10-08-2017, 06:44 PM
(10-08-2017, 11:47 AM)Beaker Wrote: When Vigil was first drafted, there was a lot of backlash because nobody knew who he was. I even started a thread that said we should start a Nick Vigil fan club and posted Nick Vigil/Chuck Norris jokes. Vigil showed athleticism early on, but didn't get much PT until later in the season when we had some injuries. And he showed he had the range and athleticism to get almost anywhere on the field. But he always seemed to get there....but not make the tackle. He would always seem to get at least an arm on the ball carrier, but they would always seem to get away. Or he would hold them up until others arrived as the ball carrier got 3 more yards.
Until last week in cleveland. Vigil had an excellent game. He was everywhere and was not only getting there, but taking the ball carrier down. It reminded me of rookie Jordan Evans' game in the preseason against indy. I didn't see much mentioned about just what a good game Vigil had. It was like the switch was finally flipped and his light came on. I am hoping that was his breakout game, and that we will continue to see him make plays like he did last week. I know it was the browns, but I am commenting specifically on the change from just getting to the right place, to getting there and making the play. Thoughts?
its really noticeable the last 2 weeks how active he is...heck of a lot of plays seem to finish with #59 making the tackle or right by the action - he's diagnosing and reacting to plays quicker by the week.
The big step up now is to be a more direct influence on 'negative' plays. Burfict diagnoses and reacts real quick too but he made a lot of plays at / or behind the line of scrimmage. Vigil's tend to be few yards down the field - that said he is getting better the whole time- how athletic is our LB corps all of a sudden!!
