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SLB Battle

CarolinaClausen

By CarolinaClausen,
in Carolina Panthers

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CarolinaClausen Newbie

CarolinaClausen

Posted
Posted

No one ever mentions this, at least not recently. Everyone would prefer to talk about the big battle at the QB position (understandable since it is the position that touches the football every play). But why not talk about the candidates to start Strong side Linebacker?

Players likely to compete for the position (forgive me if I leave any out):

- Dan Connor

- James Anderson

- Jamar Williams (Trade with Bears)

- Eric Norwood

Dan Connor is my favorite here, he was a dynamic player at Penn State but I clearly see him as more of a run stopper than a pass defender (although I'm sure he can adapt to the passing game and probably has some good coverage ability). I think Fox will give him the 1st team reps, or at least alternate between him and Anderson. Regardless I think Dan Connor would be favored more in a running situation.

James Anderson is no way shape or form out of the equation. He took over for Diggs during injuries and if I recall he played at the WLB position when T.Davis went down. He has speed and good instinct on where the ball is. This matchup between Connor and Anderson will be one to definitely watch.

Jamar Williams was shadowed by Brian Urlacher in Chicago. With veteran experience, he could be one to watch for in Training Camp. His dominance in the two games he started last season opened eyes for a lot of Bears fans, and particularly Panthers Scouts, he landed here in Carolina and will look to lay some hits this training camp. High possibility to be the starting SLB. But we will all see come training camp.

Eric Norwood is more of a pass rushing LB. His speed isn't fantastic at a 4.6 40 yard dash. But I'm sure he will be thrown in there to compete. I see him more as a pass rushing LB in 3rd down situations.

Regardless of who starts at SLB (Connor or Anderson) the other guy will see nearly equal playing time rotating out with all LB positions. Norwood will be in the rotation as well (so I believe). But like I said, he will be a 3rd down situation pass rusher.

What is your opinion on this guys?

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GreatPoupon Newbie

GreatPoupon

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i'll be a little disappointed if connor doesnt start at some point. (i mean play well enough to earn the spot of course). we've yet to see why he was heralded as first round talent and supposedly the best Linebacker out of penn state in recent years.

but, i'm optimistic that we'll have solid starting three out of this core. with beason and davis, linebacker is definitely the strong point of the defense.

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CatMan72 Enthusiast

CatMan72

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I think you would have to give the edge to Anderson at this point with Jamar Williams as the dark horse.

The knock on Connor has always been his tight hips, which leads teams to have concerns about his ability to pivot and therefore play pass coverage. Sometimes the scouting reports are wrong and sometimes guys like this surprise you. We know he can play, 400+ tackles in college is significant and he has a high football IQ.

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pantherclaw Grand Master

pantherclaw

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Until training camp, all that can be said is we have another group of good linebackers. We definitely have lots of talent, at the starting spots, and the backups.

Will definitely be interesting to see how things work out at diggs old spot. Conner certainly should be good enough to win it.

As much as I like Norwood, I believe he's going to be more of a special teamer and pass rusher this season, as long as injuries don't rape the LB position.

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