Malcom Smith and Speed as a tool for LBs

by Brendan O'Leary on May 30, 2011 2:42 PM PDT

I was watching a video of Malcom Smith, and noticed his speed being an asset that allows him to be patient behind the line of scrimmage, waiting for an opportunity to attack the ball carrier. We've all seen Aaron Curry "jump the gun" and commit to a certain direction in true RDM fashion, only to be burned by play-action, pump-fake, etc. We've also seen Lofa just get PUMMELED by the ball carrier when he waits behind the line to see how the play develops. Given the constantly evolving nature of "prototypical players" in the NFL, do you think we'll see a shift towards lighter, faster LBs, adhere to the classic mid-sized LBs, or (most likely) defenses sporting both types of players as situation permits? Video after the jump.

Malcolm Smith - LB, USC (via PremierSportsEnt)

One thing that really stuck out at me from watching this video was the patience of Smith. He routinely watches the play develop, sometimes longer than you'd like, before picking his target and moving to intercept his route. While your average mid-sized LB would get burned over and over again using this strategy, a quick LB can surprise the opposing offense by covering more ground in less time and turn what would be a 6-8 yard gain into a 2-3 yard gain. Really it's the difference between relying on "football instincts" and athleticism to make a play. Anyway, boring post, I know, but the lockout and lack of football news is crushing my soul, so I figured I'd post something to maybe get some conversation started. What is your perfect Linebacker? Happy Memorial Day yall.

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He is a leg grabber

which doesnt necessarily work in the nfl around plow driver runners. if he could break that habit he would be good to have around if for nothing else other than his speed.

Watching the Seahawks is like peeing on yourself, everyone can see it, but only you get the warm feeling it brings

by DKrottenhawk on May 30, 2011 11:55 PM PDT reply actions

I agree with you on the leg grabbing thing

Watching the Beastquake video several dozen times yesterday is a glaring reminder of how ineffective that can be in the NFL. He could be a decent gunner on special teams maybe?

by Brendan O'Leary on May 31, 2011 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions

He also is a bit of a chaser

doesn’t really take very good angles ….relies on his speed to make up for it and chase down someone

I Bleed Blue and Green

by DSAhawker on May 31, 2011 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions

My English was impeccable

true story

I Bleed Blue and Green

by DSAhawker on May 31, 2011 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Could scheme dictate that approach?

I noticed the same thing – very patient – maybe too much, but great closing speed. It kind of looked like he was a Taylor Mays of run stopping.

Could also be that due to his weight, didn’t want to get swallowed up by the OL, so hung back a bit.

by PerryCollective on Jun 18, 2011 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't think so

It’s okay if he is patient and sniffs out the play (though it’s a bit nicer when players have the instincts to close in quicker)

…but he doesn’t take the proper angle when getting to the defender after he’s made up his mind to track him down…

instead of taking an angle to cut off the runner at the shortest possible route…he tends to let himself run completely horizontal then drift inwards chasing the runner which makes him fall behind the runner’s trajectory and lets him bend around that edge and Smith having to hustle his butt to make up the distance and try to take him down before he can turn up and pull away for a few yards….which does happen in the videos you watch. If he’d use that speed by taking the correct angle, he’d actually be cutting off the runner and keeping him from advancing….stopping him a few yards shallower than the whole chase approach.

He just tends to fall behind the runner only because of the trajectories he takes…which in the NFL would be dannngerous……should be able to learn how to take a smarter approach…has more than enough physical ability to shut down the side of the field. Even if he wouldn’t make the tackle, he could beat the runner to the edge and beat him to the sideline…which would corral him and let the rest of the D come and clean up

I Bleed Blue and Green

by DSAhawker on Jun 20, 2011 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Good point..

I wonder if his being undersized contributed to that tactic…I know he had a medical condition that hindered his ability to keep down food – I bet that made it hard for him to add prototypical LB weight. It was supposedly diagnosed within the last 12 months, so if he can bulk up a bit, I bet he’d get some more confidence by winning some more impact battles.

If not, perhaps he could be competition for Kam at an in the box SS? Looks like he can stay with most RBs and TEs, except maybe Vernon Davis, who is a nightmare for just about anyone.

by PerryCollective on Jun 18, 2011 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions