When I took a look at the rookie linebackers, I had a few people ask me about others that I did not mention. So I will take a moment and comment about two more of the rookie linebackers...
The Oakland Raiders drafted Sio Moore in the third round out of Connecticut. Born in Liberia, the Raiders thought Moore could play an every down role and in fact he did so early in the preseason. As the season began, though, it appeared as though he might have fallen out of favor with the team and his snaps were limited...
Through the team's first six games (when he wasn't out), Moore increased his playing time but still found himself out during nickel packages and his number of snaps on any given game varied wildly. For a pass rushing specialist, that was not exactly ideal. In week 6, though, against the Chiefs, Moore played much better and recorded his first sack. After the bye week, Moore then came back for his best game of the year, finishing with 4-2 tackles and 1.5 sacks. While this could be a blip on the radar, it's more likely that the talented Moore is finally reaching a comfort level and IDP owners can expect continued success...
The other rookie linebacker I was most frequently asked about was Jon Bostic of the Chicago Bears. Drafted in the middle of the second round, Bostic played the role of starting two down middle linebacker in preseason and played well, but that changed on opening day when D.J. Williams returned...
Well, a few weeks ago when D.J. Williams tore his pectoral muscle, Bostic was inserted back into the starting lineup. Bostic responded with 6-2 tackles. The big question that remains for IDP owners is whether or not Bostic can play a three down role on a regular basis. If he does, Bostic goes from rosterable to startable...
Moving back to an overall IDP report, safety Jamarca Sanford of the Minnesota Vikings has had an interesting season. Entering his fifth year, Sanford earned a starting role in 2011. While his numbers were decent as a starter, he wasn't worth much as an IDP. But Sanford started off great this year with 15-2 tackles in his first two games...
In Sanford's third game, he was inexplicably held without a stat and late in the game hurt his hamstring which meant missing the next two games. After a bye week, Sanford came on strong once again with 17-3 tackles and a forced fumble in the next two games. So of course in those few leagues where Sanford was available, he was immediately picked up. Then Sanford played the following week and again got hurt, this time with a groin injury. His status is currently day to day...
I've talked up DE Olivier Vernon a few times last year and once this year. It looks like I might actually be right for a change. A third round draft pick from last year, Vernon excelled in preseason and won a starting role. Once the regular season started, though, Vernon had minimal impact. That has changed in the last 5 games. During that period, Vernon has 14-6 tackles and 4 sacks. While teammate Cameron Wake playing fewer snaps due to returning from injury has played a part in this, Vernon certainly deserves credit and should be a legit DE for a while...
Cincinnati Bengal DE Michael Johnson seemed to hit his stride last year, his fourth in the league, ending the year with 36-17 tackles and 11.5 sacks. The general consensus was that we could expect more of the same this year. After a relatively slow start, Johnson had a big game against the Packers with 5-2 tackles and 1.5 sacks...
Unfortunately, he suffered a concussion in the next game and was held out the following week. Since his return, Johnson only has 4-5 tackles and 0 sacks in three games. Some speculate whether Johnson returned early, especially with the ongoing media focus on concussions. The opinion here is that Johnson appears fine and should add several more sacks in the rest of the season...
It's tough to add anything of relevance about Dallas LB Sean Lee that hasn't been said already, but it's fair to say he's having a decent year. In his last 5 games alone, Lee has 48-17 tackles and 4 interceptions. Just...wow...
Long one of my favorite game breaking defensive players, LB Robert Mathis continues to amaze me. In his first 9 years with the Colts, before moving to linebacker in their new defense last year, Mathis was one of the best producing IDP DEs in the league. He not only had plenty of tackles, but he averaged over 9 sacks per year, despite missing 21 games in that period. He also added an outstanding 54 forced or recovered fumbles. The move to linebacker seemed like a death knell for IDP owners, and indeed he was dropped in many leagues...
While Mathis added 8 sacks to his resume last year, it wasn't enough to make an impact for IDP owners, at least as a linebacker. This year, Mathis is making an impact. Through just 7 games this year, Mathis has 21-10 tackles. For an average linebacker, that's nothing to write home about. But Mathis has added a league-leading 11.5 sacks. Even in leagues that aren't sack-heavy, those are LB1 numbers. Ok, so his current numbers might not be a reflection of his actual IDP value. But at 32 years old, Mathis doesn't appear to be slowing down...
Until next week…
If you have any comments or thoughts, please send me a message at baker@footballguys.com
