Originally Posted by Box_O_Rocks

There are LBs in development on Special Teams: Alexander, Woods, and Mays. This is the same path TBC, and Bruschi before him, followed. Gardner is on IR and came to the Pats a bit light from the Herm-led Jets, hopefully this recovery time and the off-season conditioning program will bulk him up more for ILB play.

For BB's eighth draft in April, he may indeed find a college LB who he feels is worth a first day selection, but we can only hope. As many have noted, Lance Briggs is a UFA in March, again we have to wait and see if BB chooses to bid for him the way he did for Colvin.

It may be that the LBs have been driven back and run over by various RBs this year, but the team statistics - 4th best rush defense at 87.7 yds/game coming into this week - argues they don't get knocked back as often as anecdotal evidence suggests.

Originally Posted by Fantasic4x50x54x59x55

Great points bro and i appreciate that you add on to the subject and you def DO open my eyes to some of the talent we have way down hidden on our roster..but i know what i see bro..and I see our linebackers (minus seau and maybe vrabel) get smashed into and blown out of poistion more often than in seasons past...Those stats are DEFENSIVE stats meaning..the whole unit is involved..and the reason ,imo, for our great running stuffing ..is our dline..

Unquestionably the D-line plays a significant role in the run defense, but it is too easy to take away game impressions - especially when we watch the game with such passion - and allow those to color our thinking. Certainly our favorite Head Coach is quick to defer an assessment until after he has looked at tape. My own efforts are amateur in the most extreme meaning of the word , but my look back using the game recording doesn't support your own impression. I also note the top 10 tacklers on the team breakdown into 4 LB, 4 DB, and 2 DL - team stats or no, the individuals are playing their role within the scheme to achieve that 4th place run defense.

ONCE AGAIN..tho..this is NOT discrediting our LB corps because we do have a top notch squad..this is just pointing out signs that maybe a nice infiltration of youth, size, and speed could def help in the long run..especially when speaking of the physical aspect of the game... Same goes for our secondary..I mean everyone trashes our secondary...I feel our secondary is up to par with the rest of the D..but theres no secert to it anylonger tho..our small defensive backfield suffers key injuries every season because they are severly undersized now..recievers and tight ends coming out drafts are becoming MONSTERS, marvels of the human species being so musclar, tall and fast..and technique and skill will stop them 70% of the time but the other 30%..chances are your going to get run over..or go for a big hit and bounce right off the reciever while breaking ur shoulder.. in other words..harrison is still the freaking man..and one hell of a safety one of the greats..but he doesnt have that enforcer title..wether it be injuries, or age whatever it is..hes just not FEARED as much as he was...I think our D needs that rough, loud mouth, who can lay the smack down when needs be and keep opposing players in check..in the lb corps or secondary...every great Belicheck D has had one..

BB has remarked on how difficult it is to find big men with the athleticism, strength, and intelligence to play on his D-line. I'm beginning to think that may also be the case for his linebackers - which may even be a more difficult challenge because of his desire to have experience at the position.

Thanks to u all for replying to some of my recent posts..wether u bashed me, or brough other things to my attention..this is what i love about this board..

Go Pats..everyone get ur seatbelts on tight...cause the rollercoaster is on its final lap this season..i just hope it never dips back down from here on out..

Brady...playoffs this season = Man possesed.