The Unofficial E.J. Henderson Thread

**battleaxe4cheese** · 01-03-2011, 04:22 PM

I have been watching our linebackers closely and what I have noticed which doesn't take much in the powers of observation dept., is Greenway is about the only Linebacker having an impact in a meaningful way on the field.
If he wasn't there the last few games it would have been so much uglier for our D, way worse than it has been.
Leber is mediocre at best and he's definitely losing speed. His instincts are fairly good but he's not there athletically speaking. I'm not a big fan of him at this point. Don't get me wrong we could have a lot worse backers but just my opinion.
E.J. is my biggest concern. To come back from that nasty injury is a miracle in itself. My hats off to him for that. He's been getting burned fairly regularly and I've seen him out of position one too many times lately not to wonder. He does have an impact and is solid at the M linebacker spot but with a 4-3 scheme we need speed back there and a lot more of it if you ask me. I guess it may just be the lack of pass rush this year sort of accentuates our secondary woes. I fear EJ will not regain what he once was which could hurt us in the future.

**Minniman** · 01-03-2011, 05:10 PM

I have noticed this as well. E.J. Henderson was not great against the pass prior to his injury, and he certainly is not post injury.

His ability to cover man-up against a tight end, back, or crossing receiver is questionable. In several of the last games, he has made key mistakes in zone coverage that have left receivers wide open for first downs or long gains.

Perhaps it is coaching or the scheme that forces him into poor position, but I do not think so, as he had similar problems as a younger player under different coaches.

I do not believe his injury plays much a part in it, as he looks physically capable.

**PurpleTide** · 01-06-2011, 02:42 PM

EJ is the heart and soul of our defence. For him to be on the field from week one should be an inspiration to everyone. I say he should be voted the comeback player of the year. He struggle'd here and there, as did our entire defense, I don't think there is a player in the league that hasn't been burnt on a play or two. EJ still has the speed to play the cover 2 scheme, but offenses have had years to find a way to beat the defence. I think we could have played better last season, but were on the field to long, having to defend a short field, always playing from behind. In short my hats off to EJ whom will be the captain of that d again next year.

**Marrdro** · 01-06-2011, 08:57 PM

I think EJ did a fine job this year and should be back up full by next year if he is on the team.

Some of the gaffs I saw that could be attributed to him, were his mistakes, but some others, if you watched closely were issues related to him trying to do to much.

Lets not forget, our DL wasn't doing that great of a job and injuries in the secondary had a huge impact on how much extra pressure our LB'rs had to suck up.

Again, not saying he wasn't at fault at times as he was, but alot of LB'r mistakes this year (for all 3 of them) can be directly tied back to what the other two groups were(weren't) doing.

On a side note, I thought, by the time, this would be a "Good" thread about EJ.

**Purple Floyd** · 01-07-2011, 01:49 AM

I wouldn't be surprised to see Brinkley take his spot from him next year. Luckily LB is one of the rare positions where we actually have some depth. I think we are going to keep my man Farwell on the roster and he might just take over for Leber if we can't sign him. I know Heath will certaily play the position with more aggression.

**Marrdro** · 01-07-2011, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by "Purple Floyd" #1087039

I wouldn't be surprised to see Brinkley take his spot from him next year. Luckily LB is one of the rare positions where we actually have some depth. I think we are going to keep my man Farwell on the roster and he might just take over for Leber if we can't sign him. I know Heath will certaily play the position with more aggression.

Agree with the possibility of Jasper, however, not sure if I'm tracking with Farwell for Leber? Not sure if his knee will let him.

My guess, Erin Henderson will be the guy promoted, not Farwell as he is the one that has come in more times than naught this year when someone came in. We have seen Farwell come in for Chad a couple of times though.

**marshallvike** · 01-07-2011, 06:59 PM

EJ was a beast before the injury. There were flashes of it this year. He came back in an unbelievably short period. By next year, he will be back to his pre-injury self. Viva la EJ

**Minniman** · 01-11-2011, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by "marshallvike" #1087116

EJ was a beast before the injury. There were flashes of it this year. He came back in an unbelievably short period. By next year, he will be back to his pre-injury self. Viva la EJ

Henderson had coverage problems prior to his injury and afterward. There is still time for his game to improve, but it isn't there, yet.

**ThorSPL** · 01-12-2011, 04:21 PM

I tend to like what I have seen of Erin's instincts... he's had some time to be groomed and I am curious to see what he's "got". He may step in for Leber, as I don't see us retaining him next year. Somebody will throw $ at him in FA (if and when that occurs).

**snowinapril** · 01-12-2011, 08:43 PM

I thought EJ was a beast most of the season playing the run. He darts through the line and busts up runs.

Farewell has proven in the past he isn't a starter, that is why he is a special teams specialist.

Brinkley?

Erin? At least we got to see him play a bit compared to Brinkley this season. Could very well be Erin, Chad and EJ.