Great Game Re-Senn-ded?

[PantherBrew]

On face value, it seemed Senn had a really great game, however:

Senn Master?

With all the injuries suffered by the Panthers linebacking corps, former special teamer Jordan Senn (-4.3) has found his way into the starting line-up in recent weeks and this week responded with a 12 tackle, one interception performance that had some experts nominating him for NFC Player of the Week. However, a closer look at the film shows that Senn struggled mightily in pass coverage, giving up 11 catches for 123 yards – just under 60% of the Texans’ totals for the game in each case. He was also called for a late hit penalty and only had one pressure as a pass rusher. Senn has done well to earn a job on the Panthers, but he’ll need to work on his coverage skills if he wants a role on next year’s defense.

I realize he is a back-up, but I do think it is interesting what people realize when they dive deeper into the film. Also, I still consider him having a very good game, and his good outweighed the bad.

He is going to be a fine situational player and special teamer.

Also, I think Senn could be a cheap, serviceable back-up for next season.

http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2011/12/20/re-focused-panthers-texans-week-15/

[fieryprophet]

On the pass coverage aspect, he did have some trouble with the multitude of crossing routes, but I honestly don't know if our defensive scheme really looks to defend those plays. The coaches may have wanted to keep funneling Yates to underneath plays and take away his downfield options so the safeties could continue to cheat towards the run.

[savage]

i didn't realize he got torched so bad. no wonder he had so many tackles because the texans were probably trying to go his way all game.

[Guest Irv]

Why does everyone have to poo on senn's parade and look for the negative out of his performance

[DaCityKats]

always room for improvement.

[Argus Plexus]

He will be a good player for this team for several years to come, just like Dan Connor. Good enough to come in and start if the starter goes down. But, no, I don't think he's a complete enough player AT THIS TIME to start for an entire season. As stated before, his pass coverage ability needs to improve, mostly a speed problem, really. If he was a bit faster, which he can easily attain, he would be better equipped to defend against receivers and such. Not knocking the guy, he's a diamond in the rough. Just needs improvement in some departments before I would want to start him full time.

But I'm just a huddler. What do I know?

A temporary fix, definitely. Permanent fixture? Possibly, if he could learn to drop into coverage better. No matter what, he's earned a long term roster spot IMO.

[KARASMATIC444]

I dont understand why people keep saying he is slow. cause im not seeing it. To me he seems fairly fast. I know he is faster than Connor. I know i saw where he ran a 4.4 or something 40 at one time, so im thinking speed is not his problem. In fact i believe he was around to make the tackle so much because of his speed. Saying he gave up 11 passes would be a stretch, as alot of those where screen passes to his side of the field. and in many of those he was there to stop them for hardly any gain. if you remember other lbs we have used, were unable to make those plays. Im sure there is room to improve. But comon, the guy played lights out. dont let stats fool what your eyes saw.

[Jackofalltrades]

How many LB's are good at pass coverage? We've ALWAYS struggled to stop intermediate routes and TE's. It's nothing he can't work on.

[Chaos]

Anyone need cheap, quality linebackers?

[beastson]

I expect TE's to outrun LB's these days

[Marguide]

So did Anderson end up with the credit for stripping Foster of the ball? It was hard to tell if it was JA or JS on replay.

[vorbis]

PFF's grades are not necessarily indicative of the game of football. Russian judge gives a 3.4.

[hepcat]

No doubt about it, Panthers need to bring in some talent at LB this offseason. They need to bring in new players at every position on defense IMO. Doesn't mean scrap the old ones, just means the ones they have aren't cutting it.

But in regards to the thread, Senn appeared to play well but I guess that stat says he struggled against the pass. Definitely worth keeping around through training camp.

[JawnyBlaze]

I really like what I've seen from Senn. I do value PFF's stat system, and it does shed a new light on Senn's game, but Senn is doing more than adequate in the area's we need him in. I think the positives he's brought outweighs his inability in pass coverage. He's been probably as much a reason for the improved run defense as the beefier DTs.