According to agent Drew Rosenhaus, the Cleveland Browns have claimed LB Matt Roth on waivers from the Miami Dolphins. Roth was originally drafted by the Dolphins back in 2005 with the team's second-round draft choice (46th overall).
Roth progressively saw his playing time and production level go up from 2005-2008. He started 14 of the team's 16 games at outside linebacker, recording 53 tackles and 5 sacks. An unusual circumstance led to Roth's departure from the Dolphins. He was placed on the Reserve/Non-Football-Injury list prior to the start of the season; his agent called it a groin injury, while the team called it an unknown illness. Roth was released November 24th and promptly scooped up by the Browns.
It'll be interesting to see if Roth, a veteran, is immediately worked into the linebacker rotation.
0 recs | 29 comments
This seemingly never ending rotation of claiming and releasing LBs is astounding.
Here’s an idea…play Alex Hall more and then you won’t need to keep searching for another LB, because you already have one with potential on the roster.
theW0LF - November 25, 2009
Hall definitely needs more playing time, but Roth could be a really good pickup. Can’t be too much downside to giving him a try.
HenryDawg - November 25, 2009 via mobile
I can only think that Hall must be really unimpressing the staff….
RelapsingDawgCatcher - November 25, 2009
Makes no sense…during his rookie year he was second on the team in sacks with minimal playing time.
Hall has talent, but the coaches just don’t see it because they want to play all the former Jets they can instead.
theW0LF - November 25, 2009
Yeah, I’m sure that’s the plan — play less talented players because they’re former Jets.
How can you be so sure that Hall is more talented that our other LB’s?
Buckeye Brad - November 25, 2009
Apparently you never watched any games last year, when he played and recorded sacks.
theW0LF - November 25, 2009
I saw him over pursue against the run and fail miserably against the pass last year, if that’s what you’re gettin’ at?
golanbatrac - November 25, 2009
There is more to playing LB than recording sacks.
Buckeye Brad - November 25, 2009
If I see one more “former Jets” comment I think I’ll snap.
skipkirk - November 25, 2009
agreed.
notthatnoise - November 26, 2009
Jason Trusnik has played well. Rob Ryan shouldn’t take playing time away from him.
I think Alex Hall is in the wrong style of 3-4 defense. He’s a decent pass rusher but is barely adequate in coverage. He belongs in a San Diego, Dallas, or Miami 3-4.
Bumblyjack - November 25, 2009
Yeah this is right. Hall might have thrived under a Romeo scheme (who would’ve thought?) but not in this one.
skipkirk - November 25, 2009
And Roth is a guy who has already made the transition from end (where he played for three years) to OLB (where he played last year). Why not pick him up?
golanbatrac - November 25, 2009
I would actually be willing to bet that Roth has more natural talent and football instinct than Hall.
Roger Dorn - November 25, 2009
Sounds like he might be good enough to start. Here’s an article on the mystery.
dgcambridge - November 25, 2009
Thanks. The comments are pretty good, too,
Spidey - November 26, 2009 via mobile
This guy was solid the last few years, and very good last year. Good pick up.
golanbatrac - November 25, 2009
The advantages of being first on the waiver wire are finally coming to fruition. Mangini truly is a mad genius.
Roger Dorn - November 25, 2009
Now if only the Colts would wave Dwight Freeney…
golanbatrac - November 25, 2009
or Anthony Gonzalez…
Chief WaDrew - November 25, 2009
Awesome pick-up. If I remember right, he was playing the strongside OLB for Miami last season with Joey Porter on the pass rush side.
I would like to see Trusnik move inside with Roth taking over at OLB or some sort of rotation.
Roth is a good young player.
Bernie19Kosar - November 25, 2009
Wow, Rob Ryan. Great accomplishment. We are now the proud owners of not one unnecessary 4-3 Middle Linebacker, but 5! You heard right viewers! Not 1 but 5, for a limited time only! 4-3 Middle Linebackers!
In order of acquisition:
MLB David Vaikune
MLB Kaluka Maiava
MLB Jason Trusnik
MLB Josh Stamer
MLB Matt Roth
Lets run a monster 2-5-4! Finally a claim to fame for the ever ingenious Rob Ryan.
mooncamping - November 26, 2009
This my dear Lords and Ladies is Fit and Run tactics run to perfection.
More instant predicaments for an already self limiting franchise. Good luck distributing these talents!
mooncamping - November 26, 2009
to be clear, are you saying those players already play inside linebacker, or that they should?
notthatnoise - November 26, 2009
They should in a Mooncamping 11 fullback set defense.
SpecialBrownie - November 26, 2009
mooncamping says that they are ILBs
Ask him why and he won’t tell you why. It just leaves you mooncamped.
skipkirk - November 27, 2009
For the record, Rob Ryan did not acquire these players.
Roger Dorn - November 26, 2009
Even worse. Then he used accomplices from around the league, and is the mastermind of a conspiracy.
mooncamping - November 27, 2009
Matt Roth with a sack early in his first game.
Roger Dorn - November 29, 2009
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