If Mouton is out, would you rather see Moundros or JB with the start against Purdue?
I saw that this is one of those "or" situations due to Mouton's pec injury. I am kind of conflicted on this one since I love the attitude and effort that Moundros brings, but I would like to see a bit more playing time out of JB at LB to understand just what we have with the guy. I am not so much sold with him dropping down on the line like Roh does, but think extended action sitting back at the LB position may be useful. A guy like Demens definitely benefited from the extra snaps as evidenced by his recent play at Illinois and it is more clear as to what we have with him.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:11 PM ^
I would much rather replace Mouton with a player possessing similar physical tools since the linebackers each seem to bring different skill sets to the table. Fitzgerald is much more athletic than Moundros and is a much better "poor man's" Mouton.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:27 PM ^
Fitzgerald. We need more data to see what we have with him. Also, good for depth going forward.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:13 PM ^
What about Herron? Where did he go?
November 10th, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^
out for the year
November 10th, 2010 at 2:17 PM ^
That would be Mike Jones. He broke his leg against ND.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:18 PM ^
thanks man
November 10th, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^
I'm not really sure.
You bring up a good idea. There are certain packages where Mouton puts his hand down as a DE. Herron and JB should platoon depending on what Mouton would do in each package.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:19 PM ^
I've seen Herron in on special teams each of the past few games. Seems healthy to me.
November 10th, 2010 at 3:33 PM ^
week 1 0r 2 kept him out for a week or two. Have not seen him in any regular downs.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:17 PM ^
Moundros, he's a senior. He switched positions to try and help the team. Let him get the start, even if you need to replace him after a few plays.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:57 PM ^
start the senior, give the younger kid the playing time if need be
November 10th, 2010 at 3:30 PM ^
I'd love to see Moundros start but what if for those "few" plays he gets toasted and we lose by 7? I want to see him get the start he deserves but for me, if the coaches think JB is better then JB needs to start. I dont think this coaching staff or this team is in a position to give out "sympathy" starts... I am not trying to be a dick I just want a Michigan win...
November 10th, 2010 at 4:34 PM ^
for a loss. Especially on defense. No more explanation needed.
November 11th, 2010 at 10:02 AM ^
(like I need that disclaimer:))
But didn't Moundros start against UCONN.
Moundros is a terrible fit for Moutons position. Ezeh is a better fit (did I just type that?)
November 10th, 2010 at 2:18 PM ^
Needs to step it up, assume his place in the food chain. Raawwr.
November 10th, 2010 at 4:35 PM ^
Fitzgeralds need to step up, I think.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:24 PM ^
I have a lot of faith in the kid and think he could be a beast if given more playing time. I feel like the main reason he hasn't stepped up until now is b/c of that. He may not practice well, but when he's been in the game he's definitely shown flashes of real potential. Additionally, he's going to be a senior next year. Not sure why he wasn't redshirted if he was never going to get any real playing time until his senior year. He's got to have some ability.
November 10th, 2010 at 3:04 PM ^
He was a highly touted LB recruit, so I'm with you. Not sure why he's not been stepping in more often. Coaches must be seeing something we aren't?
November 10th, 2010 at 4:16 PM ^
Coaches must be seeing something we aren't?
I wouldn't count on it. Near the beginning of the year I trusted the defensive coaches to put the best 11 players on the field. After watching the Ezeh\Demens clusterfuck I have no faith in these guys identifying talent. Watch Fitzgerald get the start and end up looking like the best LB we've had since Crable....I'm only half joking.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:25 PM ^
This is a question that only Dr Steve could answer.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:26 PM ^
I would like to see Moundros get a crack at some more PT just because of all the sacrifices he has made for the team and the real leader he is. But I would also like to see JB because ultimately he is the future at LB for the next year or so (until Jones and some of the other recruits get a year under their belts).
November 10th, 2010 at 2:27 PM ^
He is a potential starter for a couple of years. Let's give him a good test. This is the situation Demens was in a few weeks ago and look how that turned out.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:30 PM ^
JB Fitz, he is much more athletic and got alot of playing time at LB last game so he could us some of that experience for this wk against purdue
November 10th, 2010 at 2:43 PM ^
isn't Jb already starting at one of the linebacker. Demens-Mouton-Fitz, right? If Mouton is out, I honestly don't know who you go to. Maybe move Roh back to linebacker? Not a move I support but may be a last resort.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:44 PM ^
Personally, I think Moundros isn't fast enough to cover the flats as an OLB. He was better suited at Obi's/Demen's spot, and still didn't beat him out. Wouldn't mind giving him the first series, but not sure it will end well for him.
If Mouton is out, I think we'll see JB mostly, but also Obi and perhaps Marvin Robinson (who moved to Mouton's spot pre-PSU week). Remember we also need a LB at Roh's old spot, as well.
I hope Mouton isn't out.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:55 PM ^
Agreed, I think we could see a lot more Marvin Robinson if Mouton is out/has to miss a lot of plays. A LB trio of Ezeh/Fitz - Demens - Marvin wouldn't be terrible and might match-up somewhat well with Purdue since it'd be one of our faster groups. Especially if we can get a quick lead and force them to throw more than they want to.
November 10th, 2010 at 3:07 PM ^
I mentioned this in another thread and was hoping to see some of it: Regardless of if Mouton is out, they should sub in MRob and try blitzing him off the edge, as I would assume he is the most athletic out of the LB corps right now. See if he's effective in that role...
November 10th, 2010 at 2:50 PM ^
Isaiah Bell? Totally out of the discussion.
November 10th, 2010 at 4:42 PM ^
Backup ILB, I believe. I think it's good that he's out of the discussion, we shouldn't have to rely on him until he's an upperclassman.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:52 PM ^
obi played a little on the outside last week and was remarkably better than at MLB. i wouldn't be surprised to see him get some time even if mouton isn't out, just to spell mouton.
November 10th, 2010 at 2:53 PM ^
Since his pec is injured can he borrow one of Marvin Robinson's?
November 10th, 2010 at 2:55 PM ^
JB. Not to sound horrible, but we may not get many stops anyway, might as well get the kid some experience. We are not going to win this game with the defense, but with an offense that will put a ton on the board.
November 10th, 2010 at 3:08 PM ^
You do not want Moundros to play a snap at OLB. I appreciate the effort and the atitude but speed is not his skill set. Playing him at OLB would be akin to playing him at corner because "he is a hard working senior and deserves it". OLB absolutely has to have speed to cut off the edge and get back into pass coverage.
November 10th, 2010 at 3:24 PM ^
JB. & it's really not even close.
November 10th, 2010 at 5:04 PM ^
I'd rather see the more athletic, faster player start if there is even a discussion, which is no doubt Fitzgerald.
November 10th, 2010 at 5:43 PM ^
So long as they fix the Line play. Roh/Martin/RVB/Another real lineman instead of the bullshit from last week and we'll be ok.
November 10th, 2010 at 9:19 PM ^
I would rather see what JB has because he is an option going forward; maybe bring in Moundros in certain situations, but right now every win means more stability and a better bowl game, and Purdue is a presumptive win if the team plays like it is capable of. Not that I expect the defense to be lights-out, but a good performance would give some much-needed confidence going into the meat grinder against Wiscy and OSU.
November 10th, 2010 at 11:23 PM ^
Is Moundros even in the rotation now? I can't remember the last time I even saw him play linebacker.