Why Kelvin Sheppard Should Be Miami's Starting Middle Linebacker in 2015 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Why Kelvin Sheppard Should Be Miami's Starting Middle Linebacker in 2015

fisi

fisi

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Sheppard has more experience as an NFL middle linebacker than any of Miami's other LBs. In his first two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, he started at middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense and recorded 150 tackles and two sacks, with Pro Football Focus grading him out at 3.1 his rookie season and minus-4.2 his second season.

In Indianapolis, Sheppard was put into a 3-4 defense where he never quite fit and was subsequently released prior to the start of the 2014 season. He signed with Miami last season following Dannell Ellerbe's injury. With the Dolphins, Sheppard recorded 24 tackles and a forced fumble while starting once in Week 15 against New England. In that game he recorded 10 tackles and the aforementioned forced fumble while grading out at minus-0.4, per Pro Football Focus.

Sheppard's experience would give him the edge over Misi at middle linebacker, but more importantly it's the experience and communication skills that he adds to the unit.

Sheppard is also slightly better in pass coverage, an area where the Dolphins have struggled in the last few years. If Sheppard were to win the starting job at middle linebacker, Misi would move over to the strong-side spot. This would allow Chris McCain, a second-year player, to come off the bench.

Overall, that leads to a more experienced linebacker crew while also strengthening the depth on the unit, as McCain would then be able to come in at strong-side or weak-side linebacker when necessary. Sheppard starting means a stronger defense as a whole, even if the individual numbers do not convey that. It's a much better option than thrusting McCain, a talented player who should make a big impact either way, into the starting job despite having no starts in 2014 and only appearing in seven games.












http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...-be-miamis-starting-middle-linebacker-in-2015
 
One thing is for certain, in limited action, he looked better than Wheeler and Ellerbe ever looked.

Was one of the "key" resigns I wanted in the offseason. With Suh in front, he most certainly can man the middle and also be effective.

I think it's a no brainer to be honest. Early down MIKE and rotate Misi both inside and at the strong and use McCain in a number of packages as well. Tripp is showing to be a solid weakside backup option and Paysinger as a utility backup and ace special teams guy.

I expect all six linebackers to be active on Sundays.
 
Kdawg954 said:
One thing is for certain, in limited action, he looked better than Wheeler and Ellerbe ever looked.

Was one of the "key" resigns I wanted in the offseason. With Suh in front, he most certainly can man the middle and also be effective.

I think it's a no brainer to be honest. Early down MIKE and rotate Misi both inside and at the strong and use McCain in a number of packages as well. Tripp is showing to be a solid weakside backup option and Paysinger as a utility backup and ace special teams guy.
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Agrred.. I think he is one of the reasons Miami didn;t drat a lb.
 
Well Misi can't stay healthy so...it's hard to count on him to play anyplace full-time.. Still think the LB's will get exposed in the passing game. Maybe a strong DL can help mask it some, sure hope so.
 
Albert Romano said:
Well Misi can't stay healthy so...it's hard to count on him to play anyplace full-time...
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This.

I like Koa but he's spent more time with the doctors than on the field. Hopefully Sheppard and some of the young guys can step up because you can not count on Misi being available.
 
fishfanmiami said:
This.

I like Koa but he's spent more time with the doctors than on the field. Hopefully Sheppard and some of the young guys can step up because you can not count on Misi being available.
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As hoops has been saying. Misi is a prime cut candidate next year. We have to make some tough cuts as we are currently over the cap for next year
 
I dig that the young guys are getting more reps at camp and getting the chance to grow and show off a bit. However, I also am on the side of starting Sheppard and bumping Misi back to where be belongs. So many packages are still nickel so it really sounds like the smartest use of the 3rd lb to me.
 
The fact that he's taken a leadership role says a lot about where he sees himself on this team.
 
I'm a little disappointed that McCain has not stepped up to take the SAM spot but, it was realistic to think he would need another year to start. With this and Misi's injuries it would not surprise me to see us adding a vet to allow the rest of the young guys a year to further develop.
 
well this regime has nothing to prove with Misi, they didn't draft him.
 
T. Brady will be kicking his chops with Sheppard at MLB. Pass coverage is not his strong suit.
 
Tannchise said:
well this regime has nothing to prove with Misi, they didn't draft him.
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Fair statement to a degree. But they have been strong advocates for him, and he's remained on the roster. So they have some degree of responsibility for sure.

---------- Post added at 08:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------
Etuoo33 said:
T. Brady will be kicking his chops with Sheppard at MLB. Pass coverage is not his strong suit.
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If we rip Tommy Girls dress off it won't matter. She likes to play flag football. Ya know, the "Lady rule" and all that.
 
I don't like Sheppard or Misi in pass coverage on 1st or 2nd down, but they could both come off the field in the nickel package.
 
So we keep what, 7 LBs on the 53 man roster? That would be Shepherd, Misi, Jenkins, McCain, Tripp (who has been doing very well in camp), Paysinger? and one pf the undrafted rookies.
 
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