{"id":53450,"date":"2020-06-01T21:31:01","date_gmt":"2020-06-02T02:31:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/?p=53450"},"modified":"2021-08-29T06:59:20","modified_gmt":"2021-08-29T06:59:20","slug":"patriots-roster-reset-pats-linebackers-a-strength-despite-offseason-departures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clnsmedia.com\/patriots-roster-reset-pats-linebackers-a-strength-despite-offseason-departures\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriots Roster Reset: Pats Linebackers a Strength Despite Offseason Departures"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the Patriots\u2019 \u201cboogeymen\u201d were haunting opposing quarterbacks last season, they were also making themselves some money.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Former Pats linebackers Kyle Van Noy (Dolphins) and Jamie Collins (Lions) used big-time 2019 campaigns to cash in during free agency, and run-stuffer slash emergency fullback Elandon Roberts is also joining Van Noy in Miami.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Patriots responded to those key departures by drafting three linebackers that can help fill those roles. But versatility is critical to playing in Bill Belichick\u2019s defense, and it takes time to learn all of the responsibilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

New England deploys it\u2019s linebackers in three primary locations: off-ball (inside), at the end of the line (edge or outside), and in-line (over the guard or center), giving young and new players plenty to digest when they arrive in Foxboro.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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As off-ball linebackers, defenders typically align over the bubble in the uncovered gap behind the Patriots\u2019 odd fronts. The inside \u2018backers\u2019 primary responsibility against the run is to mirror ball carriers (scrape) from the A-gap out and meet them in the hole with two-gapping defensive linemen occupying blocks. They can also drop into underneath hook\/curl zones, blitz from depth, and take on some man coverage responsibilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At outside linebacker or edge defender, the main job is to set the edge of the defense to prevent ball carriers from turning the corner for explosive runs. Along with their vital edge-setting responsibilities, outside linebackers are the Patriots\u2019 most dangerous pass rushers as they work in tandem with the defensive line to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Occasionally, these outside linebackers will also drop into coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Then, there\u2019s an in-line alignment in the Patriots\u2019 pass-rushing fronts where they\u2019ll stand linebackers up over the interior offensive line. From there, linebackers use their athleticism and quickness against slower-footed interior linemen. They\u2019ll also participate in a series of different stunts or picks to get free runners to the quarterback.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some linebackers on New England\u2019s roster play one specific role, such as Ja\u2019Whaun Bentley, who played over 90 percent of his snaps at inside linebacker last season.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, more versatile defenders are often tasked with playing both on and off the line of scrimmage. But not everyone can handle it mentally with Belichick saying last season, \u201cinstinctively, it\u2019s more of a challenge. Seeing the game from on the line of scrimmage and seeing the game from off the line, it\u2019s kind of like two different games. It\u2019s hard for players to do both.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Patriots blur the lines between positions with their hybrid defenders, like Dont\u2019a Hightower, who will rotate through all three primary locations depending on matchups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ll break out each linebacker into inside, outside, and hybrids and give a scouting report on those currently on the Patriots roster:<\/span><\/p>\n

HYBRID LINEBACKERS<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dont\u2019a Hightower<\/em><\/h4>\n