BTB Vela: Is More 46 the Answer to the ILB issue?

[jobberone]

It's just a situational defense, and it's a misnomer because it was nothing like Buddy Ryan's 46.

It's a hybrid but the concept of not knowing who is coming is the same.

I wonder why Wade chose not to employ Zach in those 4-6 sets. There is no better pass coverage LB than Zach.

He's not nearly as good as Burnett which is why he came out in sp packages.

burnett was banged up again this year. How does he always miss this stuff?

I honestly wouldnt pay burnett, he is always hurt and i cant imagine anything changes, the guy just has bad luck.

I love what he brings to special teams and he is a good guy but his injury situation has to be a major red flag.

It's not easy to get a fast ILB who can cover and plug some as well. He won't be easy to replace but it can be done. The problem is it takes a while for most to pick up the pro game and learn the D. I'm guessing they pick up a big NT and use Ratliff in the 46 and as a one gap DT. And they resign Burnett if possible. NT and ILB is a bigger problem than S but they are all important.

Good article.

 

[AmishCowboy]

I wasn't that high on resigning Burnett, but Vela talked me into it. I really liked when we went to the "46". it seemed the players were into it as well.

 

[DCBoysfan]

Good points, I for one don't see the Ray Lewis to Dallas deal working, so maybe keeping Burnett may be the better option with the draft of a big NT.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Gabe Watson is a RFA, I wonder what round he was drafted in?, I don't see the Cardinals matching becuase they have to deal with Boldin and Dansby.

I think it would be foolish for the Cards to let Gabe Watson walk. He anchors their run defense. They didn't make it to the SuperBowl by not being able to stop the run. In the playoffs against the Steelers, Panthers, and Eagles they gave up an average of 76.6 YPG and none of them had over 100 yards. The Steelers area power running team and they only managed 58 total rushing yards in the SuperBowl.

 

[YosemiteSam]

I wasn't that high on resigning Burnett, but Vela talked me into it. I really liked when we went to the "46". it seemed the players were into it as well.

Not me. I like Burnnett, but he is small. The 46 has it's uses, but there is a reason not that many teams run it anymore. It can get seriously exposed. If you build your team around the 46. (with having a very small ILB) whats going to happen when you try to change it up? Well, they are going to know that if Burrnett is in the game and we aren't in nickel, then the Cowboys are clearly in the 46 which opens the door for exploits.

While I like Burrnett, I keep him only if he is the best option.