Originally posted by BrianGO:
That tackle for a loss that Brooks made, was one of the most explosive plays I have ever seen from a linebacker. That was unbelievable.
It looked like he was out of the play and the running back (was it Peterson?!) would easily take the edge, but he exploded five yards upfield for the tackle.
Now I know why people have talked about his potential for so long.
But don't forget, Manny made some terrific plays as well throughout the game.
He blew up a running play on the left, and he got pressure on Favre early (I thought for sure he would get the sack).
I think Manny is one of the best run stuffing outside linebackers in the league.
I agree though, we should continue to work Brooks into the rotation.
Yeah, that play was like first and 10 to 2nd and 18 in a split second. It's something I noticed all pre-season, not just his hustle down the field or all game but that EXPLOSION...he closes so quickly for a guy who's 260 pounds.
Brooks: 3 plays = 2 solo tackles (including the 8 yard TFL) and 1 pass defended. Not a bad start.
Manny had a fantastic tackle-game against MN but prior to that, only had 6 tackles and a couple pressures. He's a solid player but he just doesn't have the skill set we need to run a proper 3-4 IMHO. I don't hate the guy at all...would love him in a 4-3 as an OLB but we run a 3-4 and we REALLY need pass rushers to make this defense a top 10 or even 5. Right now, we're #13 in the league giving up almost 320 yards a game (tied 9th in points allowed).
Not surprisngly, the top two defenses are 3-4 defenses and 6 of the 11 are 3-4 defenses. All of them, whether 3-4 or 4-3 are marquee pass rushing teams (eg. sacks): Denver, NY Jets, Indy, Giants, Hawks, Redskins, Pats, Steelers, Falcons, Ravens and then...us.