Mason Foster Wanted 3-4 Defense
March 27th, 2015
The Buccaneers’ starting middle linebacker for the past four years, new Bears LB Mason Foster, offered some interesting takes on SiriusXM NFL Radio last night.
Of course, Joe was listening.
First, Foster sort of confirmed that he never felt like a 4-3 middle linebacker.
“The main reason why Chicago is definitely the 3-4 scheme. After getting into the league, you know, I wanted to be a part of playing a 3-4 system,” Foster said. “I think it definitely fits my skill set.”
Ironically, Foster was talking to co-hosts Alex Marvez and former Bucs rockstar general manager Mark Dominik, who drafted Foster in the third round in 2011 to play in Raheem Morris’ 4-3 defense.
On last year, Foster said the toughest parts of the season were watching the Bucs lose on national television “like 60-0 to Atlanta,” (Foster sat out that game recovering from a dislocated shouder) and injuries keeping him from playing at “a certain level.”
Foster said he had a strong free agent offer from the Dolphins, but couldn’t pass up Chicago’s history and 3-4 defense under John Fox.
On a personal note, Foster said he lives by a poem titled “See It Through,” and it will help him with the adjustment challenge yet again. Fox will be Foster’s fourth head coach — and fourth defense — in five years, after changing coaches in college. He also reiterated how much he loves Tampa and his busy packing up his Hyde Park home.
For Bucs fans who thought Foster should have been retained, well, he clearly wasn’t a great fit. Even Foster thought so.
March 27th, 2015 at 8:35 am
I agree I think he’ll be perfect for a 3-4 and clearly that’s what he thought he was meant for…..another strikeout for mark Dominick, pretty soon none of his draft picks will be left. you get no credit for drafting GMC at #3 there was no other pick just like mike evans was the obvious pick and lovie gets no credit
March 27th, 2015 at 8:38 am
Agree….Dominick drafting a player not suited for the defense…..good guy….good player & athelete….somewhere else!!!
March 27th, 2015 at 8:38 am
sure wish we had coaches that use the players strengths and fit the offense or defense around that, not the other way around
March 27th, 2015 at 8:40 am
Off topic,, but why not Jonathan Martin, off waivers from San Fran
March 27th, 2015 at 8:42 am
I think his biggest problem is biting 110% on playaction. Not his lack of speed or coverage skills some might claim. Until he fixes that, 4-3 or 3-4 won’t matter.
March 27th, 2015 at 8:53 am
Foster was an OLB in college, just another example of drafting a guy and putting him in a position he didn’t play.
Surprised they never gave him a look at the outside, but just goes to show what happens to unsuccessful teams and this has been a VERY unsuccessful team.
March 27th, 2015 at 9:04 am
Let’s look at the Buc’s Team and how many draft picks have been great. I mean really great.
GMC, our weakside linebacker (Brooks clone) and unless you’re willing to say Banks is top notch, that’s it on the defense.
Offensively, we have Last year’s star rookie receiver and that’s it.
Do you wonder why the Bucs are so bad? Do you wonder why they don’t improve? Unless you draft IMPACT players and develop them and keep them past the initial rookie contract, you end up being like the Bucs or the Raiders.
March 27th, 2015 at 9:23 am
it’s the harsh reality being a bucs fan and technically this has been a 2-14 team overachieving despite bad management from front office and coaches, I would have loved to see foster on the outside just once. he was the leader tackler in college the year he came out and that was at outside linebacker but all those year no one tried to upgrade mike backer and move him to his natural position. even lovie and hardy nickerson said he’d be just fine at mike, you cant lie to the public like this, no one can say your just now realizing he cant cover deep middle of the field
March 27th, 2015 at 9:36 am
Espo Says:
March 27th, 2015 at 8:42 am
I think his biggest problem is biting 110% on playaction. Not his lack of speed or coverage skills some might claim. Until he fixes that, 4-3 or 3-4 won’t matter.
Holy Smokes! Yes this so much!
It was terrible to see when he’s biting on 3rd and long ALL DAY! And I love Mason. I though the made great plays in 2013 and he is a thumper. He just didn’t seem to get the responsibilities in line for the T-2 base.
March 27th, 2015 at 9:46 am
Good luck Mason. Hope da Bears is a better fit for you.
March 27th, 2015 at 9:46 am
Rsrq im with you on jonathan martin, our OL sucks, piss poor move by lovie, lovie stinks again
March 27th, 2015 at 9:58 am
Nothing wrong with him wanting a 3-4. It is the better system for him.
March 27th, 2015 at 12:19 pm
Kinda sucks. I always saw alot of potential in this kid but knew that he wouldn’t fit in a 4-3. He did pretty good in Schiano’s blitz happy scheme but not so much in Lovies T2.
March 27th, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Wish him the best, hope he doesn’t make too many plays against us in the future.
March 28th, 2015 at 1:18 am
best for both parties that he move on, but his play was one of the few bright spots of the greg schiano era. he was very good at working through the traffic and attacking the line of scrimmage. he’ll make his share of plays in chicago and i wouldn’t be surprised to see him in a pro bowl.