It looks like Campbell and AA are penciled in as starters and we are set to play a lot of 2 LB sets
@Cap we all give you alot of flack for your devotion to Barnes but I do find it admirable that you love the guy so much and by all accounts he’s an exceptional human
As far as his fit into this defense, how do you realistically see him being used situationally?
Also, be assured I’m not baiting you. I genuinely want to hear your thoughts
Right now Barnes has shown he finally has learned the game an really has been best LB or tied for best with AA an Campbell coming on strong. I think the starting two right now would be Barnes an AA.
that’s really promising to hear. I remember it took a few years for the light to turn on for Levy and when it did he was a monster for us
Yeah I’ve been listening to DoseofDion(who is at the practices taking notes) and Barnes has popped a lot. Campbell has as well, but yeah I don’t think it’s a given that Campbell will start. I think that battle will likely be determined by who show’s up during preseason and who makes “less” mistakes. Personally I’m pretty excited to see both ball out.
Rodrigo has an interception, but, everyone loves the new toy.
Barnes > Everyone - If Barnes isn’t playing 95% of the snaps this season, Coach Campbell should be fired immediately. 
With Barnes on the field, you don’t even need a 2nd linebacker, he’s that good! I propose the 4-1-6 defense with Barnes at linebacker. Campbell, Anzalone and Rodrigo can play rock, paper, scissors to see who gets to play special teams.
They say Barnes is clicking on the mental side and it is matching his athletic ability. Dunno if that means he has arrived but it is promising. If he hits finally and Campbell excels like we expect……we have a nice little group…….anzalone, Campbell, Barnes and Rodrigo.
The only issue the lions ran into last year running the 4-2-5 was run heavy teams like carolina. They didnt have enough good LBs to run a 4-3-4 to stop the run.
Campbell and AA are definitely penciled in starters.
Then running downs or run heavy teams.
Campbell AA and Barns.
Rodrego is the rotation guy. Used more in sparingly. Maybe against running QBs. Zone defense. Definitely special teams.
Finally a lions team where i feel confident in the top 4 LBs.
The issue in Carolina was not schematic or personnel groupings. That was a teachable moment for those guys. Dan said he wanted a team that would beat you in a parking lot. That game was a parking lot, and our guys didn’t meet the challenge. Dan has been able to use that game as a coaching point ever since.
We also have an infusion of DB talent. Branch CJGJ will come up and punch you in the mouth. Walker is also good against the run
Apparently Barnes was flashing in the scrimmage against the Giants and Giants beat writers approached our guys to ask who that was out there
My biggest concern of the year is this position group. Campbell needs to acclimate to the speed of the NFL ASAP or else they could be in trouble in the short passing game.
that and their achilles heel last year. QBs taking off on a delayed run
Very happy with our LB corral. Just asking them to be at the least, in the middle of the pack. DL will rule.
No surprise to me! Anzalone also said he is playing fast on run and pass.
By the day it sounds more likely that the Derrick Barnes pick is going to end up being a hit.
Hypothetically, let’s say Derrick Barnes wins a starting job. Unlikely but not impossible. It’s a unique toolbox.
Think about how good that version of Derrick Barnes is? To beat out that kind of investment into AA and Jack. He’d have to be playing lights out. Or from the sound of it continue to play lights out.
Remember this sequence?
In the second one he totally blows the initial angle but he’s such a good athlete that he quickly course corrects and then that reach. He’s different. It’s just the light bulb; light on and he’s likely lights out.
It’s a fun thought. Probably in part because I’m a Barnes homer. Not THE homer of course.
Barnes and Campbell both at or near their upsides … that’s the best scenario for us at LB.
