I think Misi and Moses will alternate at SOLB, Wake and Anderson will take the WOLB...... ROLB and LOLB are not actual positions in a 3-4 (that really only applies to 4-3 D's) The role of SOLB and WOLB are dependent upon how the O lines up. Hence with Porter as a WOLB, he switched from side to side, (basically to whichever side the TE wasnt) a WOLB is basically the MAIN pass rusher, while a SOLB is mainly responsible for the line of fire attack.... that is in a traditional 3-4.... What we will field will blend 3-4 with 4-3 looks. Depending upon how Nolan calls the plays, they may be assigned a R or L role, and rotated in and out depending upon situations (Anderson R and Misi L, but Moses rotates in whichever is the Strongsider, while Wake will ALWAYS be a Weak sider). I see Wake in Dumervil's role, playing EVERYWHERE, with one clear objective, create as much havoc as possible. I expect to see Misi in 3rd down situations at all times, because he proved in the SB that he is great in space, I would expect him to line up opposite Dansby, in order to pick up some of the slack that Crowder presents in over pursuit. That leaves Anderson and Moses roles undefined. I think Moses has more upside than Anderson, hence I would expect him to win a starters role/ high active duty.
How I see it: Wake (Primary pass rusher)- fills Porter's role, but wont need to be an every down backer. Will see playing time on passing situations, yet will probably be pulled off the field for short yardage distances. Misi (SOLB/ROLB) - I see him being young, aggressive, and a staple of this defense. I expect to see him on passing situations as well in space. He will probably be spelled alot because he is a rookie, and will be coached as such. Trial by fire, and with the luxury of depth, can be tutored between series on the sideline. I Say ROLB because of the high volume of Righthanded QBs and Righthanded Offenses. Like most O's, the slight majority of plays are ran in this direction, and this position would occupy his attributes. Also, because he is a rook, I have a feeling that the team will train him for his role specific to one side to shorten the learning curve. Moses (SOLB, LOLB)- I see Moses taking the majority of SOLB snaps. I figure, there will be PLENTY of opportunities with Moses and Misi on the field at the same time. Moses will fill in for Wake, and may rush the passer. He may also occupy the rushing position as a decoy and drop into coverage. I see Him being the most complete OLB, hence making him the most versatile. He will learn both positions, and will occupy the most niche's on the OLB squad. Anderson (backup WOLB, backup SOLB): dont get me wrong, Anderson is solid. I feel he has more pass rushing experience than Moses and Misi. He will spell Wake in this duties under non obvious passing situations. I also feel that he is stout against the run, and would expect him to occupy Moses' duties under short yardage circumstances. I see Anderson working in the 3-3-5 Nickel as well since I feel he is best suited for a 6 man front. I also expect him to be a big factor in a 4-6/ goalline D.
correct me if I am wrong. But other than Wake, I think we have a OLB by committee. Which can be a great thing, Wasnt that what helped win NE the first 2 championships (before they all got old)? Regardless, Moses will do good things this year, and he wont need to be a "starter" to do it.
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