Jump to content

  • Welcome!

    Register and log in easily with Twitter or Google accounts!

    Or simply create a new Huddle account. 

    Members receive fewer ads , access our dark theme, and the ability to join the discussion!

     

Is Chinn a STAR hybrid?

Santee_Panther

By Santee_Panther,
in Carolina Panthers

 Share

Recommended Posts

Santee_Panther Collaborator

Santee_Panther

Posted
Posted

Admittedly I’m a UNC fan, and last night watching the game heard a lot of talk about the Star hybrid LB position.

It sounds a lot like Chinn, as a hybrid safety, LB, nickel corner.

So I dug into some old articles and it sounds like a staple of the Saban, Kirby Smart defenses, founded in principles from Bilicheck. 
 

Some snipets from an old article about UGA:

Instead of playing a true nickel defense, however, and replacing that linebacker with a fifth defensive back, who might be a weak link against the run, the STAR position is utilized. The STAR should have the quickness to cover the slot, sound tackling ability and can rush the passer when needed.
 

This is part of the reason the STAR position is important for the Bulldogs; it isn’t one that players can simply be taught how to play. Because of the demanding nature of the position, whoever plays STAR has to possess a unique set of natural qualities that aren’t too common.

Players who have the speed of a safety, the tackling ability of a linebacker and can cover like a nickel back are coveted prospects on the recruiting trail. A program like Alabama can sell elite prospects on the success other well-known players had at that position. That is an advantage that Smart is hoping to gain at Georgia.

Article from 2017:

https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/georgia-football/star-position-important-for-georgia-spring-practice/
 

And another article with quotes from Saban talking about Bilicheck’s system, specifically the star:

https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2012/08/alabama_defense_101_nickel_sta.html

  • Pie 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
pantherj Grand Master

pantherj

Posted
Posted (edited)

Chinn is a physical freak of nature. He's just a gifted athlete with height, leanness, speed, and good strength for this size. The problem is that he's a tweener. He doesn't fit at OLB because he's too small, and he's not exactly right for ILB in that he's just better suited elsewhere. I think we can play him at ILB, but why not allow him to cover more territory? That puts him out into the secondary, but certainly not CB or even slot CB imo. 

So we're going to do these weird hybrid formations and we'll utilize Chinn how we should of course. Ultimately I'd play Chinn at the ILB spot because I love how he plays LB. It might be under-utilization of his physical traits, but watching him close out on a RB or WR with a good angle of pursuit coming downhill and just using those long arms to take the guy down like an octopus or something is wonderful to watch. So for my personal entertainment this season I want to see Chinn at ILB. He's like an octopus fired out of a cannon when he leaps horizontally to take a guy down. You can't help but love watching that. 

Edited by pantherj
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Thorrez Collaborator

Thorrez

Posted
Posted

Sounds a lot like a very good way utilize a player that is a superior athlete. Really great in high school, great in college but rarely works in the pros as the difference even between a freak like Chinn and a JAG is simply not large enough.

I think Chinn's greatest value is to neutralize teams that can switch between run heavy and pass heavy sets without changing personal (usually done with a great tight end that can block and play outside).

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Santee_Panther Collaborator

Santee_Panther

Posted
  • Author
Posted
3 hours ago, therealmjl said:

Jack of all trades master at none

I hear you on this. And this is the key point. But if you watch a video on what it is people think have made Belicheck great at building defenses, it is taking tweeners that can be a multi-tool player. And then completely overhaul the game plan every week. Specifically based on their opponents’ weaknesses.
 

Think about how different that is to a coach like Rivera or Fox that have their game plan and make sure the players can fit the plan. 

Tweener players offen are a lot less expensive. Granted you will always need a lockdown corner, nothing hybrid about that. But these DE/LB hybrids and LB/S hybrids if used properly can really be dynamic. Hopefully we have the right coaches to game plan!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • PMH4OWPW7JD2TDGWZKTOYL2T3E.jpg

  • Topics

  • Posts

    • cranky
      2027: Sharing my thoughts on the cap without a lotta research

      By cranky · Posted

      It all sounds great. The only unknowns are injuries and how they will need to be addressed. Horn has a history as does the newly added Jaelen Phillips and Cooker has yet to play an entire season as well. And then there are the Ikey's - totally unexpecteded injuries that put a major wrench in your plans. I do think its a great plan though.
    • LinvilleGorge
      2027: Sharing my thoughts on the cap without a lotta research

      By LinvilleGorge · Posted

      If we pay Bryce like a franchise QB we're completely and utterly buttfuged.
    • MHS831
      2027: Sharing my thoughts on the cap without a lotta research

      By MHS831 · Posted

      In my view, the realistic expectation for this team to compete will start 2027.  At that time, I think we could be looking at the following (this is HIGHLY speculative):   QB:  You know, Bryce.  I am not a fan, but they don't ask me.  But there is reason for hope--and here it is.  Bryce will be entering his prime.  Since we are likely to pay him, there will be changes that I include throughout this exercise--I realistically speculate on what they are going to do with Bryce and then I realistically speculate on what means in terms of the cap and other positions. Bryce HAS IMPROVED.  The idea is that if you give him more weapons and protection, that will continue.  His career:   At this rate, if his growth continues, by 2027 we should expect nearly 30 TDs and about 12 Interceptions and a Rating of about 98.  His completion percentage should settle at 65-66% or so.  If that happens, you can win with it. The following stats demonstrate how the Panthers will be able to afford it (and re-sign Ickey) My guess is they will require about $60m per year. This is why rookies who can play are important.  It also helps us see the blueprint.  You may disagree, but this is the cruel realities of the salary cap. Robert Hunt:  Cut post June 1 and save $19m.  Who do you replace him with?  Ickey. Tershawn Wharton:  Cutting him saves nearly $15m.  We should all hope to see Aaron Hall (UDFA) make the roster and play well.  Regardless, this is a position we would likely have to address in the next draft. Trevin Moehrig:  Cutting Moehrig as the starting SS saves this team $16.5m.   Ransom will be on year 3 of a cheap rookie deal and should be more than ready to take the reins.  their styles are similar.  Furthermore, FS Wheatley (R, 4th round) will be starting. Taylor Moton:  So much depends on his knee, but I have an idea that he can play another 3 years.  extending him could save the team about $5m per year.  Cutting him outright would save the team about $21m. In the most drastic situation, we have to cut Moton and the other three players mentioned.   We would need (in all likelihood) a starting DT and RT.  It is possible that the DE would be addressed, but Wharton's production (so far) could be equaled by a rookie.  Look for a cut free agent and a 2027 draft pick here.  If you cut Moton, you save $21m, and that would be the only big hole to fill.  Having Ickey at RG gives you some depth at T, and Ickey could be the guy.  T could be pick in the 2027 draft (first round), fwiw.  It saves you $21m while costing you $5m, for example. We get younger, creating a core of Freeling, Hecht, and the RT first rounder in 2027) along with Ekownu (second contract in the $15m range, and Lewis, whose contract would be in the $16m range if not extended.)  The OL cuts (Hunt, Moton) would save $40m.  The OL would get younger and still solid with veterans at G.   By cutting Wharton (no brainer if his play stays the same) and Moehrig (good player--but we have Ransom on a rookie contract who would not be that much of a drop off--if any) in addition to Hunt and Moton, we would save over $70m in cap room. We would be able to give Bryce bag  and we would have enough to re-sign Ickey (if the knee is not too risky) to a Guard contract (probably at a discount, coming off that injury).  Furthermore, we could add a RT in the draft (or a RG if Ickey moves to RT) and that would be the only large hole to fill. Correct my logic if you see issues-- On defense, in addition to the aforementioned, Scott ($2m contract) is out, replaced by a 4th round rookie contract. CB Jackson's contract ($7.8m) expires and he is (possibly) replaced by a rookie contract.  At Edge, patrick Jones II's $10m contract expires and he is likely a reserve, and his role is absorbed by Phillips, Scourton, Princely, and possible an UDFA like Isaiah Smith or a 2027 draft pick.   These productive developmental players over the past 2 drafts will pay huge dividends.  On paper, I see the team getting much younger and possibly better while cutting nearly $100m and reallocating that money to get more production.          
×
×
  • Create New...