Post by Funkytown on Aug 7, 2017 19:21:32 GMT -6
Anthony Barr holds the keys to an elite defense for Vikings by Matthew Coller
Link: www.1500espn.com/vikings-2/2017/08/anthony-barr-holds-keys-elite-defense-vikings/
Head coach Mike Zimmer, who is not known to be hyperbolic, said Saturday that he’s liked what he’s seen from the former first-round pick.
“He’s been tremendous,” Zimmer said. “I look for him to have a big year. I am constantly trying to figure out ways to use him more and more and more.”
Last season, Zimmer criticized Barr, saying he had a “tendency to coast” on some plays. The Vikings’ head coach said Saturday that the ex-UCLA linebacker, who set career-lows in sacks, passes defended and stuffed runs last year, hasn’t shown any signs of effort issues in camp.
“His effort has been outstanding, he’s very conscientious about making sure he runs to the football all of the time,” Zimmer said. “He’s working very hard on getting off the blocks, just working very hard on his coverage and his pressures. He’s had a phenomenal, really he has had a phenomenal spring and camp so far.”
Zimmer’s comments didn’t sit particularly well in the locker room last year. He was asked whether his criticism could linger with Barr.
“I’ve talked to him directly about a lot of things, but no,” Zimmer said.
The narrative that Barr is now trying harder could be smoke and mirrors. Zimmer has made a career on adapting as a defensive coach, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he found ways to maximize Barr’s talents and cover up some of his weaknesses. Last year, Barr was one of the lowest rated linebackers by Pro Football Focus in coverage, but still created hurries and QB hits at a high rate. That might spur Zimmer to use him more as a pass rusher.
“He’s been tremendous,” Zimmer said. “I look for him to have a big year. I am constantly trying to figure out ways to use him more and more and more.”
Last season, Zimmer criticized Barr, saying he had a “tendency to coast” on some plays. The Vikings’ head coach said Saturday that the ex-UCLA linebacker, who set career-lows in sacks, passes defended and stuffed runs last year, hasn’t shown any signs of effort issues in camp.
“His effort has been outstanding, he’s very conscientious about making sure he runs to the football all of the time,” Zimmer said. “He’s working very hard on getting off the blocks, just working very hard on his coverage and his pressures. He’s had a phenomenal, really he has had a phenomenal spring and camp so far.”
Zimmer’s comments didn’t sit particularly well in the locker room last year. He was asked whether his criticism could linger with Barr.
“I’ve talked to him directly about a lot of things, but no,” Zimmer said.
The narrative that Barr is now trying harder could be smoke and mirrors. Zimmer has made a career on adapting as a defensive coach, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he found ways to maximize Barr’s talents and cover up some of his weaknesses. Last year, Barr was one of the lowest rated linebackers by Pro Football Focus in coverage, but still created hurries and QB hits at a high rate. That might spur Zimmer to use him more as a pass rusher.
... and neither is this Chris guy.