Barnes is what the Lions hoped Houston would develop into, but hasn’t.
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This thought could maybe use its own thread but ….
I am seeing a leadership team letting the rookies and even vets take a year or two to grow…. Not! Asking them to immediately play and expect perfect execution
And, we are using our PS different as well….
We are set up now for the long haul and doing it by letting players grow at thier own pace but still pushing them and out flexible PS adds to this
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I think he’s going to be an interesting FA. He’ll be in demand but for a LBer that probably means like 7m per unless his pass rushing starts to pop. I think in that range we try and keep him.
As Barnes’ original family member I hope that we do.
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Barnes’s pass-rush ability is not in the same league as Houston.
He can play the off-ball stuff well, though. Or, at least better than he had in years 1 and 2.
I’m very frustrated by the LB situation outside of Thor.
I think part of the reason that AG has expanded the role and responsibility of the SamLB is that they intend to keep Barnes.
Barnes is the successor to Anzalone but it appears Alex has more remaining in the tank than just one year.
By expanding the Sam role it makes schematic and salary cap sense to keep both Barnes and Anzalone.
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You know, Dead, when AG brought Thor in, it was with an eye toward development through more reps. He knew he had something to work with and he brought him in. Good stuff. It is refreshing to see a coaching staff committed to the players and, when you think about it, the front office.
Too many teams see friction between coaches who need NOW players and GMs who draft with a broader vision.
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My pre-draft concerns about Campbell are definitely still there. I liked him, but was always worried about his coverage ability. It’s still very early so I’m not writing him off or anything, but the sooner he starts to show that at least the other parts of his game are at plus-NFL level, the better.
That said I actually like our depth quite a bit. And Barnes seems to keep improving every year, which is promising.
See I don’t think Barnes is a WLB at all. If we have a Anzalone successor on the roster it’s either Rodrigo or JRM, but I suspect that player is not on the roster yet.
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Barnes demonstrated last year, and is demonstrating everyday this year that he is capable of playing all three positions.
He is a run and hit LB which is what a Will does. The modern Will is tasked with a lot more coverage responsibility and Barnes continues to grow in that area as well.
Will LB may be the weakest of the three for Barnes but he is an NFL starter at all 3 positions.
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Well you and I disagree on this one. Will is a run-and-chase/coverage position and while I’m not saying you can’t get by with Barnes at that spot, I think it would be foolish to use him there unless we have no other choice.
But I certainly wouldn’t call him the successor to Anzalone. That was the main part of your statement I disagreed with.
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As you know I was promoting Barnes prior to the 2021 draft and I agree that his skill set is least applicable to the WILL spot. I think he’s probably best as a MIKE but obviously we have a logjam there.
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If Malcom can shore up his coverage deficiencies then he’s a logical successor to Anzo.
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A big question right now though. Which again, doesn’t really add up given his safety background. I think he might have gotten himself too yoked.
Then again, LBs tend to improve at a slower rate overall than others. Including Anzalone himself, so there’s still hope.
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And truly truly i say this: Cap! See, your assessment seem spot on but long term vs the idea you wanted him out there too soon imho
I simply believe in MSDC now…. And he has never let Barnes go…. And probably will not either
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So glad you (someone said it). I honestly do think Houston CAN do hat Barnes does. He just isn’t motivated enough. Barnes was a BEAST at edge at Purdue and worked his butt off to learn the MLB position. Took his lumps and dealt with the discouragement and doubt and I love him so much now. Can’t wait to really see him do more of what he did at Purdue.
I know you guys love Houston but I’m over him.
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Barnes isn’t a WLB. Don’t let the INT make you think he’s even as good at that as JRM. He isn’t. SAM is a great spot for him. He was a DE in college. No KVN’s Part Deux please…
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The past WILL.was always the best cover guys. Briggs, Brroks, etc.
@Air2theThrown remember 2 weeks ago when we both agreed Barnes gonna play alot… Well he played even more than we expected. And u were right on JRM barely played other than special teams…good call.
The staff clearly doesn’t trust Jack Campbell on 3rd downs yet.
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I fully believe Campbell is the spiritual successor of Anzalone. He’s still playing out position cause Alex won’t let him take over his spot yet!
People see WLB as just a coverage LB.
The WLB is the run and hit chase LB. It has more coverage responsibility than the MLB in this system (Tampa 2 MLB has more coverage).
Barnes is the 2nd best WLB on the team.
JRM is a better coverage LB but not a better WLB.
JRM and Rodrigo are good Special Teams and depth LBers, but they are not starting NFL LBers.
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