04-26-2021, 10:44 AM
(04-26-2021, 10:36 AM)fredtoast Wrote: I don't have any hard stats to back this up but i believe production from LBs is more dependent on coaching than any other position on defense. Playing LB is all about making the proper reads and being in position to make plays.
I also think fans often put to much blame on D-linemen for poor run defense. Not saying D-line is not important in stopping the run but LB play is equal to D-line in run defense.
It's complex because people often misassign what is and isn't a linebacker's responsibility on a given play. Linebackers have specific assignments in the run game, as do safeties, on each play and most fans have no clue how that works so they see a guy run by a linebacker and assume it was his fault but it very well could have been someone else's and he had to control his gap for a potential cutback. I will disagree though, there is not enough blame put on the d line when it comes to run defense by most fans. Often times fans look at the D line as basically only being pass rushers but they play an important role in holding a gap and keeping the linebackers clean to fill. Additionally, the outside zone has made playing linebacker tough because you have to move with your assignment and if you overrun it, or a lineman gets washed out, the back puts his foot in the ground and they are gone.
