How is our linebacker group progressing? – Joseph J., Corry, Pennsylvania
The linebackers have had to deal with a few injuries throughout training camp. Tony Fields II missed some time and Jordan Hicks missed a few days recently. Overall, however, the linebacker corps has improved. They have the depth at the position to be successful in defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s offensive defense.
“It’s one of the most athletic groups I’ve ever been around,” Hicks said of the linebacker group. “Young, energetic, snappy, aggressive. We have everything you want in a linebacker group. We just have to keep building and leading and putting it all together every single day and just watch us grow.”
Throughout camp, linebacker coach Jason Tarver said all of their linebackers have been working side by side to improve and prepare for the 2024 season.
Hicks brings seasoned leadership and experience to his role with the group. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah looks to build on his breakout 2023 season. Devin Bush has learned the defense and brings NFL experience to the room. And rookie Nathanial Watson is getting acclimated to the NFL, asking questions and learning from his teammates about the defensive system. Tarver is impressed with the progress Watson has made in learning the pace of the game and what it’s like to play against NFL linemen.
“Nathaniel is really good because he’s played every position in football,” Tarver said. “He’s played edge. He’s played offense, he’s played defense. So he knows the game of football and he sees and feels football. And he’s really good at not making the same mistake twice. When he sees something, he corrects it and he focuses on it.”
