Are linebackers that important?

[Galian Beast]

How are the Saints winning games with our 2nd string linebackers?

 

[tchoice23]

How are the Saints winning games with our 2nd string linebackers?

Stop playing with 14 point leads.
Take Brees out and find out.

 

[Temo]

I saw an article somewhere that showed that teams that win the most spend the least % of payroll on linebackers (not counting pass rushers, like 3-4 OLBs). I'm sure New England and Indianapolis skew the results a bit, but it does seem that linebackers are usually the most overrated position by fans. Seems like the D-Line and secondary is usually more important in today's NFL. Hell, teams are using nickle formations on like a third of the downs anyway, so there just aren't that many linebackers used.

 

[theogt]

Less important in a 4-3.

 

[Big Dakota]

Are linebackers that important?
WARE?

 

[Temo]

Are linebackers that important?
WARE?

is a 3-4 LB, not the same. The 3-4 OLB should have its own name, it's not really a DE or a real linebacker.

 

[Big Dakota]

is a 3-4 LB, not the same. The 3-4 OLB should have its own name, it's not really a DE or a real linebacker.

True, but it says LB on his title, and that's what the thread is about.

 

[Temo]

True, but it says LB on his title, and that's what the thread is about.

Yep. Just pointing out that there's a reason we can get away with a 33 year old cheapo Vet as an interior LB but that would never fly at OLB :

 

[big dog cowboy]

New Orleans is the highest scoring team in the league. That hides a lot of weaknesses.

 

[Beast_from_East]

For a 3-4 defense, OLBs are like freaking gold. You cant play defense worth jack in a 34 alignment if your OLBs suck.

For a 43 defense, linebackers are not all that important really. What you have to have in a 43 defense is great DEs. If your DEs suck and you play a 43 defense, you are freaking screwed.



Just remember, if your D is 34 then you need great OLBs. If your D is 43 then you need great DEs.

 

[Big Dakota]

New Orleans is the highest scoring team in the league. That hides a lot of weaknesses.

Plus they are allowing 2.6 points a game more than the Cowboys on D.

 

[Big Dakota]

For a 3-4 defense, OLBs are like freaking gold. You cant play defense worth jack in a 34 alignment if your OLBs suck.

For a 43 defense, linebackers are not all that important really. What you have to have in a 43 defense is great DEs. If your DEs suck and you play a 43 defense, you are freaking screwed.



Just remember, if your D is 34 then you need great OLBs. If your D is 43 then you need great DEs.

It's the whole reason Jerry decided to switch to the 3-4. He got tired of trying to find DEs that can rush. Ware is the best rusher we've had since Haley and if he stays healthy he will end up being the best rusher in Cowboys history.

 

[adbutcher]

This thread makes me cry.

 

[DatNguyen59]

Is the sun that important?

 

[Beast_from_East]

It's the whole reason Jerry decided to switch to the 3-4. He got tired of trying to find DEs that can rush. Ware is the best rusher we've had since Haley and if he stays healthy he will end up being the best rusher in Cowboys history.

Agreed.

It is alot easier to find OLBs than DEs. I think that is why alot of teams are switching to the 34.

 

[The Ominous]

With today's football, linebackers are very important with both the 4-3 and especially the 3-4.

Constant motion and adjustments that attack the whole field requires that middle of the defense to be solid.

 

[Cover 2]

Is the sun that important?

Yes..

 

[Temo]

With today's football, linebackers are very important with both the 4-3 and especially the 3-4.

Constant motion and adjustments that attack the whole field requires that middle of the defense to be solid.

I think you're wrong. Most successful defenses skimp on linebackers unless they're pass-rushing linebackers.

 

[Cover 2]

I think you're wrong. Most successful defenses skimp on linebackers unless they're pass-rushing linebackers.

Agreed. I'd spend money on DE, DT, and CB before I ever would linebacker. Assuming they're of equal value.

 

[jrumann59]

The 4-3 can get away with above average LBs look at the line of LBs that played here in the 4-3, Ken Norton being the only real one of status. Darrin smith, Dixon Edwards, Godfrey Myles, Dexter Coakley, Darren Hambrick, Robert Jones, BrodericK Thomas. All left here and didn't last long because they benefited from DL that was in front of them and kept OL off them.