Ben Leber Interview

[junk]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/BenLeberInterview.htm

A few interesting tidbits:

From a "fit" standpoint, Leber has experience both in the 4-3 and in the 3-4. Including his time at Kansas State, he has six seasons in the 4-3. He spent the last two years in the 3-4. In both systems, Leber exclusively has played on the strong side.

"In a 4-3 scheme, you have a lot more opportunities to cover the tight end one on one," Leber explained. "In a 3-4, it's a lot of zone coverages. As far as the run game and battling the tight end one-on-one on the run is something I think I do very well. In both systems, that's what you have to do when you're over the tight end."

Still, he wants to stay on the strong side. "I think one of my strengths is playing over the tight end. Playing strong side would probably suit me the best."

Hmm, I thought there were only "left" and "right" OLBs in the 3-4 and my talk of the strong side in the 3-4 was a remnant of the "old 4-3 mentality".

Leber might be a nice option if Fujita wants too much money. Still would rather have a draft pick starting there eventually, but the LBing corps needs depth. Leber thinks he is a starter though.

 

[Anguillidae]

I have heard from some Chargers fans that Leber is more suited for the 4-3 defense, and that is why San Diego is less then anxious to retain him.

 

[InmanRoshi]

I have heard from some Chargers fans that Leber is more suited for the 4-3 defense, and that is why San Diego is less then anxious to retain him.

Yep, Shawn Phillips has blown by him on the depth chart. The four year starter in college as a 4-3 defensive end who ran a 4.78 and 4.80 at the Combine.

 

[AbeBeta]

Leber might be a nice option if Fujita wants too much money. Still would rather have a draft pick starting there eventually, but the LBing corps needs depth. Leber thinks he is a starter though.

Leber is ok -- but I doubt he'd do better than Fujita. Fuji isn't going to want too much money. He hasn't done much to justify it -- unless he really wants to go back to a 4-3 team.

 

[Dough Boy]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/BenLeberInterview.htm


Leber might be a nice option if Fujita wants too much money.

SD is willing to let him walk. They used a #1 on Merriman and gave Steve Foley a big raise. If you want Leber for a backup, thats great. I still think the left and right is more accurate. You do have a strong side. I think Leber has the wrong mid set for a 3-4 OLB. He does not get to the QB enough to justify the role. There are two pass rusher in a 4-3, the DE. One DE is better at rushing the passer, the other is better at stopping the run. However, they both are expected to get after the QB. The 3-4 is the same. The OLB are expected to put pressure on the QB. While one of them may be better at playing the run, they both have to be very good pass rusher. Leber in my mind, is not dynamic enough in that regard.

 

[AbeBeta]

I have heard from some Chargers fans that Leber is more suited for the 4-3 defense

funny how this is what you hear now about any LB who doesn't do well in his current system. the influx of 3-4 defenses is giving a lot of guys a second and third shots

 

[junk]

Yep, Shawn Phillips has blown by him on the depth chart. The four year starter in college as a 4-3 defensive end who ran a 4.78 and 4.80 at the Combine.

So, there is a strong and weak side?

Most depth charts have Phillips backing up Foley on the weak side.

I am really not that enthused by either Fujita or Leber....except in a cheap depth role.

 

[InmanRoshi]

So, there is a strong and weak side?

Most depth charts have Phillips backing up Foley on the weak side.

I am really not that enthused by either Fujita or Leber....except in a cheap depth role.

Sure there is a strong side and a weakside. But the strongside is not always the left side, and vice versa. 3-4 teams dont' flip flop their outside linebackers when the tight end motions from one end to the other. It would be utter chaos against a team like Kansas City.

 

[junk]

Sure there is a strong side and a weakside. But the strongside is not always the left side, and vice versa. 3-4 teams dont' flip flop their outside linebackers when the tight end motions from one end to the other. It would be utter chaos against a team like Kansas City.

But there is a strong side linebacker. That was my whole point.

I was told there was no such thing yesterday.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I am really not that enthused by either Fujita or Leber....except in a cheap depth role.

Fujita is our depth guy