Leber will get on field more to defend on passing downs

**singersp** · 10-15-2007, 08:56 PM

[size=13pt]Monday afternoon udpate[/size]

October 15th, 2007 Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 1:14 PM
by Kevin Seifert
startribune.com

Defensive coaches are looking for ways to keep LB Ben Leber in the game during some nickel situations. In that scenario, LB Chad Greenway would come to the sideline. Leber and Greenway Ã¢â‚¬Å“have the same skill sets,Ã¢â‚¬Â Childress said, and the disparity between their playing time is too great....

**jessejames09** · 10-15-2007, 09:00 PM

Seems right for Greenway and Leber to split time in the nickel package. Leber is good in coverage too.

**patistheman** · 10-15-2007, 09:03 PM

I don't know if I would agree with Leber having the same skill set at Greenway.
However Greenway has not played the way I was hoping in pass coverage, I think he needs more experience.
I hope Leber can play well in pass coverage.
He made a very nice play on that INT on Sunday, I definately did not expect that from him.

**vikingivan** · 10-15-2007, 09:03 PM

I think it is important to give Leber some more playing time.
I am even more happy that he has a tracking system to make sure AD gets on the field for more snaps.
I find it kind of ironic that he did not have a system in place previously to ensure that he was getting more touches.
10 more snaps per game could have been the difference in a couple of ball games already.
But, better late than never.

**singersp** · 10-16-2007, 06:19 AM

[size=13pt]Leber will get on field more to defend on passing downs[/size]

By Judd Zulgad, Star Tribune
startribune.com

Last update: October 16, 2007 Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 12:06 AM

After seeing Ben Leber play roughly 30 snaps for a second consecutive game Sunday in Chicago, the Vikings are going to take steps to keep the starting strong-side linebacker on the field more, including in passing situations.....

**Marrdro** · 10-16-2007, 09:17 AM

I like the fact that Chad (basically a rookie) is getting alot of reps, but at this point, I think it won't hurt his maturation process if Leber gets out there for a few snaps.
Saves the legs....... ;D

Childress was asked if the Vikings made a halftime adjustment to have Chris Kluwe punt the ball out of bounds after Bears Pro Bowl return man Devin Hester had an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first quarter. Hester had three punt returns in the first two quarters but only one in the final two as Kluwe booted three balls out of bounds. "No, the first [punts] were supposed to be out of bounds," Childress said. "No adjustment [was] necessary."

Just another example of executing (or lack thereof) the gameplan the coaches are putting in.

**AngloVike** · 10-16-2007, 09:24 AM

My understanding was always that Greenway was supposed to be a LB that could cover receivers that much better. So is it just that Leber is ahead because of experience or has Greenway found the step up to the Pros that much harder in terms of coverage?

**Marrdro** · 10-16-2007, 09:27 AM

"AngloVike" wrote:

My understanding was always that Greenway was supposed to be a LB that could cover receivers that much better. So is it just that Leber is ahead because of experience or has Greenway found the step up to the Pros that much harder in terms of coverage?

I think it is a couple of things my friend.

1.
Leber made a hell of a sack on the QB.
Maybe they want him in there for that a few times as well.
He has proven that he is a heck of a play maker in his own right.

2.
Maybe Chad is feeling a bit of wear and tear on his legs.
If he isn't he soon will.
Just makes sense, as with AD/CT rotation, that we don't do it to keep guys as fresh as possible as the year go by.

**digital420** · 10-16-2007, 09:30 AM

Leber to me has proven he belongs on the field as often as we can..

also, I really do like the fresh legs approach. I think to many times players are left on the field that need a rest..

they have the depth in quality players, so why not interchange them. I'm sure each has their own
little differences that will cause Olinemen to miss.. or qb's to misread.

one last note..

Legs feed the wolves gentelmen!!!!! keep um fresh and strong!!

DiGiTaL

**PurpleTide** · 10-18-2007, 06:27 AM

"digital420" wrote:

Leber to me has proven he belongs on the field as often as we can..

also, I really do like the fresh legs approach. I think to many times players are left on the field that need a rest..

they have the depth in quality players, so why not interchange them. I'm sure each has their own
little differences that will cause Olinemen to miss.. or qb's to misread.

one last note..

Legs feed the wolves gentelmen!!!!! keep um fresh and strong!!

DiGiTaL

Love that quote, and I agree with rotation keeping guys fresh and also keeping their heads in the game every-play.