Ravens experiment with 340-pound LB

Ravens experiment with 340-pound LB


The Baltimore Ravens' offensive line braced for the impact when Haloti Ngata barreled into the line of scrimmage on a blitz.

What made the sequence unusual was the rare size and speed of the 6-4, 340-pound defensive tackle, and the fact that defensive coordinator Rex Ryan was experimenting with Ngata at middle linebacker.

Though linebackers such as All-Pro Ray Lewis made fun of Ngata's unfamiliarity with the role, they took notice of his power and mobility during a practice Monday at McDaniel College in Westminster, Md. Ngata easily collapsed the pocket, pushing bodies back toward the quarterback.

"It's Rex playing around with us," Ngata said. "I don't think we're ever going to use it, but we're just having fun in training camp."


http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/5035966.html

Interesting.
Maybe a coach messin' around, having fun to get thru the dog-days of August TC or maybe a coach experimenting, truely thinking outside the box for something more practical in the reg season ?
Sorta along these lines, when I saw Mario the other day in practice (no pads that Thursday night), I couldn't help but think how he looked as much like if not more like a basketball player that a football player and thought what an incredibely OLB (especially in the 3-4) he might make.

Big deal.

The Titans have been experimenting with a 340 lb. running back for the past year or so.

I think his name is LenDale White.

gpshafer_1976 said:

Big deal.

The Titans have been experimenting with a 340 lb. running back for the past year or so.

I think his name is LenDale White.

Click to expand...

oh no he didn't.

gpshafer_1976 said:

Big deal.

The Titans have been experimenting with a 340 lb. running back for the past year or so.

I think his name is LenDale White.

Click to expand...

Beat me to it. When I read the title, I was thinking the same thing. Rep'd accordingly.

Wow. Interesting idea. You're basically sacrificing one player by having him careen into the line, but it's a pretty interesting thought.

BTW, how do you give rep? I checked the user CP but can't figure it out. (I'm pretty damn thick, ya know?)

Remember this is the same team that had Adalius Thomas (6'2" 270 lbs) playing safety and corner at times. They now have Jarrett Johnson, a former defensive tackle, starting at outside linebacker. Rex Ryan is to defense as Mike Martz is to offense, being the mad scientists of their craft.

gpshafer_1976 said:

Big deal.

The Titans have been experimenting with a 340 lb. running back for the past year or so.

I think his name is LenDale White.

Click to expand...

the Lendale jokes for some reason never get old.