VJCPatriot

This. We need a fast, tall LBer who can cover tight ends. Against the run I doubt you find a better LB unit than those 3.

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supafly

Either that or take Spikes off the field after downs one and two.

Fletcher is coming back next year, that may help. It certainly can't be counted on, but it should supply some depth and competition.

I think they've been trying to find that "cover LB" for awhile now, and just haven't succeeded enough to equal success. Tracy White, Bobby Carpenter, Jeff Tarpinian, Koutevides, etc..

I would imagine that they'll once again try to fix that hole, or at least make improvements on it. It'd be funny if we're all looking at S, WR, CB, OL for the draft and Belichick goes LB and TE...although I can't say that I'd be shocked anymore.

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Patiently waiting to defend the next "bubble" player in this summer's training camp.....

Fencer

That assumes only 3 rush, which wasn't terrifically common even in 3-4.

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"To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness." -- Oscar Wilde

Fencer

I have to think the answer lies at least partly in scheme, which is point that overlaps with the personnel one of ensuring that both safeties can cover a lot of ground.

The obvious thing to say is that you glue a man each to the most dangerous WRs while putting everybody else in zone. But there are lots of ways offenses could try to frustrate that.

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"To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness." -- Oscar Wilde

aluminum seats

My impression was 3-4 vs 4-3 would have an effect on what LBs do in coverage--how could it not?

On the secondary, of course all aspects of a defense affect the others, but it I don't think it's as simple as if the secondary plays well, the LBs won't have any trouble in coverage. Seems a bit too simplistic.

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"So I'm going to throw myself against the wall...
'Cause I'd rather feel bad than not feel anything at all."

Spiral

If Spikes could run faster than a 4.95, he probably would be better in coverage. He would probably also be on another team, as he wouldn't have lasted until the end of the second round, when he became a value pick for BB. A decent player, with definite limitations.