The Hybrid Nature Of Linebacker and Ends On the Patriots

[manxman2601]

I've just seen part of the Baltimore game and also in that game they used the formation that manx described, but with Hightower as MLB and Ninko/McClellin as OLB.

When the rotation started Long substituted Flowers a 3-tech and Sheard replaced Ninko. Later Van Noy played OLB replacing McClellin.

I think that Lawrence Guy could spell Brown (that also play the 3-tech position) meanwhile Ealy could spell Flowers.

In this case if Roberts is at MLB you have 4 OLB that can rotate (High, Ninko and McClellin and Van Noy), but if High stays at MLB I think at least another OLB is needed.

What do you guys think?

Good stuff. Could you tell how much the OLBs dropped into coverage. It was at least 50/50 in the Pittsburgh game.

Don't forget Van Noy. He's another OLB (also plays ILB) plus add one in the draft. I'd like them to add an EDGE player that can play DE in a four man front and OLB in a 3 man front and possibly an EDGE that can play DE in a four man front but can play one gap 3 or 5 tech (a la Flowers).

 

[Ochmed Jones]

It should be interesting to see how van noy does after a full training camp in our system.

Also you have to assume ealy will never see the field on first down, unless it is garbage time.

I could see guy and flowers rushing from the interior next season. Could be a real weapon for us next season.

 

[manxman2601]

It should be interesting to see how van noy does after a full training camp in our system.

Also you have to assume ealy will never see the field on first down, unless it is garbage time.

I could see guy and flowers rushing from the interior next season. Could be a real weapon for us next season.

I suspect that'll depend on how Ealy does in TC and whether Hightower moves back to MLB in this 5 man front.