Problem in the middle?
 

I was wondering if anyone else has noticed how many open field tackles Lamar Marshall is wiffing on. I know the defense as a whole has played great, especially in the last two games, but Marshall seems to be getting burnt.

Pierce always seemed to get in position and make the tackle. Always. That was a big part in our defense not giving up the big running play. With what I have seen so far, I'm starting to be a little afraid that Marshall will not be able to pick up where Pierce left off.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

from what Ive seen marshall seemed to be doing well. I dont think replacing Pierce will be hard. I still think Pierce is just a product of Greg Williams, and that he can teach someone else to do just as well.

Have they tried Holdman at MLB? Because he was a great OLB but with Arrington back it would be sweet to have those three as our lb corps.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

What about Clemons? He's taller, heavier, and he hasn't looked too bad this preseason. Give him a shot at it.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

I'm not seeing our D-linemen being dominant up front. L. Marshall being on a small side, our DT's need to keep O-linemen off of him. I guess McCune hasn't worked out as MLB. I haven't heard anything about him. Well, Gregg Williams has about 2 weeks to solidify MLB position.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

You're right GO'. There is a problem. Greg Williams should be evaluating the position. :oink:

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

From what I can remember, it was stoutmire who missed the tackle when Pitt got that long run for 50 yds. Marshall should be fine at MLB. In GW's defense, everyone on the roster gets significant playing time so even if Marshall does struggle (I dont think he will) guys like holdman and clemons and even mccune will be there to pick up the slack. Marshall played very well last year under GW's schemes and I think his experience under this system makes him the best man for the starting job. My only concern is that he is undersized to play the position ( I think he is like 230lbs, or as big as Taylor) but he can still tackle. If GW trusts him enough to make him the starter than I am not worried.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

I haven't seen Marshall "whiff" that many times. I have seen Sean Taylor miss a few open field tackles, but, of course, I don't doubt Taylor's skills.

One guy who might be underrated is Warrick Holdman; the guy is consistently around the ball and doesn't miss too many tackles.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

well with Arrington and Washington on the outside, i think my little sister could play middle linebacker for the redskins this year.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

[QUOTE=VishsSkins]From what I can remember, it was stoutmire who missed the tackle when Pitt got that long run for 50 yds. Marshall should be fine at MLB. In GW's defense, everyone on the roster gets significant playing time so even if Marshall does struggle (I dont think he will) guys like holdman and clemons and even mccune will be there to pick up the slack. Marshall played very well last year under GW's schemes and I think his experience under this system makes him the best man for the starting job. My only concern is that he is undersized to play the position ( I think he is like 230lbs, or as big as Taylor) but he can still tackle. If GW trusts him enough to make him the starter than I am not worried.[/QUOTE]

On the 50 yard run Stoutmire went to the right place (to fill the open hole), but kudos to Pittsburg, the lineman (name?) turned bulled our guy around and created a new hole just as the back ran through. Good play and a little lucky timing for those guys on that play.

The play that stood out this game was a little screen pass around our 20 yardline. Marshall had time and position to make the tackle, but totally missed. He barely got an arm on the guy. We still stopped them (field goal) but I saw the same kind of thing a couple of times in the Bengals game also.

Now, I'm not trying to bash him bad. He has been outstanding as a coverage LB (converting from a safety). This versatility is great for a GW scheme. It just that if you look back at tape on Pierce, he was money when it came to tackling.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

i also noticed marshall missing that tackle on the screen to hayes, he tried to one arm tackle him. i think he will do alright, but i think we should give holdman a try in the middle. hes a very good tackler and has exceptional skills

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

I noticed Marshall tackling a little high which allowed Pittsburgh's Parker to run right pass him. Marshall has to hit and wrap his guy up and he'll be ok. He doesn't seem to be out of position or lethargic within the defensive package.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

I was so excited to see Lavar out there and the fire he brought to the fans at FEDEX. This guy has to stay here and finish his career as a Redskin.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

[QUOTE=GoSkins!]On the 50 yard run Stoutmire went to the right place (to fill the open hole), but kudos to Pittsburg, the lineman (name?) turned bulled our guy around and created a new hole just as the back ran through. Good play and a little lucky timing for those guys on that play.

The play that stood out this game was a little screen pass around our 20 yardline. Marshall had time and position to make the tackle, but totally missed. He barely got an arm on the guy. We still stopped them (field goal) but I saw the same kind of thing a couple of times in the Bengals game also.

Now, I'm not trying to bash him bad. He has been outstanding as a coverage LB (converting from a safety). This versatility is great for a GW scheme. It just that if you look back at tape on Pierce, he was money when it came to tackling.[/QUOTE] Good recap on the stoutmire play i guess he mite not have actually missed the tackle. I didnt remember marhsall missing the tackle on the screen play. You are rite that he has to make those. He should still be fine for us though because he has the skills and mentality for the position, even if he is undersized. I do think holdman would also be a great candidate for the job though.

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

[QUOTE=SUNRA]I noticed Marshall tackling a little high which allowed Pittsburgh's Parker to run right pass him. Marshall has to hit and wrap his guy up and he'll be ok. He doesn't seem to be out of position or lethargic within the defensive package.[/QUOTE]

Yes. I do agree that he is playing smart and is almost always in position. If he can learn to break down and make the tough tackles I don't think we will miss Pierce at all.

I'm not suggesting a replacment, but do you guys think McCune will get any time as a run stuffer?

Re: Problem in the middle?
 

Did Barrow sign with anyone? If he was healthy, as he claimed, may he will be a late camp signing for depth purposes..