So did Hooker slide into Nieman's OLB spot or has the scheme changed to a 4-2-5? Haven't really been able to tell just from watching the broadcast.
Hooker OLB or Heavy Nickle???
- Thread starter DutchyFunStar
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On early downs it's the same base defense except Hooker where Niemann would normally play. They have been blitzing Hooker more, probably he's more suited to that than setting the edge taking on a tackle or TE straight up. It's really the same scheme, just a different type of player in at the OLB position.
Passing downs they took off another LB and put in Ojemudia to give them 6 DB's. Worked with mixed success. It will be interesting to see what happens with Niemann back, and Hockaday when he is healthy. The good new is with the depth and positional flexibility the defense could play at a winning level. For instance, if Gervase got hurt you just put Hooker back at safety and Niemann at OLB and away you go. And so on.
Could OJ bulk up a tiny bit and play some LB as well? I see he's not much lighter than hooker and he definitely is good in run support, idk how he is at taking on blockers.
OJ would need to bulk up more than just a tiny bit. At least 20 lbs and really Hooker is not LB size playing that olb spot in primarily nickel looks. He's effective and physical for his size. I do see a strategic advantage to having OJ play running downs, but ideally we have 3 real backers then.
It's more of a 4-1-2-4. 4 linemen, 1 LB, 2 Hybrids (Colbert, Hooker) and 4 DB's.
Colbert is LB all the way. He's 235 lbs. 4-2-5 with Hooker coming closer to the LOS
I was saying that somewhat tongue and cheek, because you can call it whatever you'd like, but their 4-3 principles don't change regardless if they have a LEO or a STAR in the game from my understanding.
Pulling a LB and bringing in OJ in would lend me to believe Hooker is just playing Nieman's OLB position and not some new wrinkle.
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