James Anderson criticism...Wow...

[JawnyBlaze]

Now this is all well and good for most of you. And I don't begrudge you any of it. But I was under the impression James was our best cover LB. It took him a couple of years to get the rest down, as he has proven the last few years, but coverage was always a strong suit with him.

I've always seen the opposite, he's one of our worst LBs in coverage but very good at everything else.

[Icege]

You don't watch the Panthers. I am convinced.

If you really think Anderson is just another linebacker that gets a couple of tackles a game, than I am thoroughly convinced you do not watch the Panthers.

There is no argument so don't even try to start one.

You don't read CRA's posts. I am covinced.

If you really think CRA is just another poster that knows anything, then I am thoroughly convinced you do not read CRA's posts.

There is no argument so don't even try to start one.

[panthers55]

The problem here seems to be people want to swing from one side of the spectrum to the other. Is he just a guy? No, he is a pretty good linebacker in the NFL who was the only one to stay healthy and had to anchor a terrible linebacker group last year with no help. He had to change positions, never knew who was going to be around him and had to play the run so much that he was suspect in pass coverage.

So is he a probowler? No he isn't either. He is going to be arguably the third best linebacker on the team this year. He is good against the run and only average against the pass. Much like Lofton who got a big contract in New Orleans. Good but not great.

[jayflip]

The problem here seems to be people want to swing from one side of the spectrum to the other. Is he just a guy? No, he is a pretty good linebacker in the NFL who was the only one to stay healthy and had to anchor a terrible linebacker group last year with no help. He had to change positions, never knew who was going to be around him and had to play the run so much that he was suspect in pass coverage.

So is he a probowler? No he isn't either. He is going to be arguably the third best linebacker on the team this year. He is good against the run and only average against the pass. Much like Lofton who got a big contract in New Orleans. Good but not great.

You sir, nailed it.

[rayzor]

The problem here seems to be people want to swing from one side of the spectrum to the other. Is he just a guy? No, he is a pretty good linebacker in the NFL who was the only one to stay healthy and had to anchor a terrible linebacker group last year with no help. He had to change positions, never knew who was going to be around him and had to play the run so much that he was suspect in pass coverage.

So is he a probowler? No he isn't either. He is going to be arguably the third best linebacker on the team this year. He is good against the run and only average against the pass. Much like Lofton who got a big contract in New Orleans. Good but not great.

seems like a more than fair assessment.

[CRA]

The problem here seems to be people want to swing from one side of the spectrum to the other. Is he just a guy? No, he is a pretty good linebacker in the NFL who was the only one to stay healthy and had to anchor a terrible linebacker group last year with no help. He had to change positions, never knew who was going to be around him and had to play the run so much that he was suspect in pass coverage.

So is he a probowler? No he isn't either. He is going to be arguably the third best linebacker on the team this year. He is good against the run and only average against the pass. Much like Lofton who got a big contract in New Orleans. Good but not great.

Well, I also think there are clearly different opinions of just exactly what JAG means...

It means he can play the position at a high enough level where he isn't a liability yet isn't a difference maker. NFL is full of those guys. Teams NEED those guys.

[La Pantera]

Jordan Senn, Jason Williams, Kenny Onatolu and Jason Phillips = JAG

Anderson isn't a "great" LB, but he isnt an average one either. He falls somewhere in between IMO.

[iamhubby1]

I've always seen the opposite, he's one of our worst LBs in coverage but very good at everything else.

Obviously you are not the only one who feels this way. I guess this is what happens when I use my memory to recall past events. I am almost positve about his coverage skills being better than people are saying though.

I remember Uncle Foxy not letting him on the field the first few years, and I seem to recall it was because Fox claimed he was a liability in the run game. Not the passing game. But hey, I could have it backwards? After all, he was behind Diggs... Either Foxy is right or just hated playing too many young guys? Or maybe you guys have it right? But, he is good enough for us to eventually let Diggs go. Or lastly, all of you are wrong, and I am right. Anderson can tackle, can lead, and he CAN cover. He is a 3 down LB.

Now, having said all that. He is still the third, going to be fourth, best LB on our team. He is probably the best weak link the NFL has ever seen. Ok, one of the best. And yes, I am counting on Davis contributing. His little toe has more athletic ability than mine does. So, I am going to give him, and Dr Andersen, the benifit of the doubt. Why not?

Of course last year at this time we thought the LB corp was going to be one of the best. Deja Vue again.

[panthers55]

Well, I also think there are clearly different opinions of just exactly what JAG means...

It means he can play the position at a high enough level where he isn't a liability yet isn't a difference maker. NFL is full of those guys. Teams NEED those guys.

I think there is the prevalent opinion here and then there is you.

Just a guy means a journeyman who is not essential to the team's success who could be replaced easy enough with another player or backup without a big drop off and isn't a critical go to guy when you need a play.

This is what Rivera said about Anderson last month during OTAs..

http://www.heraldonl...a-panthers.html

Q: James Anderson isn’t a big talker, either, right?

RIVERA: I will say this, though – if I had to have an unsung hero from last year, it would have been James Anderson. Without a doubt in my mind, because he grew into becoming one of the better players on our defense. And rightfully so because of his exposure. But I don’t think he got the credit he deserved for what he did last year. When you’re one of the top five or six tacklers in the league

Here is an article from February where RIvera said that said Anderson still played well in 2011 although he was hurt the second half with an ankle injury. Anybody think that part of the drop off in his pass defense in the second half could possibly due to the injury????? Playing through pain, not missing a game, being a vocal leader.

http://blogs.charlot...well-in-11.html

"When we first got started he was not a very vocal guy. But as his role increased, you could see his confidence grow as a linebacker and took a leadership role," Rivera said at the combine.

"I think that's the biggest thing he had to do. He shows you he can do it athletically. He shows he can do it mentally – a very cerebral, smart football player with good athletic ability."

Rivera said Anderson played the second half of the season with an ankle injury, but did not miss any games.

"He had that ankle that just constantly nagged him. And every day he was out there practicing, doing the best he can," Rivera said. "I really thought he stepped up in terms of his career."

Just a guy???

Hardly, Pilgrim................................

[rayzor]

i think he plays above his abilities. he's one of these guys that doesn't really bring anything "special" to the table, but he's a flat out workhorse who has a nose for the ball and has an ability to not let things get past him. he's in on the action a whole lot more than he's not and this defense has relied heavily on him for the past two years.

imo, the stats have done him justice just for the effort he puts forth because he gets the job done in a way that few do.

[iamhubby1]

We still have a few jag's floating around, but Aderson ain't one of them.

[jarhead]

Anderson is a very good LB.Is he best in coverage probably not but we have taken care of that in the draft.He will be in a position next year to do what he does best.You cant take away the fact he is one of the better tacklers in the league and played with an ankle injury.He is at the very bottom of my concerns on defense next year.

[CRA]

Jordan Senn, Jason Williams, Kenny Onatolu and Jason Phillips = JAG

Anderson isn't a "great" LB, but he isnt an average one either. He falls somewhere in between IMO.

No, some of those guys are below average and aren't starting material.....that isn't JAG. Weak links aren't JAGs.

Smitty, Cam, Double Trouble, Kalil, Gross, Otah and Davis when on the field, Gamble most seasons, Olsen and maybe Tolbert......everyone else is JAG or worse until they prove they aren't.

JAG isn't an insult. They account for most of the starting spots. The problem and insult is when guys aren't JAG and are liabilities.

That is my viewpoint. Anderson is solid. However, a 2 down LB who can tackle isn't that hard to find. Dan Connor was JAG. Solid at what he did....not special at his position.

Anderson has value being what he is....the point I have and others like Gantt is he is paid like is something more and perceived as more by many

[FirstRoundPick]

James Anderson is a great LBer? I guess so. This is the same crowd that thinks we are good at DT. And that Colbert and Carter needed more time etc. Being honest means not being a Panther fan.