Tripp in mix for starting job

[randomname]

I'd be shocked if we have one of the rookie LBs starting.



Not because of how good they are. I really don't have a clue about how good they are, but I do know the Dolphins coaching staff, and they hate starting rookies for some reason.

 

[tcdrover]

What I mean is that the linebackers are probably going to be our achilles heel this season, again. Yes, they could possibly even be worse than last season. It will be a shame if the potential of our revamped O-line and new-look offense goes to waste because our defense wasn't able to hold up. Could they improve before the start of the season? Perhaps...and especially Misi, since he's learning a new position. But Wheeler and Ellerbe aren't likely to magically become different players. They have some glaring weaknesses and will be repeatedly exposed.

We could challenge for a playoff spot despite that, sure, but if there is such a glaring issue, why not do something to fix it?

That's what I mean by "salvage" - a 8-8 or 9-7 season would be disappointing (for me), and as it stands right now the thing most likely to keep that record from being better is the LB corps. Even the O-line has already shown it will most likely be better than last year.

Ellerbe played weak-side with the ravens, that is his natural NFL position.

They moved him to middle when Lewis was injured.

I think Misi is an improvement. He sure seems like a better leader.

I think the team looks better at every position than last year, especially at OC. The OLine looks better, the only position where we didn't really improve was at RB

 

[hoops]

i doubt misi at mike is over with...if it is its for the reasons i mentioned...athletic limitations in that much space and issues carrying coverage...but i still doubt it

philbins a creature of habit and familiarity...thats pretty much my one pet peeve about him...i'm not sure there's a better alternative anyways right now...

i'll dance a jig when we lose wheeler and ellerbes contracts though...i'm tired of guys playing lost...and this lb core is loaded with it

 

[nick1]

I'd be shocked if McCain saw the field come regular season. somebody said he was better then Tripp? McCain is less polished then Tripp, he didnt go undrafted for character issues alone. hes raw

 

[McGaniel]

TRIPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I got flamed on here last week for suggesting Tripp start!

I backed you in that thread WV!!!!!! The kid will be a stud.. You can see it in the tape, he just outshined all the other linebackers in the seniorbowl.

 

[Pachyderm_Wave]

Wasn't Ellerbe originally an UDFA?

That's a fact. He was able to beat out a few other UDFA linebackers for a roster spot with the Ravens...although not as a starter.

Wheeler was a 3rd round pick that was essentially drafted to play in the Colts C2 scheme.

One of the main things people have to understand about the NFL and why I don't like it, is because coaches are too often forced to put players on the field because of their contracts. Not because they're any good.

Furthermore, its not as if a 5th round rookie linebacker starting is unheard of....especially in Miami. Zach Thomas beat out a former pro-bowler as a rookie. Jimmy Johnson wasn't afraid of losing his job. He had just started a rebuilding process, therefore had nothing to lose by starting young players all over the place and letting overpaid vets go.

Philbin's situation is a little different now. There's no way he could convince me Ellerbe or Wheeler are better than Tripp. That kid can play, and he'll get better with experience. The other two won't.

 

[DolphinDevil28]

Wheeler so awful

You should finish this Haiku.

 

[LikeUntoGod]

This is 100% as it should be. Tripp is a player.

Does anyone remember another 5th round pick we made at MLB some year ago? He was from some smaller college. uh..it was Zac something..Zac Efron..no wait, O yea, Zack Thomas!

 

[Digital]

That's a fact. He was able to beat out a few other UDFA linebackers for a roster spot with the Ravens...although not as a starter.

Wheeler was a 3rd round pick that was essentially drafted to play in the Colts C2 scheme.

One of the main things people have to understand about the NFL and why I don't like it, is because coaches are too often forced to put players on the field because of their contracts. Not because they're any good.

Furthermore, its not as if a 5th round rookie linebacker starting is unheard of....especially in Miami. Zach Thomas beat out a former pro-bowler as a rookie. Jimmy Johnson wasn't afraid of losing his job. He had just started a rebuilding process, therefore had nothing to lose by starting young players all over the place and letting overpaid vets go.

Philbin's situation is a little different now. There's no way he could convince me Ellerbe or Wheeler are better than Tripp. That kid can play, and he'll get better with experience. The other two won't.

Thanks Slimm, I thought that was the case.

It seems we haven't had a good cover LB in forever. Burnett might be the closest we have come along in a long time.

Wheeler is good on blitzes ... but that seems to be about it. Both he and Ellerbe remind me a bit of Channing Crowder. They have good physical ability but are slow diagnosing and always seem to be behind the play.

Tripp seems like he has a better feel for the game nd put himself in the proper spot much quicker before the play develops. That ability to read and diagnose is a skill I really like in my MLB and Both safeties. Obviously, it's nice in any position, but at those positions it really amps up the entire defense a notch.

 

[DolfanISS]

Thanks Slimm, I thought that was the case.

It seems we haven't had a good cover LB in forever. Burnett might be the closest we have come along in a long time.

Wheeler is good on blitzes ... but that seems to be about it. Both he and Ellerbe remind me a bit of Channing Crowder. They have good physical ability but are slow diagnosing and always seem to be behind the play.

Tripp seems like he has a better feel for the game nd put himself in the proper spot much quicker before the play develops. That ability to read and diagnose is a skill I really like in my MLB and Both safeties. Obviously, it's nice in any position, but at those positions it really amps up the entire defense a notch.

I thought it was the opposite with Crowder, good at diagnosing plays but not very athletic. I thought he was known to be a smart player even though he came off as a dufus. I could be wrong though.

 

[dlockz]

Ellerbe played weak-side with the ravens, that is his natural NFL position.

They moved him to middle when Lewis was injured.

I think Misi is an improvement. He sure seems like a better leader.

I think the team looks better at every position than last year, especially at OC. The OLine looks better, the only position where we didn't really improve was at RB

He was below average at every position until the year Lewis got injured. His best play of his career was at that position. So at best we have a below average linebacker with Ellerbee so not sure how he will be better than Misi at that position

 

[ChrisEAS]

folks, what have we got to lose? we didnt do well last year with Wheeler, Ellerbe and Misi at LB. We have 3 pre-season games left, I think we should let Tripp play with the 1st teamers (basically play like Juwan James, play most of the game) and lets see what he has. If he doesnt look that great, Misi is our starter (which as of right now, he will be anyway). If Tripp does good, Tripp is the starter.

 

[dlockz]

folks, what have we got to lose? we didnt do well last year with Wheeler, Ellerbe and Misi at LB. We have 3 pre-season games left, I think we should let Tripp play with the 1st teamers (basically play like Juwan James, play most of the game) and lets see what he has. If he doesnt look that great, Misi is our starter (which as of right now, he will be anyway). If Tripp does good, Tripp is the starter.

too early for me to tell. Tripp definitely deserves a look but he needs to earn the starting spot. If he outplays any of these guys fine but I see no need to just try him and see what happens

 

[Rev Kev]

Moving Tripp into the MLB or OLB spot in preseason amounts to SHOTS FIRED over the heads of the starters - I would be surprised if he starts a game unless there is an injury

 

[McGaniel]

too early for me to tell. Tripp definitely deserves a look but he needs to earn the starting spot. If he outplays any of these guys fine but I see no need to just try him and see what happens

I watched the first preseason game and Tripp was our best linebacker, so far he deserves it..