3-4 defense back in style

turbo_dog · 02-11-2005, 01:37 PM

This is just another example of my contention that the team linebackers are the most important part of the defense. I know, I know, it all starts in the trenches. But linebackers should, and usually are, the positions with the most tackles.

The Dline is always talked about taking up space and penetrating, but the linebackers can react to the ball while the big men are taking up space. They are considered the second level of a run defense, but the good ones are really like another person in the first level, causing backs to go parallel to the line of scrimage until they finally cut upfield and get stopped for a minimal gain.

In the passing game they are responsible for (depending on the scheme) the short passing game deployed by many offenses. Again, this is where reaction time can mean the difference between an incomplete pass and a first down.

Before last year\'s draft we had many discussions about what was needed the most, corner or linebacker. (Remember we had many debates with one side for Vilma and one side against.) I still believe that our linebacking corps was the weakest spot, but the addition of Mackenzie has sure helped our D. Even though I wish we had Vilma, I\'m pleased with the progression of Watson.

Now if we could have just gotten a new DC...

02-11-2005, 01:37 PM	#3
turbo_dog 1000 Posts + Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Atlanta Posts: 1,649	3-4 defense back in style This is just another example of my contention that the team linebackers are the most important part of the defense. I know, I know, it all starts in the trenches. But linebackers should, and usually are, the positions with the most tackles. The Dline is always talked about taking up space and penetrating, but the linebackers can react to the ball while the big men are taking up space. They are considered the second level of a run defense, but the good ones are really like another person in the first level, causing backs to go parallel to the line of scrimage until they finally cut upfield and get stopped for a minimal gain. In the passing game they are responsible for (depending on the scheme) the short passing game deployed by many offenses. Again, this is where reaction time can mean the difference between an incomplete pass and a first down. Before last year\'s draft we had many discussions about what was needed the most, corner or linebacker. (Remember we had many debates with one side for Vilma and one side against.) I still believe that our linebacking corps was the weakest spot, but the addition of Mackenzie has sure helped our D. Even though I wish we had Vilma, I\'m pleased with the progression of Watson. Now if we could have just gotten a new DC...