Leaner (and Meaner?) Linebackers

[RSS Feeder]

The Dallas Morning News blog, which has provided outstanding coverage of the mini-camp thus far, had an interesting blurb about the Cowboys’ linebackers today: ** The linebackers all look like they lost a bunch of pounds. Bradie James said he played part of last year around 265 pounds but is now 245. Akin Ayodele is in [...]

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[jacobmannjones]

The 245 lbs. for Bradie is closer to his collegiate playing weight whilst at LSU. He seemed a bit slow last year so hopefully reporting in better shape means a bit more reactionary speed and less wasted motion.

Carpenter needs to get into the 245 lb. range, that's where he seems to be the most effective ~ and I don't think that that is lost on the new staff either.

Ayodele I don't really ahve that info to be able to comment on and stand behind the statements. Maybe someone else could offer some insight there?

Wade also tends to attack more with his LBs, and there is less of them taking on O-Linemen ~ which was a staple in the Parcells 34. Which in turn should save some wear and tear on their bodies as the grind of an NFL season takes it's toll.

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On a side note; the nickel package as quoted from Spagnola: Hamlin at SS, Watkins at FS, #31 & Burnett as the OLB's. I'm not keen on using Barnett in that personnel package but the rest seems up to par. I'm guessing that they go to a 4-front with Spencer & Ware moving up to a 3-point stance; the question there is who slides inside to man the nose and over?