Defensive Line and Linebacker Observation

[Fan_in_Kettering]

This is interesting. Among the best defenses in the AFC I’ve noticed a trend toward a new type of hybrid defensive line and linebacker arrangement. On many downs, these defenses use only two down linemen with four linebackers and five in the secondary or two down linemen with five linebackers and four in the secondary. The linebackers often function as stand up defensive ends, lining up not behind the defensive line but right on the line of scrimmage. They can blitz, shoot gaps, or drop into coverage as needed.

The defenses who occasionally use these hybrid sets won’t surprise anyone: New England, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. Currently Cincinnati doesn’t have the right personnel, coaching, or talent to pull this off but it might be something to look at in the future. I still like the usual 4-3 look but it might take a hybrid arrangement like this, for example, to stop someone like Lamar Jackson — or at least limit what he can do a little.