LB: Dying Breed

[NorthCoast]

It's all about the CBs nowadays. Makes sense since it's a passing league. Even DI is taking a hit in favor of edge rushers. But it will be interesting to see what happens if more teams focus on the running game and heavy packages.

(looking for the original link to this page... will post when I find it)

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2oAPaDQ][/url][url=https://flic.kr/p/2oAPaDQ]Positionvalueindraft[/url] by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/191750946@N04/]R W[/url], on Flickr

[Oviedo]

Not really a surprise. As the rules change to favor passing, the two position that can most negatively effect QB performance is CB and Edge. I think that is what we see here.

[WindyCitySteel]

Interesting, but wouldn't safety be on the rise as teams tried to play more nickel and dime?

[NorthCoast]

Interesting, but wouldn't safety be on the rise as teams tried to play more nickel and dime?

Probably a numbers thing. For example, if your playing a 3-3-5 or even a 4-2-5 defense it's usually 3 CBs to 2 safeties. And player success rate probably plays a part, i.e. CBs fail at a higher rate (so get drafted more often) than safeties.

On another note, I'm surprised by the rise in tackle. I would think that position would be constant given it's importance.

[WindyCitySteel]

Steelers look to be trying to get on the leading edge of the pendulum swing back to power football, let's hope they also use it to set up the passing game and steal some chunk plays.

[Djfan]

Steelers look to be trying to get on the leading edge of the pendulum swing back to power football, let's hope they also use it to set up the passing game and steal some chunk plays.

This would be a good thing as teams build to stop the passing game. Najee would be fine against most DBs, and many safties. Then have a serviceable passing game to keep those guys honest, and we are on to something. It's the pendulum swinging back again.

[NorthCoast]

Steelers look to be trying to get on the leading edge of the pendulum swing back to power football, let's hope they also use it to set up the passing game and steal some chunk plays.

I agree and I think they have most of the right pieces to do it. I also think it's KP's best chance for a successful NFL career. But the Steelers aren't the only ones seeing the trend. Two RBs taken in the first round this year (DET was a surprise).

[Blitzer]

Fantasy Football changed this game forever

[Joel Buchsbaum]

Not really a surprise. As the rules change to favor passing, the two position that can most negatively effect QB performance is CB and Edge. I think that is what we see here.

The NFL is chaging but I would not call LB a dying breed. Moreover I see an expanded role for a " QB killer " A man sizeed 215-240 LBS that can move and runs a 4.4- 4.65 and is assigned to the QB. If the QB hands it off okay, but if he passes he mirrors him and sniffs out those short passes to the backs before engaging and hiiting him as hard as legally possible. And this player has blitzing skills. Bank on it. The days of the Lamar Jackson types, running QB's that are so-so passers rushing for 30+ yards are limted in the furture I think.

[feltdizz]

Fantasy Football changed this game forever

Do you mean as far as stat crunching and data? I seriously doubt teams are making moved based on Fantasy Football.

I think it’s cyclical. Every 5 to 7 years the game tips in a different directions.

In the 2000’s it was a rushing league
and bully Defenses.

We basically changed the game with JH, Clark and Troy P. They changed all types of rules. Brady’s leg also helped protect QB’s.

2010 to 2022 it was a passing league.

I think now we are entering another phase of bully ball. Philly came real close to winning a SB with that physical game plan.

With teams getting lighter on D, now more teams are going to run the football. Plus, its the Mahomes effect. You can’t beat him in a shootout. Best thing you can do is keep the ball out of his hands.

[feltdizz]

I agree and I think they have most of the right pieces to do it. I also think it's KP's best chance for a successful NFL career. But the Steelers aren't the only ones seeing the trend. Two RBs taken in the first round this year (DET was a surprise).

A strong running game is something every football team would like to have to help their QB succeed.

[NorthCoast]

A strong running game is something every football team would like to have to help their QB succeed.

For some QBs it's a nice to have. For others it's a must have.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Interesting, but wouldn't safety be on the rise as teams tried to play more nickel and dime?

But, you ALSO need a nickel CB... and a lot of SS play in the box - everyone wants a Polamalu at SS. That kid broke the mold.

So basically it's just the FS vs 3 CB...

[NJ-STEELER]

Per nfl radio

Defenses are evolving into players that can either rush the passer or defend the pass. With no in between.


can we pin this topic around draft time so the people calling for a 2 down run stuffing NT will realize this.

[Northern_Blitz]

Per nfl radio

Defenses are evolving into players that can either rush the passer or defend the pass. With no in between.


can we pin this topic around draft time so the people calling for a 2 down run stuffing NT will realize this.

If this is true, then I think building a hard running offense will start to pay off because teams won't be able to defend against it.

I don't know if that will work in the playoffs (although we did beat Manning with early-career Ben in the playoffs), but it will likely be more competitive than it has been.

And maybe even more so in the AFC since every team is probably trying to design their defense to beat all the QBs in the conference?