Barnett back at practice

[JHSFIVE]

For some reason I really don't expect much from him but this is definately a step in the right direction.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=A ... &type=lgns

[ReasonablySober]

I like Barnett. I thought he deserved serious defensive MVP consideration in '07.

But...

That could mean Barnett, who in the previous 4-3 scheme stayed on the field for all three downs, could be replaced by Chillar on third downs this season. Barnett took exception to that as well Monday.

“That’s not going to happen,” he said. “I’m not really a two-down linebacker.”

...he's delusional. If he's not even able to go 100% by now I don't see how he can expect to be a three down linebacker.

Maybe they're just being cautious. Maybe he can do everything needed and they're taking it easy. But I'll be very surprised if he's able to be a positive this season.

On a side note, I'm wondering what the hell he did to his knee.

[Thunder Muscle]

When Barnett is right, I do like him, I thought he was real solid in 2007. I like his vocalness for the most part. But I do see him becoming a cancer if he loses some playing time. We'll see how it all plays out, but if guys like Chillar and Bishop play like they have been (or at least how I've been hearing), they gotta be on the field.

[Ayt]

If he plays coverage like he did last year, he doesn't deserve to be out there on 3rd down.

[ReasonablySober]

If he plays coverage like he did last year, he doesn't deserve to be out there.

Fixed. Barnett was my big disappointment last season.

[Ayt]

You might be right. He didn't look like himself last year. That being said, I don't think Chillar should be out there on early downs either because he takes some horrific angles against the run, so if its not Barnett it would have to be Bishop.

[El Duderino]

I would be more surprised if there were no starting lineup changes through the year than if there were none. Same for just playing time overall at linebacker.

If i had to bet right now, i'd say Hawk begins the season as a starter and doesn't last as a starter. While this isn't exactly forecasting a major shocker, Bishop at some point will force his way into the starting lineup if he doesn't begin the year there. Chiller on passing downs will either come in for Barnett or Bishop. Regardless how it shakes out, i feel pretty good about the inside linebacker situation.

[Nebula1]

I'm looking forward to getting him back. I thought he played really well in spots last year.

I saw that JSO was talking about trading Poppinga, but it was an insider deal. Bishop looks like he wants to be there.