Rovers Posted May 22, 2005 Share Posted May 22, 2005 First, to clarify the meaning of a "2 down LB" in my understanding really means any linebacker who doesnt play in the nickel and dime team defenses on obvious passing downs. So, the name itself is misleading, there are plenty of 3rd and short situations where a defense will stay in thier standard formation. Often, it's the MLB who gets pulled, but that is not a rule of thumb, either. I thought it might be interesting to list these "2 down backers", but I am not sure who they all are, especially heading into the 2005 season. Sometimes these guys can outscore thier 3 down counterparts as well. From my IDP mock team, Vilma is the only 3 down MLB backer of the bunch. Hartwell, MLB Atl., Quarles, MLB TBB, and Cowart, MLB MIN are all LB's who don't play in the nickel and dime defenses. With the defensive changes in Miami, is Zach Thomas a 3 down backer? Who are the LB's that get pulled in the nickel from the teams that run a base 3-4? Then there are those teams who sometimes use the 46 defensive alignment.... so, any listing of LB's who are 2 down players would be useful from homers here. I would stay away from most OLB's who arent involved in thier teams' nickel package, but in the MLB position it doesnt seem to be a major drawback. There are always the exceptions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rovers Posted May 22, 2005 Author Share Posted May 22, 2005 Sorry, the board is still acting up..... it never looked like my topic posted. I had to open a new window to see that it had. Please delete the other two? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted May 23, 2005 Share Posted May 23, 2005 Rob Morris of the Colts has always been a two-down linebacker. Jim Nelson comes in in the nickel. Of course, Morris is currently unemployed, although there have been rumblings that the Colts might re-sign him. I am hoping not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redman Posted May 23, 2005 Share Posted May 23, 2005 Trotter is another one. What's amazing about him is that he puts up solid numbers in spite of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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