I think we need a linebacker

[*TheLeonardLeap*]

(03-21-2018, 01:48 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: This probably won't be a popular opinion, but I don't think a 4-3 LB is a championship piece. D-line and secondary have always been the key pieces to this defense. Burfict is a transcendent talent, and that's why he makes an impact, but LB's that can impact this defense like that are incredibly rare. IMO, we're better off building up this o-line and running it down team's throats.

Carson Wentz and Nick Foles got all the hype for the Eagles, but they were quietly 3rd in rush yards and 4th in yards per carry. They also quietly ran for 164 yards in the SB.

You are right. It's not a popular opinion (with me, at least). 


You don't need HoFers at LB, but I don't think you can trot out anything close to what the Bengals did last year. It needs to be much much better. Not going to win too many championships with the 30th ranked rush defense (22nd by YPC).

You mention the Eagles and their highly ranked rushing offense, but you also need to mention that they were the BEST rushing defense in the NFL by yardage, and 6th by YPC. Heck, they were a very mediocre 17th in passing defense, but they could absolutely shut down an opponent's running game.

SB Winner Rush Defense Rank (YPC Rank)
'17 Eagles: 1st (6th)
'16 Patriots: 3rd (8th)
'15 Broncos: 3rd (1st)
'14 Patriots: 9th (8th)
'13 Seahawks: 7th (7th)

Last 5 SB winners right there, and none of them rank outside the top-10 in either of those rushing defense categories. LBs are important, because stopping the run is important.   :andy: