Wild Bill
Well-known member
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There are a few qualities that make the position unique. First, their ability to scan the offense pre-snap to pick up a tendency is usually great. Other positions should be able to do it but not as proficiently as the mike. Next, their ability to focus solely on the guards' feet (usually their key) for a brief moment, assess what the hell is going and react within seconds is extremely difficult. It's what I consider to be the innate instinct. Think about the amount of beef in front of you, the amount of speed behind you, the amount of force coming at you and all you can do is look at a foot to make the play - either you can do it or you can't. Engaging blockers in a tight space, shedding the block and making the tackle is another difficult task. I believe this aspect can be taught but it does require some instinct too.
Outside linebackers, on the other hand, act more than they react. Sure, sometimes they read keys but not as frequently as an inside linebacker, and they certainly have more space to do it. Usually, they work with one arm free, even when they are reading tackles or tight ends. An athlete can do this without having the natural instincts of an inside linebacker. They aren't engaging with blockers in tight spaces as frequently either. Most of the time, they are unblocked on the backside.
Councell seems to be more comfortable acting as opposed to reacting. He plays with more confidence when he is using his athleticism to get up field and make plays. He's not as confident when he has to shed a block to make a play. I like his size, but I'm not sure it's ideal for a mike. Most are more compact, play with a low center of gravity and are very powerful through their legs, hips and a$$. Councell has a different body composition. He's a long, lean athlete. He would probably have some trouble working in tight spaces and he would have a ton of trouble shedding big bodied guards who get low when they block. The only mike that comes to mind with a similar body and game is Urlacher. Not a bad comparison.
