Film Room: Why Bobby Wagner should win Defensive Player of the Year (NFL Breakdowns Ep. 100)

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In the land of pass rushers and shutdown cornerbacks, the importance of the inside linebacker position has been forgotten. Over the last decade, the NFL “Defensive Player of the Year” award has gone to a pass rusher six times. Of those ten awards, only one true inside linebacker in Luke Kuechly has won that honor. In my opinion, that should change this season. Bobby Wagner has clearly made his case as the NFL’s best defensive player this season.
In this video breakdown, I analyzed what makes Wagner so good in the Seattle Seahawks’ defense. Surrounded by guys like Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, K.J. Wright, and Kam Chancellor has made everyone forget who I believe is the heart and soul of this squad. Honestly, it was of no surprise to me that Blake Bortles and the Jacksonville Jaguars scored there touchdowns almost immediately after Wagner was injured.
What do you think? Should he win this prestigious honor? If not him, who else do you think will win it?
The videos are considered to be used under the "Fair Use Doctrine" of United States Copyright Law, Title 17 U.S. Code Sections 107-118. Videos are used for editorial and educational purposes only and I do not claim ownership of any original video content. I don't use said video clips in advertisements, marketing or for direct financial gain. All video content in each clip is considered owned by the individual broadcast companies.

[@erbgorre]

his tackling is what really sets him apart IMO. with just about anyone else (including kuechly, matthews or whomever) you always feel like a strong RB or TE still has a chance to shake off the tackle and slip away somehow. but never with wagner. if that dude gets so much as a hand on you, you might as well be sitting on your ass already. its over. nobody gets away from a bobby wagner tackle. he sits you down with one swipe of his left hand, its ridiculous.

[@Madmagic]

erbgorre Sean Lee is also up there as well such a great player

[@ponchosvt8867]

erbgorre d

[@DavidRuffin90]

lol you obviously dont watch the panthers....

[@barrymccockner3683]

The Seahawks use a certain Tackling technique where they grab the legs and roll, once they get hands on you you’re done cause there’s no breaking those kind of tackles. Wagner isn’t a well known big hitter cause he uses the hawk tackling technique but I guess big hits don’t matter when you’ve missed 0 tackles in a season 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@shootgackintoeye2415]

0 missed tackles is just ridiculous

[@avip1685]

Inside LBs never get recognized. Its always the Edge defenders and shutdown corners.

[@KARLentertainment]

Avi P or outside pass rushing LBs. Everyone loves von miller, justin Houston, Ingram... But guys like sean lee, thomas davis, bradham barely get recognition

[@phillipnguyen8789]

Avi P wow ur soooooo smart for just repeating what Samuel said

[@angelcalderon5680]

The King anyone who doesn't recognize Sean Lee's greatness is a fool. Easily one of the most underrated players of this generation

[@romannechiporuk4254]

angel calderon yea Sean lee makes the dak throw picks and not score anything according to skip baylees

[@heiongyeong9508]

unless you're the cowboys. demarcus lawrence having a beast of a season for sacks, but sean lee is their best defensive player for the same reason as wagner and kuechley, if they're gone, their team just cant play defense.

[@tawmjawn]

Hoping he's back this week. He's been stepping it up all season.

[@LntLethaL]

If not, we're gonna have a reaaal ugly game on our hands...

[@skater15153]

Unfortunately...you were right. I think the Rams game even further illustrates the great points of this video. Wagner hurt exposed all the holes in the defense. I definitely agree with ET that he shouldn't have played. You can see how important a healthy Bobby Wagner is to the Hawks defense though.

[@BrokeredHeart]

He is the most consistent player on the Seattle roster, on either side of the ball. Dude crushes his role as the midfield defender, and has multiple tackles for loss each and every season. Glad it was pointed out what a major impact his absence has on the defense - he's their signal caller and points out new blocking assignments to the defensive front four. On a very talented roster and in a historically outstanding defense, he stands out, which is saying a lot. He'll be a HOF one day, and he's already secured a spot in the Seahawks Ring of Honor. I wear # 54 with pride every Sunday!

[@jackiesingleton2351]

BrokeredHeart,,,,, I LOVE Bobby Wagner, but idk about him in the Ring of Honor. First ballot Hall of Fame? ABSOLUTELY! There are only 4 Jerseys in the R.O.H. now; Largent, Tez, Walter Jones(who is one of the most criminally underrated players ever), and the Fans 12 jersey. I personally think Earl Thomas will end up in the Ring. He should be the last Seahawk to ever wear number 29. I think if Bobby plays 2 more seasons like his last two his jersey will be up there with Largent and the rest. Go Seahawks! P

[@Nick7380]

I knew Bobby Wagner was a special player when I watched him run step for step with Randall Cobb one year, Bobby got called for PI but I couldn't believe what I had just watched-Frank Gore wasn't kidding when he said Bobby was fast as fuck.

[@johnogo7886]

Oh yeah Bobby Wagner is very good and he should win defensive player of the year. Nobody tackles and covers like him. He’s one of the best inside linebacker in the league!

[@Halfbreedmofo]

0 missed tackles holy shit!

[@Justaguy397]

man i wish i had this kind of film breakdown in high school and college. would have made stuff a lot easier. great vid

[@BinaryDigit09]

I have one and only one Seahawks jersey - #54.

[@Sam-cg8ed]

Thanks for that great video 💪 ! Bwagz is my idol he is a stunning player and such a great guy off the field.

[@b.j.kazerooni1799]

Gospel music

[@mino1083]

Kuechly with 3 INTs, 2 FR (one TD) and a FF...Not a Bad season 😅

[@LiberRaider]

High quality vid, as always. Rare insight. True love of the game. Gold Standard brother. Keep it up.

[@iurhviusdfavhi]

God damn I didn't realize how good Bobby Wagner was you really showed him off well, convinced me.

[@SirHillis]

Your knowlegde and skill is amazing. Your pace when you talk is however, enraging!

[@killmonger6669]

Bobby Wagner has been the best MLB in the NFL the last 3 Seasons and is the best Middle Linebacker in the NFL. 1. Best Pass Rushing MLB 2. Top 10 In Pass Coverage 3.Best Tackling LB in the NFL 4.Best at play and scheme recognition 5. Best FG BLOCKING MLB IN THE NFL! NFL Changed the RULES because of Bobby Wagner blocking FGs by LAVAR LEAPING over the lineman to block FGS!

[@Andynonymous_music]

The dude's arms are straight up trees

[@jaybubblez7468]

3:20 Welcome to THE GAUNTLET

[@marshallcoleman4406]

This year too Bobby’s a beast

[@romannechiporuk4254]

I think the only reason bobby Wagner does not get as much attention is because he was a second rounder compare Luke kuechly

[@killmonger6669]

I love how Bobby Wagner tackles he nevr leads with his crown like Ryan Shaizer he is gets at getting his head to the side and wrapping and rolling.

[@residenteye3792]

Happy 100 episode 🎉🎉 Damn good videos bro

[@chinxianghan8343]

What about KJ Wright? Is he underrated or is he just an average linebacker?

[@killerkhye]

Chin Xiang Han he's underrated for sure

[@SamuelGoldNFL]

Wright is a B+ player while Wagner is an A player in my opinion.

[@chinxianghan8343]

Glad to see your reply, hope you continue putting out awesome content.

[@Nick7380]

KJ is very under-rated-he'd make the pro bowl every year for sure if it wasn't for all the defensive talent around him, Him and Bobby form one of the best LB duos in the league.

[@bowlchamps37]

Well, Wright is just an average player. He looks better cause of all the talent around him. But his stop% and miss tackle, blown cov etc are around 30th in the NFL among LBs. Nothing spectacular.

[@briannoel9485]

He would fit in perfectly with the Steelers

[@barrymccockner3683]

He’s always making the tackles and he’s AMZING at disrupting plays, if you’ve noticed he’s been stopping screen plays like crazy

[@okay_then8472]

True! Sucks that he is hurt.

[@beastmode336]

He's gotta win it! #54

[@leodalyon8854]

5:06 Bobby : "I knew this day would come 😂"

[@Skyreem2020]

Sean Lee (injured alot though) and Demarcus Lawrence have a shot at the Defensive player award...maybe a bit bias towards lee but he is underrated

[@toyodathon08]

He’s got my vote... now where’s the booth?

[@malonedick3541]

Can u do film on Sean lee? Cowboys defense is complete trash without him

[@coachmp3890]

You’re the truth Sam!

[@jacobrosenberg9632]

I have a newfound appreciation for Bobby, he really is the glue that holds are shit defense together

[@richardwelch9796]

On the Texans play around 3:15, I would go as far as say that Wagner baited the RB to cut back AND baited the G to over commit, giving himself leverage to shed the G and make the tackle while dictating where the RB would go.

[@Sycord]

Can somebody explain me the principle behind Sam, Mike and Will linebacker? Maybe Samuel Gold even himself?

[@peterlegenhausen2655]

Sam is the linebcker to the (s)trongside of the formation Mike is the (m)iddle backer WIll is the (w)eakside backer

[@SamuelGoldNFL]

Sam, Mike, Will are positions on the defense. Different position means different responsibilities and roles. Since not all players are built the same, some are better at certain things than others. Also, these positions do vary between 3-4 and 4-3 fronts as well. Here are the high-level basics: - SAM is your Strongside linebacker. You usually line up opposite of the tight end and have to worry about strongside running plays. It's harder to maintain your gap and pass rush when you usually have an offensive tackle and a tight end trying to block you. -Mike LB is your "QB" of the defense. He calls out the coverage and gets everyone aligned. He's the center of your defense usually responsible for inside the tackles. London Fletcher was an amazing Mike LB for the Skins for years, for example. You have to be a sure tackler because all the inside running plays. -WILL is your weakside linebacker. In 3-4 defenses this is usually a pure pass rusher. You have a one-on-one with the offensive tackle since the tight end is on the opposite side. Von Miller is a KILLER Will LB. Speed helps. Hope this helps!

[@killmonger6669]

The Mike is Middle Linebacker. The Sam is th STRONG SIDELINEBACKER he will go to the side where there is a TE if their is no TE he will go to where the mos WRS are or come to line and pass rush The Will Linebacker is the WEAK SIDE linebacker. This is the terminology used for a 4-3 defense it was started at Nebraska in a 3-4 Defense you will have ILB ILB OLB OLB and people will call our linebacker JACK LINEBACKER, INSIDE. I started playing Linebacker when I was 13, I played in a 4-3 defense, I was the Will. Then when I moved to high school I moved to the Mike Linebacker. The Mike Linebacker is a person who sets the dline in their proper positons based upon what formation the offences comes in, the Mike Linebacker is a person who will tell the secondary what coverage, a Mike will change the defense, shift the defense. Depending on coverage he is responsbile for first back out of the backfield if he is in robber which is cover 1...IN cover 2 which a mike willplay most of the time he is responbile for seams to flats..He must properly read the run blocks and scrap down field inside the box to make the tackle. Middle Linebacker = Center on Offense = QB on Offense. Center and Mike Linebacker are harder than QB because you have the same responsibility as the QB its just that being a Center or Mike Backer is more physically demendaning each play.

[@killmonger6669]

Von Miller is Jack Linebacker he plays in the 3-4 and will lineup on the strong side.

[@j.r.thamailmane4981]

I think Sean Lee is right is in the talk as well... he’s proven how valuable he is to the cowboys defense

[@aalexxescobar1261]

Sean lee!!

[@dangerusswilson6080]

do you think hes having like one of the best seasons a MLB has had like ever?

[@ratsalaad]

Dangeruss Wilson without a doubt

[@JG_Card_Breaks]

Dangeruss Wilson I think Ray lewis did, Ray Lewis had. season with 160+ Tackles 7 pass deflections 6interceptions and a force fumble in 2003.

[@johngonzalez949]

Dangeruss Wilson no ray Lewis had a better season

[@killmonger6669]

No.

[@killmonger6669]

Ray Lewis 2000 Season was the most dominate Season a MLB ever had. Bobby Wagner hasnt had enough sacks or ints to have one of the best seasons ever.

[@joej800]

Wagner has a very very unique body. His arms are as big as his legs

[@killmonger6669]

He hs short with long arms. Hes like 5'11" to 6ft but has long reach helps him shed blocks.

[@madmax8115]

Nice vid

[@earlymorninstonedpimp]

Make a vid on Kam Chancellor plz

[@buckfuttler2877]

i have a feeling we will see sam gold on ESPN within 5 years. impressive!

[@abrahamreyes6435]

You should do a video on the upcoming patriots and steelers game !

[@gbyanks]

You can make the case that Wagner/Kuechly deserve DPOY every single season. These MIKEs have QB-level responsibility on defense in terms of calling stuff out. Intangibles of the highest degree. Although I'd give the edge to Kuechly more often than not because he doesn't have Earl Thomas watching his back. Not a slam against Wagner. He's a beast. But I think Kuechly does as much or more with less around him.

[@RCunderscore]

gbyanks he hasn’t done as much this season and Wagner is missing Sherman, chancellor, and griffin for two games behind him. Also missing cliff Avril in pass rush.

[@romannechiporuk4254]

I think Wagner has evaluated his game to even better the Luke kuechly but but before last year it was clearly kuechly and what sucks is his career might be short cuz of all the concussions

[@killmonger6669]

Earl Thomas has nothing to do with Bobby Wagner..Kueckly plays in a base 4-3 where he is protected by the one of the best dlines in football and Kurt Coleman is no slouch who has had more INTs and been more dependable than Earl Thomas the last few years. People like you always have to diminish tremendous football players like Thomas Davis, Josh Norman, Kurt Coelman, Mike Adams, Shaq Thompson, Mario Addiosn, Kwan Short, JULIUS PEPPERS, Vernon Butler to highlight Kuekly soley based upon SKIN COLOR. You never played middlelinebacker in your life nor do u understand what u are saying.

[@gbyanks]

Totally. All about that SKIN COLOR. Nothing to do with the fact that Luke Kuechly is a perennial All-Pro and surefire HOFer.

[@killmonger6669]

Racist Whites like yourself, love to diminish Black people who excel and will seek out some White person who is undeserving and create false narratives. When you make statements such as "Earl Thomas watches his back" is utter ridiculous because Earl Thomas is a deep quarters safeties and if anyone would have to earse a Bobby Wagner missed tackel it would be strong safety Kam Channcelors. So that is a false narrative. The 2nd false narrative you cared was I think Kueckly does as much or more with less around him. This is the same statement that is used about Russell Wilson. Then when Cam Newton was MVP White people like you claimed he's not that good he had a weak schedule. LOL 3rd: Earl Thomas missed most of last season with a broken LEG and Luke Kuechly missed 6 games in 2016 with a concussion and missed 5 games in 2015 with a concussion. Bobby Wagner was ALL PRO and the top graded linebacker in the NFL and did so with a ROOKIE DT while Lukely Kuckely played with ALL PRO KAWANN SHORT as his DT.. A DT has more to do with the success of a MIDDLE LINEBACKER than a deep QUARTERS FREE SAFETY Lol

[@yungworldz]

Wagner is a beast.

[@flymoolahman2763]

Wag er is good but I did not know he was this good

[@boohoo7432]

Great content overall but have to be honest... that luke cafferty comparison made this video lol

[@Lu-xt9dh]

Hes going down as the best MLB ever, and been consistently racking up great season since His Rookie Year in which He Shoulda won RDPOY

[@donsolos]

my boi charles woodson won as a CB and beat out revis in his best year which is easily one of the most impressive seasons by a defensive player ever. but woodson was that ridiculous xfactor/play maker that year.

[@buklau6953]

7:25 YO! bobby wagner threw that guy to the floor!

[@KINGRODP]

I coach middle football. I used this as coaching film..

[@Josh-rf4bm]

He is sooo underrated

[@SharksSJ408]

The NFL should show every player in the league film of Wagner tackling as an example of proper form to avoid targeting calls. Wrap and and roll, no one does it better than big Bobby

[@mrmete]

You got mine for sure

[@VargusDread]

When you list missed tackles, do you count the ones were Kuechly auto corrected to make the tackle?

[@juliancc4710]

i still cant believe the seahawks didnt run the ball at the 1 yardline ...

[@camdude2000]

Finally. From a Redskins fan.

[@juliusheudorf8601]

Hell ya you got my vote.

[@kenjenvang]

Do Blake Martinez from the Green Bay packers. He’s the most improved player from his rookie season this year

[@GreyDuck54]

You're wrong on your intro. The last decade, only 3 pass rushers won (Harrison, Mack, Suggs). Watt (won 3) isnt just a pass rusher. He plays in a 3-4 that has the ends typically not a pass rusher. Its just that Watt is a freak who does his job way above the expectation.

[@j.r.thamailmane4981]

Can you do one on Sean Lee?

[@kingswiper5748]

im sorry but you can‘t just compare wagner to someone just by stats, yeah its important but you also have to compare the overall impact what the lb, in this case wagner, has to the team because as a mlb you can also have not the best stats but can tell your team what play is comming and with good positioning not just tackle but set up a nice and safe tackle for an another defender. If the mlb doesnt tackle but the ball carrier has to get arround him and during that hes getting tackeled he doesnt get the stat but had a big impact to his team, dont sleep on that

[@jameswest9388]

Really hope he's back for Rams round 2.

[@bobbymarr1297]

You should do an analysis on if Seattle's offensive linemen are the problem or if the scheme is. I personally have seen like 5 different RTs make the same mistakes which makes me think it's Cable not the players.

[@SamuelGoldNFL]

The Seahawks have only had Ifedi this season. He's awful, but so is Tom Cable at developing talent.

[@okay_then8472]

Samuel Gold True, I just saw a story that he is the most penalized player in the NFL.

[@bobbymarr1297]

Okay_Then Weren't Okung and Giacommini both the most penalized players at some point for the Seahawks as well? Also Samuel Gold I ment over the past couple years incase you thought i ment 5 this year, I ment over the past 7? years he's been there

[@maximilianwallner5810]

bro much love but could u make some videos about concepts and stuff like that?

[@mikestclair5277]

I tried the links you suggested and entered your promo code. You may want to know that the promo code does not work, or at least it didn't for me.

[@javierchavez7773]

Kam Chancellor is a strong safety, not a will linebacker. 2:08

[@orlandogarcia9687]

Javier Chavez he plays Safety a lot but he states up in the box a lot

[@javierchavez7773]

He wasnt in the box that play though.

[@SamuelGoldNFL]

Yes, I am aware. I made a mistake during recording but fixed it on the screen by showing "#30 McDougald (WILL)" in the highlighted box. As a side note, where you align is usually your position. Kam plays in the box so much as their "third LB" that they often refer to him as that.

[@killmonger6669]

Kam will lineup as a Will Linebacker in seattles defense..Kam hybrid safety who will shift to linebacker in that defense.

[@killmonger6669]

In seattle defense the strong safety will play linebacker...Kam Chancellor is shifted to linebacker in many of seattles fronts and they sexpect Kam Chancellors to scrap down hill and set the edge of the defense. It is similar to how the Colts utilized Bob Sanders who was a strong safety who would switch Linebacker at times.

[@andytrejo5984]

Where do you get the angles for film??

[@un_ikko8953]

Dam Kam's plays weak side? Didn't even know that.

[@shmiggins12]

Where do u get your game film?

[@wolfgang0011]

Agree Wagner should fairly be the NFL defensive player of the year i mean he can stop anyone who comes in his way and that's rare for a MLB

[@jonathandelacruz9682]

Bobby Wagner the best NO KWESTION ‼️

[@danielg4854]

this is who i hope reuben foster becomes

[@ndsd1865]

Do something about Joe schobert. I mean other than him being in his 2nd season and having 2nd in tackles. He never gets any love

[@anthony5511]

How does he get this film?

[@jamesarthur7109]

and thats why i have his jersey boiii #54

[@viciousbunny3]

Uhhh what about Harrison Smith? And even after him there is also Aaron Donald

[@alexmoua7527]

Should’ve had rookie of the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@marcovargas7005]

Do a jags vid next plz

[@michaelmcqueen4207]

2:10 ain’t no way he called mcdougald Kam chancellor

[@jayblackburn3553]

He’s a baaaaaad man that Wagner... Mmm mmm mmm. A true blessing to watch

[@MZeternally]

I wish Khalil Mack would have been better this season.

[@buckyzona]

Chandler Jones having a monsterr year.

[@christophervalles8322]

bobby wagner is a great player, however i feel kuechly not only plays at a level equal to him but i feel kuechly improves the people playing around him through call outs and audibles. personal opinion

[@brandonb.5304]

Seattle had the league's best scoring defense for like 4 straight years...and top 5 for like 5-6. So how exactly can you claim Kuechly makes those around him better but Bobby doesn't? And Carolina hasn't been lacking in talent on the defensive end. They've been a good to great defensive team since Kuechly arrived.

[@christophervalles8322]

@@brandonb.5304 im saying that bobby wagner is a great playmaker but not in the way kuechly is, im not saying seattle doesnt have a good defense. Also look at the panthers defensive stats without luke, we are a doormat without him because our defense benefits massively because of his on the field football knowledge

[@brandonb.5304]

You didn't tell me anything. You're just giving me platitudes. Seattle's defense also performs worse with Wagner out. So you didn't prove anything.

[@XD-ge3zb]

2:12 definitely not kam

[@ethanballs8310]

Jordan Hicks will be the next mlb to win it

[@natx4207]

not gunna get it after giving up 40 points to a division rival

[@mindman1234]

he still can.. he was injured so its to be expected not to play at 100%

[@kameidokarl]

good video but Sean Lee is really good too

[@ddf5878]

No missed tackles o.o

[@somef22]

Wagner is underrated

[@kickapillow]

Do Reuben Foster next

[@luisdamon5421]

B Wag all the way lleetts go

[@good4damoney]

Are you trying to get him votes for pro bowl.?

[@good4damoney]

Cause it's working, you have my vote.

[@aidenspaeder4430]

You should do why antonio brown should be mvp

[@TakTownBoy]

Dude called mccdougald chancellor 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@thamerkules8081]

d law all day

[@thepertinax304]

Do a video over sean lee

[@stevendoldy9153]

Can you do a video on trent williams

[@killmonger6669]

3:20:: Sheldon Richardson losses gap control. I swear Michael Bennett and Sheldron Richrdson are not worh the money they are paid. If its not Bennett jumping offsides at the wrong time or the low football IQ of Richardson and to top that off these guys are getting no kind of pressure of the QBs. Seattle should fire Carroll and the GM. To pay this much for a defense getting shredded when u put so much resources in the front 7 is ridiculous.

[@zsmith4681]

Um... SEAN LEE please