12-10-2015, 11:36 AM
With regards to our linebackers, we can build their size and strength and they can become more situationally aware with more snaps. However, a linebacker must not be afraid of contact. He must crave it. A linebacker must play downhill and beat blockers to get to the ball carrier.Â
A certain second string linebacker on our team (which I will not name) seems to avoid contact with blockers. He takes routes around blockers that causes big holes to open for runners. He also often waits on blockers to close the gap to him rather than moving towards to ball and attempting to beat the block. He's been scouted and I've noticed that when he is in the game the opponents run right at him.
It boils down to aggressiveness. Linebackers must be aggressive to be effective. They've got to play like their ass is on fire. You see this with Martinez, Skov, and Thomas. This is something that is hard to teach. If a player is not showing it as a second stringer when he gets into the game, I doubt he will as a starter.
A certain second string linebacker on our team (which I will not name) seems to avoid contact with blockers. He takes routes around blockers that causes big holes to open for runners. He also often waits on blockers to close the gap to him rather than moving towards to ball and attempting to beat the block. He's been scouted and I've noticed that when he is in the game the opponents run right at him.
It boils down to aggressiveness. Linebackers must be aggressive to be effective. They've got to play like their ass is on fire. You see this with Martinez, Skov, and Thomas. This is something that is hard to teach. If a player is not showing it as a second stringer when he gets into the game, I doubt he will as a starter.
Put a glide in your stride and a dip in your hip.