Boulware

[MIKE230765]

Since CC Brown is doing much better at SS and our FS's are doing a decent job. Is there anyway we could move Michael Boulware to an OLB spot. He has good size and speed.

Am I out of line thinking about this?

[Texan_Len]

I believe that was his position in college.

[aj.]

In place of.... ?

He's terrible in coverage, even mid level stuff. So you gain nothing there. He's not quick enough to play Will. He's good against the run (as a SS) coming up inside the box, but he would get worn out if he had to make a living engaging blockers as a Sam has to do... he's doing well on special teams from what I've been able to see.

[Wolf123]

I don't think his problem would be speed or quickness, it would be his ability to get off blocks.

[aj.]

I don't think his problem would be speed or quickness, it would be his ability to get off blocks.

He couldn't run with Dallas Clark.

Part of his problem is time to diagnose and recognize. He often gets caught out of position. You don't want that from a LB or a SS. I'll cut him a little slack since he's still in learning mode in our defense but there's fundamentals that transcend schemes that seem to be lacking in his game. Otherwise he'd still be at Seattle.

[Wolf123]

Not alot of people can cover dallas clark. I agree about the coverage and recognition aspects of the game, but he still has good physical skills.

[Vinny]

I'd agree with aj and I'd also add that if Boulware was to play at LB he really needs to be in a cover3 scheme/tampa2 where they value speed and running to the ball over taking on Guards at the second level. Not only is his coverage suspect, I think that he would probably struggle playing in the box and taking on the size of NFL linemen on an every down basis.

[aj.]

Not alot of people can cover dallas clark. .

Clark's speed is not what makes him special. Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Joe Addai, and Reggie Wayne are the reason Clark is special. Put Clark on the Texans and he doesn't beat out Owen Daniels ... who Boulware would have difficulty covering as well.

Back to the original point, Boulware is a liability in coverage and can't hang play in and play out with o-linemen and TEs in his face. That's why he wouldn't be a good LB and why he is a marginal SS.

[Wolf123]

I'd agree with aj and I'd also add that if Boulware was to play at LB he really needs to be in a cover3 scheme/tampa2 where they value speed and running to the ball over taking on Guards at the second level. Not only is his coverage suspect, I think that he would probably struggle playing in the box and taking on the size of NFL linemen on an every down basis.

I said that he couldn't take on blocks so what do you disagree with me on?