Barnett

[Deputy Nutz]

I was debating whether or not to get into these discussions about the switch to a 3-4 and the effect on the current players on the roster outside of McCarthy saying that guys like Kampman will have to make sum adjustments. The bottom line is that none of us know how Capers is planning on using his personnel that he currently has. Sure the base scheme will be 3-4, but outside of that who really knows. If you are looking at a traditional 3-4 that was run in the 1980s and early 1990s than most likely guys like Barnett would not make it as an inside linebacker. again the 3-4 used now asks outside linebackers, usually the strong side backer to play on the line of scrimmage over the tight end. Regardless hopefully McCarthy hired some one in Capers that stress flexibility.

[Waldo]

I was debating whether or not to get into these discussions about the switch to a 3-4 and the effect on the current players on the roster outside of McCarthy saying that guys like Kampman will have to make sum adjustments. The bottom line is that none of us know how Capers is planning on using his personnel that he currently has. Sure the base scheme will be 3-4, but outside of that who really knows. If you are looking at a traditional 3-4 that was run in the 1980s and early 1990s than most likely guys like Barnett would not make it as an inside linebacker. again the 3-4 used now asks outside linebackers, usually the strong side backer to play on the line of scrimmage over the tight end. Regardless hopefully McCarthy hired some one in Capers that stress flexibility.

Capers and Lebeau together developed the Steelers zone blitz 3-4, when Capers was the DC and Lebeau the secondary coach.

It is pretty safe to say that he will not run a traditional Parcells style 3-4.

[pbmax]

I was debating whether or not to get into these discussions about the switch to a 3-4 and the effect on the current players on the roster outside of McCarthy saying that guys like Kampman will have to make sum adjustments. The bottom line is that none of us know how Capers is planning on using his personnel that he currently has. Sure the base scheme will be 3-4, but outside of that who really knows. If you are looking at a traditional 3-4 that was run in the 1980s and early 1990s than most likely guys like Barnett would not make it as an inside linebacker. again the 3-4 used now asks outside linebackers, usually the strong side backer to play on the line of scrimmage over the tight end. Regardless hopefully McCarthy hired some one in Capers that stress flexibility.

We should put this in the logo at the top to replace the ice bag. Good post, all of it.

[Merlin]

Barnett will be fine, assuming he is healthy. I think many of you are much too quick to write him off.

Agreed. This is the same group that said Abdul Hodge was going to push him to the outside and eventually off the roster completely. That's how it played out right? Let's not forget that after 1 game at MLB, Hawk was far superior to Barnett, even though he was a non-factor in subsequent games and did not adequately lead the defense at the position. Not that he couldn't at some point but Barnett is the better player at that position like it or not.

[cpk1994]

I think the writing is on the wall. If they can't trade him, I think they'll cut him. I've really warmed up to Kamp as an OLB. I think he's an ideal rush LB.

Most rediculous post of 2009. Why write Barnett off without one shred of evidence if he can play in the 3-4 or not? Barnett isn't going anywhere. He at least gets the opportunity to show whether he can do the job or not.

[BlueBrewer]

I think the writing is on the wall. If they can't trade him, I think they'll cut him. I've really warmed up to Kamp as an OLB. I think he's an ideal rush LB.

This might be the dumbest statement of the year!! It is still January though.

[run pMc]

Assuming he comes back from his injury, he'll be fine.

Don't you think the LB's are excited about getting to work with a guy like Capers that will set them loose on a QB? It seems like all Harrison does for PIT is blitz, and he's like 6-0, 240#. I think Barnett can do it. The point about Vilma is well made, however.

The DL is a concern...I don't think Jenkins is thrilled about the switch, and how Kampman does is anyone's guess. I don't think he can bulk up without it affecting him: I think he's better at 265 than when he was up at 285. I know this much: both those guys will give top effort.

Also not sure what this means for the secondary...I remember Peyton Manning whining because Ty Law and the NE CB's would mug his receivers, so maybe we'll see that. I can't help but think that Al's days are numbered.

How TT drafts will be really interesting. I think Rey M. from USC would be a beast 3-4 LB and will be there at #9.

I would hope Capers is smart and flexible enough to adapt his schemes to the talents of the roster.

Either way, get ready for a bumpy preseason while they figure it out.

[Zool]

Yeah... 4-3 linebackers rarely take on blockers... WTF are you talking about?

With that said, no, I don't think Barnett is a 3-4 backer. Same way a great 4-3 MLB in Vilma wasn't. Too small.

Very true. He looked completely average in the 3-4 middle. Barnett is good covering in space so I kinda hope he ends up outside.

[Pugger]

Capers said he is one who will fit his scheme to his players. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next several weeks as Dom is evaluating our guys. But the next thing we have to watch now is who MM and Dom get as assistants.

[Waldo]

Vilma's failure to transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4 had as much to do with his DC running a 2 gap 3-4 without a NT as does with anything about him physically.

Minus a stud NT, in a 2 gap 3-4 the ILB's get killed. That isn't the case with a 1 gap 3-4.

[Cheesehead Craig]

I'm in the wait and see camp. I disagree with the complete writing off of Barnett as that's foolish IMO. He's a good player and really did a good job when dealing with 4 DCs in his first 4 yrs in the league. He seems to bounce back from adversity well. Perhaps this new defense will raise the level of his game.

[Deputy Nutz]

Capers said he is one who will fit his scheme to his players. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next several weeks as Dom is evaluating our guys. But the next thing we have to watch now is who MM and Dom get as assistants.

Perfectly stated, only an idiot would run a scheme regardless if he had the players or not. That would be just the type of pig headed coach this franchise could not use at this point. I like the excitement with this hire, McCarthy sounded jazzed at his press conference, far from the lack of excitement that Bob Sanders brought. It is one thing to run a vanilla scheme but to coach with a lack of excitement and fire will get you fired, sure that scheme didn't change much from the one Jim Bates brought to Green Bay, but Bates was a ball of intensity, Bob Sanders was well, a really nice person.

[RashanGary]

I'd be happy to cut Barnett and offer the money we were going to pay him (along with a few extra million) to a guy like Suggs or another proven 3-4 backer.

[packerbacker1234]

Yeah... 4-3 linebackers rarely take on blockers... WTF are you talking about?

With that said, no, I don't think Barnett is a 3-4 backer. Same way a great 4-3 MLB in Vilma wasn't. Too small.

It's more or less utilizing the player you have's abiltiy. Barnett has good vision, good coverage ability, is a solid blitzer, and has speed. All that put together, they may utilize him in a coverage/blitzing/clean up role, and not so much ofa "run stuffing" blitz style.

That being said, I can't really put the jury out on how he'll do until we see it in action. At this point, I can't really judge the effectiveness. I'm sure Capers will make good use of him, though.

[Zool]

Just once I want to see Barnett knock a RB back when he hits him.