No Inside Linebacker

[conraddobler]

Given our lack of LB'ers . . . would we be better off switching to a 4-3?

I am guessing it might help a little but I think we're a little under stocked with quality D Line as well.

I mean it was a strength for a while the one by one they left and it's a little thin now.

 

[overseascardfan]

Minter is basically Ronald McKinnon upgraded to the 21st Century NFL. Take away his draft position, and Minter is a perfectly adequate player that you can win with. Now, if he's around beyond 2016 (contract year!) is an open question.

If memory serves me correctly, McKinnon was a 3 down LB. He was considered undersized back then at 6'0 242 but he was a tackling machine who could cover RB's and TE's on short routes. He also was capable of providing a little pass rush. Minter is strictly a run defender.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Minter is basically Ronald McKinnon upgraded to the 21st Century NFL. Take away his draft position, and Minter is a perfectly adequate player that you can win with. Now, if he's around beyond 2016 (contract year!) is an open question.

McKinnon >>>>>Minter.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Unless they strike gold in a late round draft choice, the only way the Cardinals are going to significantly upgrade the middle linebacker position is to pry the bong out of D'Washs hands.

It can be argued that Asshat single handedly smoked us out of at least 1 Super Bowl title...

 

[kerouac9]

If memory serves me correctly, McKinnon was a 3 down LB. He was considered undersized back then at 6'0 242 but he was a tackling machine who could cover RB's and TE's on short routes. He also was capable of providing a little pass rush. Minter is strictly a run defender.

McKinnon was a garbage defender who played for some garbage defenses. Here are the comps that Pro-Football-Reference has for his career:

Harold McLinton, Tommy Nobis, James Francis, Keith Butler, George Jamison, Mark Arneson, Reggie Wilkes, Rob Fredrickson, Don Hansen, Fred McNeill

A real honor roll of mediocrity.

Minter and McKinnon are exactly the same size at 6'0", 246. McKinnon somehow had 5 INTs and three forced fumbles in his third season in the league, which he never came close to replicating.

 

[TJ]

It can be argued that Asshat single handedly smoked us out of at least 1 Super Bowl title...

Doesnt help not having him, but I wouldn't go as far as to say he was responsible for us missing out on a championship unless Palmer was eating some of D-Wash's special brownies before the Carolina game.

 

[Buckybird]

Minter is basically Ronald McKinnon upgraded to the 21st Century NFL. Take away his draft position, and Minter is a perfectly adequate player that you can win with. Now, if he's around beyond 2016 (contract year!) is an open question.

I'd take Ronnie Mac against Minter all day & everyday in the passing game vs Minter. At least #57 would be around the offensive player on passing downs & would occasionally get his hands on the ball.

In fact I'm not sure I've ever seen Minter been involved in a turnover. Hmmmm

 

[Stout]

Yes he is a DE with 5 sacks.

Which is why I said he's a good DT because he plays more like one now than a DE.

My bad though thanks for pointing this out as I hate to be in error and you like to point them out so this works for all of us.

 

[Chopper0080]

I hate that this thread is probably accurate. It is amazing that in a match-up league, we have two ILBs who are both match-up liabilities in different ways. It is tough to criticize the team's direction too much with the success they have had, but I hate this. I have yet to ever see a good 3-4 defense with as much mediocrity at the LB position, especially inside.

Ugh.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

McKinnon, in 9 seasons with Cards, had over 1000 combined tackles, 10 Ints, 12 sacks, 6 PD and 7 FF. He was actually the thumper Minter wishes he could be and was much more versatile. MINTER can't hold his water and that is pathetic considering Ronald was a UDFA.

 

[Capital Card]

Because I think you can read from the season and all the post-season comments that the team likes this pairing. I don't agree, but I think the writings on the wall but most of you don't want to read it.

Sounds like a good slogan for ASFN....

Edit... I think EVERY one of our LB's can stand to be upgraded. Unfortunately, I think we're standing pat with regard to Buc & Minter.

Go Cards!!!