New England Patriots PreSeason Watch - Linebackers - Updated 9/4/2009

Continuing the position battles: (Previously QB WR RB TE OL DL)

The Linebackers:

Before training camp, I had Tedy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton and Paris Lenon as the inside guys with Tyrone McKenzie on IR.  I had Adalius Thomas, Shawn Crable, Pierre Woods and Vince Redd on the outside.

The update after the jump.

At the end of last season, we had 4 ILB on the active roster, 1 on IR, and Angelo Craig on the practice squad.  We also had 4 OLB on the active roster, 3 on IR, and Darrell Robertson on the practice squad. 

When I looked at the Defensive Line positions, Patsfan4life pointed out that I had forgotten Derrick Burgess, who the Patriots have listed as a Defensive End.  Derrick Burgess came in wearing #49 that was vacated by Vince Redd, not his usual #56 that was worn by Patriots HOF Andre Tippett.  With that number assigned, the Pats are unofficially slotting him for a Linebacker role instead of a Defensive End role.  True, he can play defensive end, but as you look at the table above, every OLB we have has played DE.  Smaller DEs in a 4-3, can become OLBs in a 3-4.  Those are the tweeners that Belichick looks for.

As we switch between 3-4 and 4-3, I would expect to see some of these guys (especially Derrick Burgess and Adalius Thomas) putting their hands on the ground as Defensive Ends in some packages.   What do you think of Burgess rushing as a Weak side DE, while Thomas rushes as a weak side linebacker?  I'm picturing major fits for some poor left tackle, along with blind side sacks and forced fumbles.

Since the ILB and OLB designation no longer applies as we switch to 4-3, I thought I'd talk a little about who might fit into a Sam, Mike, or Will role.

Strong side (TE side) linebackers (Sams) have to be able to set the edge and stop the run as well as rush the passer.  The guys I see fitting in here are: Derrick Burgess, Adalius Thomas, and Pierre Woods.

Weak side (slot side) linebackers (Wills) have to be able to drop into coverage as well as rush the passer.   The guys I see fitting in here are: Adalius Thomas, Shawn Crable, and Gary Guyton.

The Middle linebackers (Mikes) need to stop the run up the middle, blitz, provide run support for either edge, as well as take on O-linemen that make it into the second level.  While I can see Jerod Mayo fitting into the other categories (he's played all three spots), he's too valuable to us here.  This is the QB of the defense.  Others could be: Gary Guyton and Tedy Bruschi, who's smart, but slowing.

Paris Lenon may be the veteran LB that gets cut; he hasn't really impressed.  Tyrone McKenzie will ride the pine on IR.  Shawn Crable is injured again, and has a real issue with making it to the regular season.  He, reportedly, has blazing speed and if he could make it to a game, we might be able to see it.

Tedy Bruschi has been slow coming to camp, and many pundits out there question whether there is a spot on the roster for our oldest player.  If we are going to spend more time in a 4-3, we might not need as many linebackers.

Gary Guyton, Eric Alexander and Vinny Ciurciu may have homes on special teams.

As we continue to watch the preseason games, look at the formations.  Have any of our OLBs switched to DEs in a 4-3?  Who is rushing in the 3-4 or 4-3?  Who is in coverage in a 4-3?  Who mans the middle?  Who are the tacklers or blockers on special teams?

As our defense morphs between looks, it may be difficult to tell who fills what role.  Let's hope it's just as even more difficult for their offense.

Who do YOU think stays in the Linebacker corps?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> UPDATE <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

8-26-2009 - The Patriots have moved Tyrone McKenzie from the PUP list to the IR list.  Gone for 2009.

8-31-2009 - Tedy Bruschi announced his retirement after 13 seasons.  We'll miss him.

9-4-2009 - The Patriots have cut seventh year veteran Vinny Ciurciu.