CFZ LB Roles: Stack & Shed vs Run & Hit

xwalker

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I started this with regards to why Jabril Cox would not be used in the LVE role, however...
- I decided to expand it to LB roles in general.
- It includes an explanation regarding how Dan Quinn uses 3 Safety sets.

It also explains why LVE is much better than many fans believe.
  • LVE & Jabril LB Types
    • LVE plays as a Stack & Shed LB.
    • Jabril was a top coverage LB in college.
  • Those 2 skillsets are completely different.
    • A Stack & Shed LB is similar to a 2-gap DLineman.
    • A Run & Hit LB shoots the gaps and jumps around blockers when possible.
  • LVE Then and Now
    • In Marinelli's defense, LVE played as a Run & Hit LB
      • He looked terrific in this role as a rookie in 2018.
    • The Rams in the playoff game specifically targeted the Cowboys LBs
      • The Rams offensive game plan centered around getting the Cowboys LBs into the wrong "gap".
    • If LVE had played Stack & Shed like he plays in 2022, the Cowboys would likely have won that game.
      • When the Rams faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl, Belichick implemented a defensive scheme very similar to Dan Quinn's 2022 scheme.
      • It shutdown the Rams precision zone run blocking scheme.
  • Stack & Shed vs Run & Hit
    • LVE
      • LVE intentionally takes on blocks from OLinemen and then sheds the block once the ball carrier commits to one side of the block.
    • Run & Hit
      • The problem with Run & Hit when a LB ends up on the wrong side of the blocker.
      • There is no direct route back to the ball carry one that happens.
      • If there is not another defender on the other side of the blocker, then it's going to result in a big yardage run play.
    • Stack & Shed
      • By playing Stack & Shed, other defenders (Often Parsons or the Strong Safety) don't have rigid gap assignments.
        • This allows players like Parsons and D. Wilson to make big plays because they don't have to stay in a defined gap.
      • LVE playing Stack & Shed also forces the downfield OLineman to block him instead of other defenders.
        • That frees up other defenders to run to the ball without having to avoid the primary downfield OLineman.
        • It also give the other defenders a key location for reference with regards to knowing where other blockers are likely to be located.
      • By design, a Stack & Shed LB is going to give up some ground against a 320 OLineman with a head of steam running right at him.
        • The concept is LVE is the Safety net if the players he frees up don't make the play.
        • That means that it's ok that he gives up a couple of yards to the blocker on the occasions when he has to make the tackle.
    • Jabril
      • A coverage LB is the opposite of a Stack & Shed LB.
        • If Jabril plays, it would be in place of Barr or in place of the hybrid LB/Safety in the 3 Safety sets.
          • The 3 Safety set (Big Nickel) is Dan Quinn's base defense.
        • Parsons at DE vs Parsons at LB determines other LB personnel
          • When Parsons is at DE, then LVE and Barr are the 2 off-ball LBs in Nickel or Big Nickel.
          • When Parsons is a LB, then only 1 of LVE or Barr is on the field (generally).
          • In Big Nickel, Kearse or Mukuamu play a hybrid LB role.
      • In 2021, big Safety Keanu Neal played the coverage LB role.
        • In 2021, Neal and LVE were rarely on the field together because Parsons was normally the other LB.
        • The role Neal played in 2021 is the role Jabril would be best suited to play.
          • In 2022, Quinn has not really use a coverage LB per se.
          • He has occasionally used a Safety in the Neal role in 2022.
      • 3rd Safety Roles
        • Replaces the Nickel CB (2 true off-ball LBs on the field)
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Barr at LB, Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety.
        • Plays LB with the Nickel CB also on the field (1 true off-ball LB on the field).
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety, Lewis or Bland as the Nickel CB.
 

Ranching

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I started this with regards to why Jabril Cox would not be used in the LVE role, however...
- I decided to expand it to LB roles in general.
- It includes an explanation regarding how Dan Quinn uses 3 Safety sets.

It also explains why LVE is much better than many fans believe.
  • LVE & Jabril LB Types
    • LVE plays as a Stack & Shed LB.
    • Jabril was a top coverage LB in college.
  • Those 2 skillsets are completely different.
    • A Stack & Shed LB is similar to a 2-gap DLineman.
    • A Run & Hit LB shoots the gaps and jumps around blockers when possible.
  • LVE Then and Now
    • In Marinelli's defense, LVE played as a Run & Hit LB
      • He looked terrific in this role as a rookie in 2018.
    • The Rams in the playoff game specifically targeted the Cowboys LBs
      • The Rams offensive game plan centered around getting the Cowboys LBs into the wrong "gap".
    • If LVE had played Stack & Shed like he plays in 2022, the Cowboys would likely have won that game.
      • When the Rams faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl, Belichick implemented a defensive scheme very similar to Dan Quinn's 2022 scheme.
      • It shutdown the Rams precision zone run blocking scheme.
  • Stack & Shed vs Run & Hit
    • LVE
      • LVE intentionally takes on blocks from OLinemen and then sheds the block once the ball carrier commits to one side of the block.
    • Run & Hit
      • The problem with Run & Hit when a LB ends up on the wrong side of the blocker.
      • There is no direct route back to the ball carry one that happens.
      • If there is not another defender on the other side of the blocker, then it's going to result in a big yardage run play.
    • Stack & Shed
      • By playing Stack & Shed, other defenders (Often Parsons or the Strong Safety) don't have rigid gap assignments.
        • This allows players like Parsons and D. Wilson to make big plays because they don't have to stay in a defined gap.
      • LVE playing Stack & Shed also forces the downfield OLineman to block him instead of other defenders.
        • That frees up other defenders to run to the ball without having to avoid the primary downfield OLineman.
        • It also give the other defenders a key location for reference with regards to knowing where other blockers are likely to be located.
      • By design, a Stack & Shed LB is going to give up some ground against a 320 OLineman with a head of steam running right at him.
        • The concept is LVE is the Safety net if the players he frees up don't make the play.
        • That means that it's ok that he gives up a couple of yards to the blocker on the occasions when he has to make the tackle.
    • Jabril
      • A coverage LB is the opposite of a Stack & Shed LB.
        • If Jabril plays, it would be in place of Barr or in place of the hybrid LB/Safety in the 3 Safety sets.
          • The 3 Safety set (Big Nickel) is Dan Quinn's base defense.
        • Parsons at DE vs Parsons at LB determines other LB personnel
          • When Parsons is at DE, then LVE and Barr are the 2 off-ball LBs in Nickel or Big Nickel.
          • When Parsons is a LB, then only 1 of LVE or Barr is on the field (generally).
          • In Big Nickel, Kearse or Mukuamu play a hybrid LB role.
      • In 2021, big Safety Keanu Neal played the coverage LB role.
        • In 2021, Neal and LVE were rarely on the field together because Parsons was normally the other LB.
        • The role Neal played in 2021 is the role Jabril would be best suited to play.
          • In 2022, Quinn has not really use a coverage LB per se.
          • He has occasionally used a Safety in the Neal role in 2022.
      • 3rd Safety Roles
        • Replaces the Nickel CB (2 true off-ball LBs on the field)
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Barr at LB, Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety.
        • Plays LB with the Nickel CB also on the field (1 true off-ball LB on the field).
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety, Lewis or Bland as the Nickel CB.
Damn good stuff right there!!....my quick explanation was you need a MLB to act as a security blanket when you send the house as much as we do.
 

Dalmations202

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The only problem I see is that if LVE is in the stack and shed role -- he should read run, get to the hole before the lineman/blocker that is supposed to block him gathers steam, STACK the blocker in the hole, and then shed him where the tackle should be at the line of scrimmage or somewhere close to it.

If he reads Pass, he should drop into the mids or a lane depending on the D call.

I have yet to see him stack a blocker in the hole, shed him, and make a tackle at the line of scrimmage.

His nature since the neck injury has been more run and hit and not stack and shed.
 

nathanlt

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I started this with regards to why Jabril Cox would not be used in the LVE role, however...
- I decided to expand it to LB roles in general.
- It includes an explanation regarding how Dan Quinn uses 3 Safety sets.

It also explains why LVE is much better than many fans believe.
  • LVE & Jabril LB Types
    • LVE plays as a Stack & Shed LB.
    • Jabril was a top coverage LB in college.
  • Those 2 skillsets are completely different.
    • A Stack & Shed LB is similar to a 2-gap DLineman.
    • A Run & Hit LB shoots the gaps and jumps around blockers when possible.
  • LVE Then and Now
    • In Marinelli's defense, LVE played as a Run & Hit LB
      • He looked terrific in this role as a rookie in 2018.
    • The Rams in the playoff game specifically targeted the Cowboys LBs
      • The Rams offensive game plan centered around getting the Cowboys LBs into the wrong "gap".
    • If LVE had played Stack & Shed like he plays in 2022, the Cowboys would likely have won that game.
      • When the Rams faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl, Belichick implemented a defensive scheme very similar to Dan Quinn's 2022 scheme.
      • It shutdown the Rams precision zone run blocking scheme.
  • Stack & Shed vs Run & Hit
    • LVE
      • LVE intentionally takes on blocks from OLinemen and then sheds the block once the ball carrier commits to one side of the block.
    • Run & Hit
      • The problem with Run & Hit when a LB ends up on the wrong side of the blocker.
      • There is no direct route back to the ball carry one that happens.
      • If there is not another defender on the other side of the blocker, then it's going to result in a big yardage run play.
    • Stack & Shed
      • By playing Stack & Shed, other defenders (Often Parsons or the Strong Safety) don't have rigid gap assignments.
        • This allows players like Parsons and D. Wilson to make big plays because they don't have to stay in a defined gap.
      • LVE playing Stack & Shed also forces the downfield OLineman to block him instead of other defenders.
        • That frees up other defenders to run to the ball without having to avoid the primary downfield OLineman.
        • It also give the other defenders a key location for reference with regards to knowing where other blockers are likely to be located.
      • By design, a Stack & Shed LB is going to give up some ground against a 320 OLineman with a head of steam running right at him.
        • The concept is LVE is the Safety net if the players he frees up don't make the play.
        • That means that it's ok that he gives up a couple of yards to the blocker on the occasions when he has to make the tackle.
    • Jabril
      • A coverage LB is the opposite of a Stack & Shed LB.
        • If Jabril plays, it would be in place of Barr or in place of the hybrid LB/Safety in the 3 Safety sets.
          • The 3 Safety set (Big Nickel) is Dan Quinn's base defense.
        • Parsons at DE vs Parsons at LB determines other LB personnel
          • When Parsons is at DE, then LVE and Barr are the 2 off-ball LBs in Nickel or Big Nickel.
          • When Parsons is a LB, then only 1 of LVE or Barr is on the field (generally).
          • In Big Nickel, Kearse or Mukuamu play a hybrid LB role.
      • In 2021, big Safety Keanu Neal played the coverage LB role.
        • In 2021, Neal and LVE were rarely on the field together because Parsons was normally the other LB.
        • The role Neal played in 2021 is the role Jabril would be best suited to play.
          • In 2022, Quinn has not really use a coverage LB per se.
          • He has occasionally used a Safety in the Neal role in 2022.
      • 3rd Safety Roles
        • Replaces the Nickel CB (2 true off-ball LBs on the field)
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Barr at LB, Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety.
        • Plays LB with the Nickel CB also on the field (1 true off-ball LB on the field).
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety, Lewis or Bland as the Nickel CB.

See, this is a chance for me to learn, and not just argue or defend wanting to see a player develop during garbage time. Regardless of all those detailed facts, letting LVE rest when the game is in hand makes sense, too. Wouldn't it be funny if #14 was on the field, when the all 22 is released? All this discussion, and Jabril might possibly have been playing safety simultaneously with LVE at MLB.
 

FanofJerry

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Yep. I agree here. LVE gets a lot of undeserved hate from the David Helman types.

Ive read a lot of posters take shots at media heads lately...

Here's the thing...if the piece aimed at Sturm and this post aimed at Helman are in fact true...can you at least provide video or audio evidence of them walking back their LVE(this post) or Dak(piece aimed at Sturm earlier today. That post does claim Sturm has changed positions on Dak, though) critics?

Im not claiming the media types are perfect and I have no idea on if xwalker's post is in fact true about LVE. My point here is that I dont think Sturm or Helman come off as guys that would be oblivious unless its their job to distract. I assume from curiosity since its their job, plus people claiming media heads read boards such as ones like this that they would absorb this info xwalker is providing, examine its factuality and if they believe its factual...start walking back LVE criticism.

I am a fan of Jeff Cavanaugh and watch his YouTube videos...but even today his video said something that didnt add up to me and it may have been him just quickly making a point without the intent of elaborating....but he suggested that the run games fault vs Washington was on the DT's. I assumed it was on outside contain or edge or whatever you want to refer to it as. Maybe they gashed the inside too....but I only remember the runs on the outside.

Anyway...I just dont think Sturm or Helman or Cavanaugh are the bafoons they are being made out to be. Maybe they arent perfect on the x and o's game...but who is? And...I personally saw LVE late to at least two holes. I dont know his assignment...just saying it seemed obvious to me he was tardy. Yes...he played way more than possibly two bad plays.

Anyway...just prove that the media guys are at least changing when the "true info" comes to light. Because I would bet money that Helman knows about this site or people tell him about it.
 

Oz-of-Cowboy-Country

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And that's why I always wanted Bradlee Anae to be our middle line backer when he was here. LVE is not a strong brut. Which means he is not good at shedding blocks or holding the point of attack. He played well his rookie year, but he wasn't at MLB then.
 

FanofJerry

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Ive read a lot of posters take shots at media heads lately...

Here's the thing...if the piece aimed at Sturm and this post aimed at Helman are in fact true...can you at least provide video or audio evidence of them walking back their LVE(this post) or Dak(piece aimed at Sturm earlier today. That post does claim Sturm has changed positions on Dak, though) critics?

Im not claiming the media types are perfect and I have no idea on if xwalker's post is in fact true about LVE. My point here is that I dont think Sturm or Helman come off as guys that would be oblivious unless its their job to distract. I assume from curiosity since its their job, plus people claiming media heads read boards such as ones like this that they would absorb this info xwalker is providing, examine its factuality and if they believe its factual...start walking back LVE criticism.

I am a fan of Jeff Cavanaugh and watch his YouTube videos...but even today his video said something that didnt add up to me and it may have been him just quickly making a point without the intent of elaborating....but he suggested that the run games fault vs Washington was on the DT's. I assumed it was on outside contain or edge or whatever you want to refer to it as. Maybe they gashed the inside too....but I only remember the runs on the outside.

Anyway...I just dont think Sturm or Helman or Cavanaugh are the bafoons they are being made out to be. Maybe they arent perfect on the x and o's game...but who is? And...I personally saw LVE late to at least two holes. I dont know his assignment...just saying it seemed obvious to me he was tardy. Yes...he played way more than possibly two bad plays.

Anyway...just prove that the media guys are at least changing when the "true info" comes to light. Because I would bet money that Helman knows about this site or people tell him about it.

No reply from opposition?
 

Silver Surfer

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From what I've seen, LVE is now a "Chase and Drag" guy now.... just like what Jaylon Smith turned into. I don't see a lot of diagnosis from him as plays develop.

To me, a telling stat is Tackles For Loss (TFL). TFL's tell me you're attacking the offense, not just waiting for something to happen.

LVE's got 9 TFL's in 56 games.

Gallimore has 9 in 19 games.

Parsons already has 26 in a season and a quarter.

LVE might be a great guy, and he has every right to be protective of his body. After all, its his life and future at stake.
But I don't see him as a starting linebacker anymore.
 

buybuydandavis

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  • LVE Then and Now
    • In Marinelli's defense, LVE played as a Run & Hit LB
      • He looked terrific in this role as a rookie in 2018.
    • The Rams in the playoff game specifically targeted the Cowboys LBs
      • The Rams offensive game plan centered around getting the Cowboys LBs into the wrong "gap".
    • If LVE had played Stack & Shed like he plays in 2022, the Cowboys would likely have won that game.
      • When the Rams faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl, Belichick implemented a defensive scheme very similar to Dan Quinn's 2022 scheme.
      • It shutdown the Rams precision zone run blocking scheme.
Unfortunate for LVE. Stack and Shed are the worst parts of his game. Despite his size he's not that physical and he gets lost in the wash a lot, picking the wrong side of the blocker too often.
He's much better in space, in coverage or making open field tackles.
 

NotForLong

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I started this with regards to why Jabril Cox would not be used in the LVE role, however...
- I decided to expand it to LB roles in general.
- It includes an explanation regarding how Dan Quinn uses 3 Safety sets.

It also explains why LVE is much better than many fans believe.
  • LVE & Jabril LB Types
    • LVE plays as a Stack & Shed LB.
    • Jabril was a top coverage LB in college.
  • Those 2 skillsets are completely different.
    • A Stack & Shed LB is similar to a 2-gap DLineman.
    • A Run & Hit LB shoots the gaps and jumps around blockers when possible.
  • LVE Then and Now
    • In Marinelli's defense, LVE played as a Run & Hit LB
      • He looked terrific in this role as a rookie in 2018.
    • The Rams in the playoff game specifically targeted the Cowboys LBs
      • The Rams offensive game plan centered around getting the Cowboys LBs into the wrong "gap".
    • If LVE had played Stack & Shed like he plays in 2022, the Cowboys would likely have won that game.
      • When the Rams faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl, Belichick implemented a defensive scheme very similar to Dan Quinn's 2022 scheme.
      • It shutdown the Rams precision zone run blocking scheme.
  • Stack & Shed vs Run & Hit
    • LVE
      • LVE intentionally takes on blocks from OLinemen and then sheds the block once the ball carrier commits to one side of the block.
    • Run & Hit
      • The problem with Run & Hit when a LB ends up on the wrong side of the blocker.
      • There is no direct route back to the ball carry one that happens.
      • If there is not another defender on the other side of the blocker, then it's going to result in a big yardage run play.
    • Stack & Shed
      • By playing Stack & Shed, other defenders (Often Parsons or the Strong Safety) don't have rigid gap assignments.
        • This allows players like Parsons and D. Wilson to make big plays because they don't have to stay in a defined gap.
      • LVE playing Stack & Shed also forces the downfield OLineman to block him instead of other defenders.
        • That frees up other defenders to run to the ball without having to avoid the primary downfield OLineman.
        • It also give the other defenders a key location for reference with regards to knowing where other blockers are likely to be located.
      • By design, a Stack & Shed LB is going to give up some ground against a 320 OLineman with a head of steam running right at him.
        • The concept is LVE is the Safety net if the players he frees up don't make the play.
        • That means that it's ok that he gives up a couple of yards to the blocker on the occasions when he has to make the tackle.
    • Jabril
      • A coverage LB is the opposite of a Stack & Shed LB.
        • If Jabril plays, it would be in place of Barr or in place of the hybrid LB/Safety in the 3 Safety sets.
          • The 3 Safety set (Big Nickel) is Dan Quinn's base defense.
        • Parsons at DE vs Parsons at LB determines other LB personnel
          • When Parsons is at DE, then LVE and Barr are the 2 off-ball LBs in Nickel or Big Nickel.
          • When Parsons is a LB, then only 1 of LVE or Barr is on the field (generally).
          • In Big Nickel, Kearse or Mukuamu play a hybrid LB role.
      • In 2021, big Safety Keanu Neal played the coverage LB role.
        • In 2021, Neal and LVE were rarely on the field together because Parsons was normally the other LB.
        • The role Neal played in 2021 is the role Jabril would be best suited to play.
          • In 2022, Quinn has not really use a coverage LB per se.
          • He has occasionally used a Safety in the Neal role in 2022.
      • 3rd Safety Roles
        • Replaces the Nickel CB (2 true off-ball LBs on the field)
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Barr at LB, Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety.
        • Plays LB with the Nickel CB also on the field (1 true off-ball LB on the field).
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety, Lewis or Bland as the Nickel CB.
:clap:
 

Creeper

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I think when you diagnose the Cowboys run defense the problem is pretty obvious. Usually the play that goes for good yards is that run between the DE and DT gap to either side. First there is the double team block on the DT. Then the TE pushes the DE outside. Expecting the DT to defeat a double team is a big ask, but sometimes the DT wins. Asking a DE to defeat a TE block is not asking too much at all, but this has been one problem. Washington ran exactly the same plays that the Bucs ran effectively with Leonard Fornette.

The other problem is the LBs are not filling the hole. There is no stacking and shedding. LVE is often 8 or 10 yards downfield and taking and downfield angle to cut off the RB. He does not have the speed to cut off most RBs. And OTs blocking downfield catch up to him and eliminate him from the play. But he is not the only one at fault. They are winning but giving up rushing yards is a problem that cannot be ignored. The Eagles like to run the football and will try to take advantage of this problem.

BTW, I don't think Cox should play for LVE. I think Cox should play for Barr, at least some plays to get some experience and also to see what he has. Next year LVE and Barr will probably both be gone and I think Cox and Clark will be the guys to replace them.
 

aikemirv

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I think when you diagnose the Cowboys run defense the problem is pretty obvious. Usually the play that goes for good yards is that run between the DE and DT gap to either side. First there is the double team block on the DT. Then the TE pushes the DE outside. Expecting the DT to defeat a double team is a big ask, but sometimes the DT wins. Asking a DE to defeat a TE block is not asking too much at all, but this has been one problem. Washington ran exactly the same plays that the Bucs ran effectively with Leonard Fornette.

The other problem is the LBs are not filling the hole. There is no stacking and shedding. LVE is often 8 or 10 yards downfield and taking and downfield angle to cut off the RB. He does not have the speed to cut off most RBs. And OTs blocking downfield catch up to him and eliminate him from the play. But he is not the only one at fault. They are winning but giving up rushing yards is a problem that cannot be ignored. The Eagles like to run the football and will try to take advantage of this problem.

BTW, I don't think Cox should play for LVE. I think Cox should play for Barr, at least some plays to get some experience and also to see what he has. Next year LVE and Barr will probably both be gone and I think Cox and Clark will be the guys to replace them.
Ok I kinda agree with you but what did we do different in the second half that stopped their run game.
 

Crown Royal

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I agree with you, and LVE is fine, but would love to see an upgrade as well.
 

JBond

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I started this with regards to why Jabril Cox would not be used in the LVE role, however...
- I decided to expand it to LB roles in general.
- It includes an explanation regarding how Dan Quinn uses 3 Safety sets.

It also explains why LVE is much better than many fans believe.
  • LVE & Jabril LB Types
    • LVE plays as a Stack & Shed LB.
    • Jabril was a top coverage LB in college.
  • Those 2 skillsets are completely different.
    • A Stack & Shed LB is similar to a 2-gap DLineman.
    • A Run & Hit LB shoots the gaps and jumps around blockers when possible.
  • LVE Then and Now
    • In Marinelli's defense, LVE played as a Run & Hit LB
      • He looked terrific in this role as a rookie in 2018.
    • The Rams in the playoff game specifically targeted the Cowboys LBs
      • The Rams offensive game plan centered around getting the Cowboys LBs into the wrong "gap".
    • If LVE had played Stack & Shed like he plays in 2022, the Cowboys would likely have won that game.
      • When the Rams faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl, Belichick implemented a defensive scheme very similar to Dan Quinn's 2022 scheme.
      • It shutdown the Rams precision zone run blocking scheme.
  • Stack & Shed vs Run & Hit
    • LVE
      • LVE intentionally takes on blocks from OLinemen and then sheds the block once the ball carrier commits to one side of the block.
    • Run & Hit
      • The problem with Run & Hit when a LB ends up on the wrong side of the blocker.
      • There is no direct route back to the ball carry one that happens.
      • If there is not another defender on the other side of the blocker, then it's going to result in a big yardage run play.
    • Stack & Shed
      • By playing Stack & Shed, other defenders (Often Parsons or the Strong Safety) don't have rigid gap assignments.
        • This allows players like Parsons and D. Wilson to make big plays because they don't have to stay in a defined gap.
      • LVE playing Stack & Shed also forces the downfield OLineman to block him instead of other defenders.
        • That frees up other defenders to run to the ball without having to avoid the primary downfield OLineman.
        • It also give the other defenders a key location for reference with regards to knowing where other blockers are likely to be located.
      • By design, a Stack & Shed LB is going to give up some ground against a 320 OLineman with a head of steam running right at him.
        • The concept is LVE is the Safety net if the players he frees up don't make the play.
        • That means that it's ok that he gives up a couple of yards to the blocker on the occasions when he has to make the tackle.
    • Jabril
      • A coverage LB is the opposite of a Stack & Shed LB.
        • If Jabril plays, it would be in place of Barr or in place of the hybrid LB/Safety in the 3 Safety sets.
          • The 3 Safety set (Big Nickel) is Dan Quinn's base defense.
        • Parsons at DE vs Parsons at LB determines other LB personnel
          • When Parsons is at DE, then LVE and Barr are the 2 off-ball LBs in Nickel or Big Nickel.
          • When Parsons is a LB, then only 1 of LVE or Barr is on the field (generally).
          • In Big Nickel, Kearse or Mukuamu play a hybrid LB role.
      • In 2021, big Safety Keanu Neal played the coverage LB role.
        • In 2021, Neal and LVE were rarely on the field together because Parsons was normally the other LB.
        • The role Neal played in 2021 is the role Jabril would be best suited to play.
          • In 2022, Quinn has not really use a coverage LB per se.
          • He has occasionally used a Safety in the Neal role in 2022.
      • 3rd Safety Roles
        • Replaces the Nickel CB (2 true off-ball LBs on the field)
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Barr at LB, Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety.
        • Plays LB with the Nickel CB also on the field (1 true off-ball LB on the field).
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety, Lewis or Bland as the Nickel CB.
There was a particular play that stood out to me the other night. Wash was in the 20, A RB sprinted out to the right side and LVE also immediately read it and took off in coverage and blanketed him. I believe it was LVE. Could be wrong. It was the fastest read and movement I have seen in a while from him or whoever it was. Great play.
 

xwalker

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There was a particular play that stood out to me the other night. Wash was in the 20, A RB sprinted out to the right side and LVE also immediately read it and took off in coverage and blanketed him. I believe it was LVE. Could be wrong. It was the fastest read and movement I have seen in a while from him or whoever it was. Great play.
Yes, he is running reasonably well for a big off-ball LB.

At the beginning of 2021 he was struggling to run but by the end of the season he looked much better. He had one of the best performances of anybody on the roster in the playoff game.
 

glimmerman

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Yes, he is running reasonably well for a big off-ball LB.

At the beginning of 2021 he was struggling to run but by the end of the season he looked much better. He had one of the best performances of anybody on the roster in the playoff game.
He finally healed from the neck surgery. It’s simple if Cox was better than he would be in the game and Cox is also healing from a knee injury.
 

thunderpimp91

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The only problem I see is that if LVE is in the stack and shed role -- he should read run, get to the hole before the lineman/blocker that is supposed to block him gathers steam, STACK the blocker in the hole, and then shed him where the tackle should be at the line of scrimmage or somewhere close to it.

If he reads Pass, he should drop into the mids or a lane depending on the D call.

I have yet to see him stack a blocker in the hole, shed him, and make a tackle at the line of scrimmage.

His nature since the neck injury has been more run and hit and not stack and shed.

I think you'll see very few of those out of LVE. He had a really nice one in the Cincinnati game 2nd half. Also had one in the Tampa game. Since then I can't recall any tackles he has had at or behind the LOS.

Unless we are in a 3rd and short or other obvious run situation LVE has been a more conservative player in the run game, and it seems to be by design more so than LVE just being unwilling to stick his nose in the hole.

If anyone has NFL+ and watches the condensed version go to the 5:37 mark and you'll see either a great example of what I mean or maybe the worst read of all time by a backer (not 100% sure which it is! haha). Essentially it's an 8 man box, obvious run read for LVE, but instead of stepping up and filling a gap once he read run he basically dropped back to play as a safety. Parsons & Barr both step up and fill. Parsons does an OK but not great job, Barr gets completely washed down and fails to seal the cut back lane. LVE ends up making the tackle just past midfield. This is why I think people have issues with LVE, but also why I believe their real beef lies with the scheme more so than the player. This was an obvious run play, LVE makes the play 10+ yards down field. It looks really bad, but everything seems to indicate LVE did exactly what his assignment called for. This is a major reason why LVE seems to be in late on plays, always making tackles down field, etc.

I think the guy is far from perfect, but truth is he has done a nice job overall in the role DQ has put him in.
 

baltcowboy

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I started this with regards to why Jabril Cox would not be used in the LVE role, however...
- I decided to expand it to LB roles in general.
- It includes an explanation regarding how Dan Quinn uses 3 Safety sets.

It also explains why LVE is much better than many fans believe.
  • LVE & Jabril LB Types
    • LVE plays as a Stack & Shed LB.
    • Jabril was a top coverage LB in college.
  • Those 2 skillsets are completely different.
    • A Stack & Shed LB is similar to a 2-gap DLineman.
    • A Run & Hit LB shoots the gaps and jumps around blockers when possible.
  • LVE Then and Now
    • In Marinelli's defense, LVE played as a Run & Hit LB
      • He looked terrific in this role as a rookie in 2018.
    • The Rams in the playoff game specifically targeted the Cowboys LBs
      • The Rams offensive game plan centered around getting the Cowboys LBs into the wrong "gap".
    • If LVE had played Stack & Shed like he plays in 2022, the Cowboys would likely have won that game.
      • When the Rams faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl, Belichick implemented a defensive scheme very similar to Dan Quinn's 2022 scheme.
      • It shutdown the Rams precision zone run blocking scheme.
  • Stack & Shed vs Run & Hit
    • LVE
      • LVE intentionally takes on blocks from OLinemen and then sheds the block once the ball carrier commits to one side of the block.
    • Run & Hit
      • The problem with Run & Hit when a LB ends up on the wrong side of the blocker.
      • There is no direct route back to the ball carry one that happens.
      • If there is not another defender on the other side of the blocker, then it's going to result in a big yardage run play.
    • Stack & Shed
      • By playing Stack & Shed, other defenders (Often Parsons or the Strong Safety) don't have rigid gap assignments.
        • This allows players like Parsons and D. Wilson to make big plays because they don't have to stay in a defined gap.
      • LVE playing Stack & Shed also forces the downfield OLineman to block him instead of other defenders.
        • That frees up other defenders to run to the ball without having to avoid the primary downfield OLineman.
        • It also give the other defenders a key location for reference with regards to knowing where other blockers are likely to be located.
      • By design, a Stack & Shed LB is going to give up some ground against a 320 OLineman with a head of steam running right at him.
        • The concept is LVE is the Safety net if the players he frees up don't make the play.
        • That means that it's ok that he gives up a couple of yards to the blocker on the occasions when he has to make the tackle.
    • Jabril
      • A coverage LB is the opposite of a Stack & Shed LB.
        • If Jabril plays, it would be in place of Barr or in place of the hybrid LB/Safety in the 3 Safety sets.
          • The 3 Safety set (Big Nickel) is Dan Quinn's base defense.
        • Parsons at DE vs Parsons at LB determines other LB personnel
          • When Parsons is at DE, then LVE and Barr are the 2 off-ball LBs in Nickel or Big Nickel.
          • When Parsons is a LB, then only 1 of LVE or Barr is on the field (generally).
          • In Big Nickel, Kearse or Mukuamu play a hybrid LB role.
      • In 2021, big Safety Keanu Neal played the coverage LB role.
        • In 2021, Neal and LVE were rarely on the field together because Parsons was normally the other LB.
        • The role Neal played in 2021 is the role Jabril would be best suited to play.
          • In 2022, Quinn has not really use a coverage LB per se.
          • He has occasionally used a Safety in the Neal role in 2022.
      • 3rd Safety Roles
        • Replaces the Nickel CB (2 true off-ball LBs on the field)
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Barr at LB, Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety.
        • Plays LB with the Nickel CB also on the field (1 true off-ball LB on the field).
          • Example: Parsons at DE, LVE & Kearse or Mukuamu as the 3rd Safety, Lewis or Bland as the Nickel CB.
Great post XWalker. It’s sad that you know more then an ExCowboys scout who has a radio show and connections inside the Star. Broaddus would have cut or benched our best players.:omg::laugh:
 
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