Paul Posluszny: 4 questions for 2015
By Luke Sims
Oct 19, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) tackles Cleveland Browns running back Ben Tate (44) during the first quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Richard Dole-USA TODAY Sports
3) Can Paul Posluszny keep the tackles coming?
From 2008-2013 Paul Posluszny put up over 100 tackles each and every season. The guy is an absolute stud of a linebacker, putting on a clinic each and every week. He’s showing every other tackler out there how it’s done. I would argue that only Carolina’s Luke Kuechly could do it better.
After ending the 2014 season with just seven games, but leading the team with 69 tackles at that point, can Posluszny come right back and pick up where he left off?
I think he can and he will. He’s hopeful he’ll be back to weight for the start of training camp, playing at above 240 pounds again. He’s able to read plays better than the other players on the Jaguars defense and he’ll finally have some additional support in the linebacker unit. That should allow him to focus more on his responsibilities, knowing that the other Jags players can man theirs.
For much of his time in Jacksonville, Posluszny has been the rock in the middle of the defense. It has fallen to him to go out and tackle the ball carrier.
Graded as the best run stopper in 2013 per PFF, in the top 10 last year while just playing seven games, and among the most efficient tacklers in 2013, Posluszny still has the skills to get it done.
I think we can extrapolate fairly, based on his extensive career and recent work, that Posluszny can return to form in 2015 after being shorted more than half a season due to injury last year. Expect him to return to form. The skills don’t age, even if his body isn’t up to part. It sounds like his body should be back in shape, anyway, though.
Next: What about Posluszny's historical deficiencies?