive before Maryland a basketball game last year that brought in over 3,200 coats for the "Creative Community for Non-Violence" shelter.

Analysis:*Positives Shawne is a rare talent with the ability to play away from the line as a strong-side linebacker, off the edge as a rush end or in a three-point stance as a down lineman. He has excellent quickness and explosion off the ball. Merriman is more productive when allowed to roam the field, as he has the flexibility, knee bend, agility and speed to make plays down the line, string out the run and shoot the gaps with suddenness. He might be better suited to play outside linebacker at the next level, as he has the short area speed and burst to mirror and reroute tight ends and backs on pass routes. Shawne possesses a solid build with good strength and superb leaping ability. His lower body strength and strong anchor allow him to hold his ground at the point of attack when lined up as a down lineman. He gets off the line with a sudden burst and shows the awareness to recognize blocking schemes. When he gets clear air into the backfield, he will instantly get to the quarterback. He will sometimes struggle to defeat blocks working in-line, but is very active with his hands and shows good second effort. Shawne has the power base to hold ground at the point of attack and is effective using his hands to split double teams. His long reach lets him maintain separation from blocks and he is a solid wrap-up tackler in space. He uses his hands to swat and swim with great effectiveness. Merriman looks very fluid in his pass drops and utilizes his leaping ability to bat down a fair share of short passes at the line of scrimmage. He is still developing a feel in pass coverage, but has good hip snap and acceleration coming out of his backpedal. He closes with desire coming off the edge and his burst lets him sift through traffic to make plays from the backside. His above average range and ability to take proper pursuit angles is evident when working in space. Shawne is a smash-mouth type of tackler who can fill the holes or redirect the outside runs back inside. He is very active with his hands, doing a nice job of fighting and shedding blocks to plug the running lanes. His explosive initial step and ability to anticipate the snap count lets him penetrate into the backfield with explosion. He is very effective at breaking down in the open field, extending his arms to wrap and secure as a tackler. Merriman plays until the whistle, but needs to operate with less of a reckless nature, as his penchant for sacrificing his body to make the play has led to several minor injuries that affected his play. For a player of such a young age, he has a good understanding of zone assignments and despite his size, is sudden in his transition to turn and run with the receivers. He knows how to use his explosiveness to close on the quarterback in a hurry, but will bite on play action, taking false steps before redirecting. His tall frame comes in handy when he has to play the pass, as he does a good job of timing his leaps to deflect throws at the line of scrimmage. In a 3-4 defense, he would be an ideal strong-side linebacker. He is developing good hand usage, but can be washed out of the play if an offensive tackle locks on to him due to his limited size as a down lineman. If a team decides to bulk him up, Jason Taylor and Jevon Kearse will have someone to compete with for the sack title before long.

Go Bills!

[Logic]

Funny how SO MANY people within this thread failed to read my original post.

Again and again, people are saying "why would you want to drop him back in pass coverage?"

Well, my original post stated very clearly that he would only line up at OLB in an obvious pass-rush situation, where it doesn't MATTER whether the offense knows thats what he's doing or not. You know, 3rd and 11, 3rd and 12, that kind of thing. Some of you said "Well, you're telegraphing what he'd be doing to the defense". No kidding! Haven't you ever seen an NFL defense line 5 or 6 guys up on an obvious blitz and then send them all, daring the offense to complete a pass for 1st down faster than the defenders can sack the QB? Happens ALL THE TIME.

So, once again: NOT talking about putting him at OLB a lot of the time, and NOT talking about asking him to drop into coverage. ONLY talking about rushing from this spot. Look at Brian Orakpo for the Redskins. His true position in a 4-3 should be DE, yet they play him at OLB. And what does he do most of the time from that position? RUSH THE PASSER!

Re-read the original post, people. I'll go as far as to say it would be a downright WASTE of talent NOT to occasionally have him rush from a standing position.

[angelo73]

Funny how SO MANY people within this thread failed to read my original post.

Again and again, people are saying "why would you want to drop him back in pass coverage?"

Well, my original post stated very clearly that he would only line up at OLB in an obvious pass-rush situation, where it doesn't MATTER whether the offense knows thats what he's doing or not. You know, 3rd and 11, 3rd and 12, that kind of thing. Some of you said "Well, you're telegraphing what he'd be doing to the defense". No kidding! Haven't you ever seen an NFL defense line 5 or 6 guys up on an obvious blitz and then send them all, daring the offense to complete a pass for 1st down faster than the defenders can sack the QB? Happens ALL THE TIME.

So, once again: NOT talking about putting him at OLB a lot of the time, and NOT talking about asking him to drop into coverage. ONLY talking about rushing from this spot. Look at Brian Orakpo for the Redskins. His true position in a 4-3 should be DE, yet they play him at OLB. And what does he do most of the time from that position? RUSH THE PASSER!

Re-read the original post, people. I'll go as far as to say it would be a downright WASTE of talent NOT to occasionally have him rush from a standing position.

Absolutely! It was very funny to see that. Great discussion. And great info. U will def see him there from time to time in key situations. Dave Wa know how to use personnel. He did several formations w jason taylor(similar type of size/player) but did u read shawne was a TE, basketball player, blocked punts, pass deflected tons, int's, guys a very athletic player for his size. He will be on the field.

[BronxBomber21]

Obviously, with this question, one assumes that Merriman is healthy and makes the roster at DE. I know, big assumption.

Should that be the case, I realize that he would spend 99% of his snaps at DE. HOWEVER, I can't help but think of how deadly he could be as a situational pass rusher from the OLB position. Imagine Super Mario, Kyle, Dareus, and Mark Anderson on the line and Merriman rushing off the edge from the OLB position...Now THATS a deadly look right there.

Question is, does anyone think Wannstedt would/will employ such a tactic? I understand that they don't want #56 dropping back in coverage all the time and that type of thing, but as a pure pin-your-ears-back and rush kind of thing on, say, 3rd and 11, I don't see how it wouldn't be successful. Anyone?

This was one of the first things I thought of when they signed Mark Anderson. This and in a 3rd & long situation seeing 4 De's on the line at the same time like u see with the Giants although I would rather have Dareus or Kyle Williams rushing the passer instead of Kelsay.