Adalius Thomas ran a 4.56 40 at the combine and was unofficially clocked as low as 4.49. That's a freak at 6'3" 270. According to the wiki he started his NFL career at DE, moved to ROLB and then in 2004 played some at CB. That's a ridiculous track record.
Coples may be athletic enough to play LB, but it doesn't mean it's his best spot. Coples slid in the draft due to his lousy work ethic - we see that playing out now as Rex has publicly criticized him. It's just hard to believe that Coples could excel playing OLB considering he has done his best work inside. The move is really surprising for that reason, but Richardson could be such a superior player that the selection almost seems like a redo of the Coples selection, whom they seem dissatisfied with. We'll just have to wait and see whether Sheldon and Coples realize their potential.
I think people are getting way too caught up in the whole LB VS DE argument in Rex's defense.. They may be designated LB or DE, or DT, but in Rex's defenses they are seldom doing their traditional roles.
This. Rex's Defensive positions are vague & vary depending on situation/formation.One thing is for certain about Rex is he does not ask any player to do something they aren't fit to be doing.He's fantastic at playing defensive players to their strength. Coples maybe 285 but he has more of a long/lean build.I think the move is very progressive & speaks to the "bigger,faster,stronger" mantra of the NFL. No doubt that if he struggles in the role they'll find another place for him. But if he does succeed a 285 pound athlete on the edge is an awfully hard thing game plan for.
Bump. How do you guys think Coples is doing? I feel like I never see him during games, though he did get a sack today. Do you think his transition to OLB is going well?
I think the foot injury really set him back, because during the preseason he was progressing nicely. He made a play the moment that he screwed up the foot.
Not enough data to go on at this point with the injury and all. If he works at OLB it'll be an unusual success. Guys as big as him can't generally work in the flats.
I'm personally disappointed in his progress & effort. I want to see more plays & more effort. I want to see him get in better shape. I want to see him get to the QB. At end of Pats' game with 3-man rush....he was stymied at line of scrimmage & basically was just giving up....Watch the replays. I just want to see more.:metal:
I'll be honest, I was slightly disappointed with his play today. I focused on him towards the end of the game and he looked absolutely gassed.
I think the injury coupled with the position switch really set him back. He played well last year as a rookie. I'm hoping for a strong second half from him.
Coples is a lot better on the inside but he has beasts like Mo Wilk, Snacks and Richardson playing and playing well on the inside...so now he''s not only a standup LB/DE but he's rushing from the outside. He's still setting the edges pretty well IMO but as far as that impact, he's definitely not making that right now.
i never post on here but i signed in to make this post.. everyone needs to stop saying coples is not playing well in his new "position"..hes not even playing linebacker.. this is a flex scheme and he rushing on every play, hes not covering anyone, he's not in space, hes not in flats, he is rushing every down thats all..please look at mario williams, chris clemons role... the plays he had his 5 sacks last year were also in this role on the edge... i watch q on every snap.. if they never listed him as a lb on the depth chart you wouldnt even know he plays it or having this week to week talk on "OLB' ..i know he starts off standing up but he either will rush from the spot or stick his hand in the dirt, on some plays he is kicked inside over the guard as well.. coples is rex toy that could rush from almost every spot and is the only player on this team that can do this.. sacks will come guys
Yeah your right about the rushing the passer exclusively. But don't you agree he's better rushing the passer between the gaps than on the outside? Most of the time you can see him pushing the tackles back from the outside but in Rex Ryan's scheme, they really focus on pushing the pocket back onto the QB so he has no where to step up into throws. Especially when your bringing guys like Mo Wilk/ Snacks/ Sheldon up the middle, he maybe doing his role good this year. While the Jets really lack that edge rusher, he needs to continue to do what he does there as the middle of the line is pretty stacked. Even Kendrick Ellis can command attention in the middle as well. Last year when Coples would come in, he'd usually play inside, coming in on passing situations and subbing in for a Mike DeVito or Pouha who were primarily run stuffers/stoppers. Now he's primarily on the edge...it's still something he has to get use to.
The real point IMHO With Wilk SRich Ellis Snacks and even Douz all manning the DL Q needed to learn to play OLB or find his minutes reduced. Sent from my BNTV400 using Tapatalk
what's he doing when we rush 3? he def hasn't played as well at OLB as i'd been hoping for ... let's hope it clicks for him and the returning from injury/new position excuses are not needed soon
