Poppinga

[RashanGary]

As some have pointed out, Poppinga is a base down LB, so he's going to play less than half the downs...

Poppinga is a good fit for what they ask their "SLB" to do, i.e. play physical at the point, string outside runs, and drop into zone coverage on play action.

Asking him to man up on the TE is asking a lot IMO, and they did less and less of that as the season wore on. He can get an effective jam and drop, but he's simply not going to be able to turn and run with the more athletic TE's.

Poppinga and Hawk were welcome additions in terms of their toughness and overall football mindset. I still consider the Packers to be a soft defense, but Hawk and Poppinga are tough players, and I like both of them.

Good observations Wist. I like Poppinga too. I think he's going to have an impact this year with his health back.

[Brohm]

Popps and Havner will be our SLB's this year.

[BobDobbs]

It seems that most of the LBs who were acquired were brought in to be special teamers. We needed the help, but I wonder who is actually going to play linebacker if we face injury.

Poppinga is to stiff in his hips to really be a strong coverage backer. But, as physical as he plays I wish that he would show more on the blitz. He just doesn't seem to get through.

[Fritz]

"What about those two pot smoking rookie free agents"

I don't know why but this cracked me up. I am now firmly in the corner of those two "pot smoking rookie free agents." Yeah baby ! What are their names anyway? I forgot (maybe they did too!)

I'd love to see them both make the team. Then they'll try to mellow Poppinga out with a few hits from a big ol' blunt.

Speaking of Poppinga, if he's intense like it sounds all the time I bet he's a scary dude to try to, say, go fishing with.

[MJZiggy]

Imagine having him show up at your door to try and convert you...

[woodbuck27]

In all honesty I'm disappointed he has no competition for the job...Tracy White...the undrafted rookies

This is pretty much how I feel. I'm actually hopeful about some of the undrafted LB's, but not really for this year. Looks like it's basically Poppinga's job by default. As long as Poppinga can improve to at least average, we should have a very good LB corps and defense overall IMO.

We are screwed if he can't get it done. I was crossing my fingers that TT would bring someone in to compete......we'll see.

He can still bring in some free agent cheapsies if he leaves the film room in 07

No no B.

TT's really got to get his bowels under control.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Interesting tidbit on Poppinga from the Press Gazette. I sure hope Poppinga can become at least adequate at coverage--because I think he's solid on run defense and rushing the passer. It's a big if though.

Poppinga got a lot of negative fan reaction to his coverage problems in the beginning of the year, In his work this off season from what you may have saw does he look better, almost a full 2 years removed from ACL surgery and having had a full year playing SSLB?

TOM PELISSERO: Brady Poppinga's biggest issue a year ago was coverage, and from what I saw this offseason I think it'll be the case again. I'm not sure if it's an awareness thing or just a lack of short-range quickness and speed, but he simply doesn't look comfortable anytime he has to go into or come out of a backpedal. I don't think that has anything to do with his knee, though.

[Deputy Nutz]

Poppinga will be alright. Wist hit it right on the head. Most strong side linebackers will not be able to run across the field in man coverage on a tight end. SLBs need to be physical at the point of attack and shift the flow back to the pursuing linebackers.

I honestly think that Pop did a decent job considering this was his first year starting and also coming back from a serious knee injury which usually takes a year to fully recover from.

[HarveyWallbangers]

He was decent most of they year, but I'm not sure how much upside he has. I'd love to see him shine, but he's already like 27-years-old.

[Bretsky]

He was decent most of they year, but I'm not sure how much upside he has. I'd love to see him shine, but he's already like 27-years-old.

If he can just work his way to being average in coverage I'd take that in a second. Teams will try to expose him on the pass.

[KYPack]

Poppinga will be alright. Wist hit it right on the head. Most strong side linebackers will not be able to run across the field in man coverage on a tight end. SLBs need to be physical at the point of attack and shift the flow back to the pursuing linebackers.

I honestly think that Pop did a decent job considering this was his first year starting and also coming back from a serious knee injury which usually takes a year to fully recover from.

I hope so.

The extra year after knee surgery always helps like crazy.

Popp's just got a long way to go. He was a stand-up DE in college and just ain't comfortable or instinctive in cover. He's got great ability to hit and fill. If he can overcome his weaknesses, he'll be a tremendous plus for the D.

[4and12to12and4]

Wow, that's right, he's 27 years old. I think of him as a 23 year old rookie, because he's been injured so much. That's crazy. He is suppose to be in his prime right now, and he is finally just getting comfortable in the scheme.

You know, I am very optimistic about our defense this year, just because it is the first time guys don't have to relearn a completely new scheme. Even though Sanders employed a similar scheme, it still had many changes in its nuances, I'm sure. Actually, the same goes for the offense. We should be much improved, even with Favre, I mean, it had to be awkward for him most of last season relearning the names of every single play. This year, it should help him to know exactly where his 2nd, 3rd, and 4th options are, and if we can actually have 3rd and 4th options for him, because the 2nd year o-lineman won't require tight ends, running backs, and fullbacks staying in to help block, our offense should be much improved, with many more weapons for Brett to throw to, with him knowing where they will be. Handing off the Kool-aid to the next poster now!!