Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

That depends on which 3-4 you are running, but Patriots specific:

- An ILB needs to be able to take on blockers such as...
-- Offensive Linemen trying to block the second level to create a rush lane;
-- Tight Ends lead blocking for the runner;
-- Full Backs lead blocking for the runner;
-- and Wide Receivers cracking back to clear an outside lane.
- The ILB can either stack & shed the blocker(s) to make the tackle, or just stack him to close the hole and redirect the runner, or slip around the blocker with good hand technique and quickness to beat the runner into the hole.
- The ILB needs to be STRONG or capable of getting stronger, QUICK with great feet for moving through trash without getting tripped up and beating blockers with quick hands to keep them from locking onto him, SMART to not only make play calls and adjustments, but to also read and understand blocking schemes, ALERT and AWARE to read and adjust and to find the ball amidst a sea of big bodies.
- That's the run game. He also needs to learn to cover Running Backs, Tight Ends, and Wide Receivers working within his area.
-- He needs to understand coverages,
-- his role in the coverage,
-- and be capable of playing his assignment in Man and Zone.
-- He needs to be able to find the ball in the air.
- It helps if he can generate a pass rush, but it's not as important a function for an ILB.
- Finally, he needs to be able to TACKLE - the most critical skill of them all and one too often overlooked (like with Maualuga's fan club who discount all the missed tackles he doesn't make).

All of the ILB's skillset applies to the OLB, the big difference is the OLB really needs to be able to get pressure on the Quarterback in the passing game. Sacks are nice, but there are other ways to create pressure (clogging the throwing lane, collapsing the pocket, hurrying the throw, forcing the passer to move and reset his feet, stripping the ball out of his hands to force a fumble, and batting the ball down at the Line of Scrimmage).

Originally Posted by Metaphors

Nice summary, but what about the relative priority of the characteristics? Here is my take on your list:

OLB:
1) gotta be stout enough to set the edge

Must have or the defense unwinds like pulling a loose thread on a sweater. This is why a clearly limited Vrabel was so valuable for the 2008 Pats and is the biggest question mark for his replacement.

2) explosive enough to rush the passer

Most of the QB pressure is applied from the OLB and we know what happens with a lack of pressure. Vrabel had nothing left is this area and is likely why he is in KC now. AD is a demon here and IMO needs to be kept outside.

3) fluid enough to drop in coverage

I listed this lower since the Pats OLB seem to drop into shallow zones a lot. However, this is the skill that can really make a huge difference if done well. Before his latest injury, Colvin was doing a great job in reading routes and quickly getting in the right area.

ILB:
1) fluid enough to drop in coverage

The game has changed and that is why I tune out anyone who mentions Ted Johnson or Two-down. So many teams throw quick passes on first down to get into workable down-distance situations. If an ILB isn't solid in disrupting these West Coast routes, I'm not sure how you keep them on the field for anything but short yardage. Bruschi still has the instincts, but the physical skills have diminished to the point where he just can't make plays in the passing game.

2) strong enough to stack & shed blockers

May be strange to see this 2nd, but I think you can be a successful Pats ILB without excelling here. The OLBs seal the edge (2 blockers) and the DL eats up the OL (at least 4 blockers). Add in the QB and the RB and that only leaves 3 potential blockers left, including wideouts. As long as the ILBs don't get blown up, it is likely one of them will be clean enough to make a tackle if they hit the right hole at the right time. Again, Bruschi seems late to the party more times than not.

Stack? Sure, can't run around blockers and can't let them put you on the ground. Shed? Great if you can get it, but not at the expense of #1 above.

3) added bonus is any interior pass rushing ability

I'm hoping this becomes a more important part of the Pats scheme. But for now, it would seem to be an "added bonus" as you indicated.

Originally Posted by TripleOption

Tedy played a lot of Will LB, where taking windows and rip & run is more available as an option due to heavy strong side run team tendencies. When he played a lot of Mike, he seemed to struggle.

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

The 'we don't need no stinkin' stack&shed' crowd are on a roll, don't cool them down with reality

Originally Posted by me

Stack? Sure, can't run around blockers and can't let them put you on the ground. Shed? Great if you can get it, but not at the expense of #1 above.

Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

The 'we don't need no stinkin' stack&shed' crowd are on a roll, don't cool them down with reality - James Laurinaitis is the next Tedy Bruschi.




34 year old version.