Lamar Woodley

[DoctorJohnnyFever]

Looked really good in limited action this year. (Likely to) will be a starter next season.

Discuss.

[jonzr]

He's a helluva pass rusher.  I don't know why he didn't supplant Haggans earlier in the season.  Maybe he still needs work in certain situations?  But if you tell him to go get the QB, he gets there.  Great pick in rd 2 IMO.
 

[bucc-o-pain]

He was cetainly a breathe of fresh air from watching Haggans ineptness all season.

It has been a while since we have had a guy who could bull right through o-lineman every now and then. Joey and Clark (when they actually got sacks) both seemed to have to get an edge in order to get to the QB.

I like Woodley, not sure on Timmons yet. Although I do like how Timmons hustles on ST. At least he does not have Alonzo-disease.

[SCacalaki]

I've mentioned elsewhere but Woodley looks to be the bright spot for the defense at season's end.  

It wasn't just last night.  He's played well this year, albeit it he needs to improve in coverage.  

But as a rusher, he's got it.  

And he brings a uberrusher that we haven't had since Porter's early years, IMO.  

[give'emthaboot]

seems like Woodley will work out much better as a 4-3 end (his position in college, no?) than a 3-4 LB, especially with the coverage problems.  so if Tomlin does opt to go with the 4-3 as soon as next year (which i would honestly prefer, the 3-4 zone blitz is flawed and can easily be exposed as proven towards the end of the year) it seems we are really only one pass rushing DE away from having the right personnel for the front seven (would Silverback work as a DE?  seems like his skills maybe wouldnt work as a LB in a 4-3) with Hampton and Smith in the middle and Woodley on one end and Timmons, Farrior and Foote at LB.  

i expect to see a sort of hybrid defense next year, and think the possiblities of moving guys around and giving opposing offenses different fronts could end up being really awesome.

[Preacherman0]

He's a helluva pass rusher. I don't know why he didn't supplant Haggans earlier in the season. Maybe he still needs work in certain situations?

I don't remember Kevin Greene being much of a coverage guy.  They let him do what he did best, and that's rush the passer.  Let Woodley do the same, because the best pass defense is putting the QB on his can.

[Finnegans Wake]

I think Woodley could be a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB, or both.  If we run both fronts, no reason for him to come off the field.

[LambertsFrontTeeth]

Whatever they run, I want that kid on the field for every passing down.  

[kluisi61]

My jersey pick for my Christmas present this year is looking pretty good. ;)