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3-4 sam......

thunderkyss

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What's the difference between a 3-4 SAM & a 4-3 SAM?

I think Diles did an excellent job at SAM before he broke his leg. Wasn't bad (too bad) at Will. Why wouldn't we pencil Diles in as our starting SAM LB?
 
What's the difference between a 3-4 SAM & a 4-3 SAM?

I think Diles did an excellent job at SAM before he broke his leg. Wasn't bad (too bad) at Will. Why wouldn't we pencil Diles in as our starting SAM LB?

He doesn't bring much from a pass rushing standpoint. He could probably play the run pretty well, but Diles as one of our premiere edge rushers doesn't really excite me...

Now Connor Barwin and Von Miller sounds mouth watering...
 
What's the difference between a 3-4 SAM & a 4-3 SAM?

I think Diles did an excellent job at SAM before he broke his leg. Wasn't bad (too bad) at Will. Why wouldn't we pencil Diles in as our starting SAM LB?

Their is no SAM in the 3-4, they have two OLBs, both guys should be able rush, or one guy should be a super stud, ie Lawerence Taylor or Derrick Thomas types. In the middle they have the MIKE and the MO. The MIKE is the strong side guy responsible for the TE or the RB in coverage, the MO is on the weakside and the primary run stopper.

The 3-4 MIKE = the 4-3 SAM in most regards.
 
What's the difference between a 3-4 SAM & a 4-3 SAM?

I think Diles did an excellent job at SAM before he broke his leg. Wasn't bad (too bad) at Will. Why wouldn't we pencil Diles in as our starting SAM LB?

Yes, there is a SAM in the 3-4

One of the diffences that I can see is as followed, when the SAM plays on the LOS.

In the 4-3, whether in the Over or Under front, you have the strong side DE lining up outside the strong side offensive tackle.
The DE, thus, usually takes responsibility for the C gap.
The SAM, obviously, should take responsibility for the D gap; and you can find him play a 9-tech (outside the TE) to best serve the purpose.

...

In the 3-4, there are times when the strong side Defensive End line up over the Offensive Tackle or inside the Offensive Tackle.
He would takes on the strong side B gap.
In this instance, somebody would have to take care of the C gap; here, you find the 3-4 SAM lining up over the TE in what they call a 6-technique.
When the 3-4 SAM lines up here, he's bound to be double-teamed by the TE and the Strong side offensive tackle on run play toward the strong side.
(it's easier for the OT to reach the SAM.)
For this reason, some coaches prefer a strong (and big if possible) linebacker to be able to take on the double team.
 
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Yes, there is a SAM in the 3-4

One of the diffences that I can see is as followed, when the SAM plays on the LOS.


For this reason, some coaches prefer a strong (and big if possible) linebacker to be able to take on the double team.

In your opinion, do we have a SAM on the roster already? Or is that another position we need to fill?

2 OLB, weak side rush OLB & strong side OLB?
 
In your opinion, do we have a SAM on the roster already? Or is that another position we need to fill?

2 OLB, weak side rush OLB & strong side OLB?

They already say that Cushing can see some time at SAM.
IMO, Sharpton qualifies as a strong LB (partly because of his low gravity); he can dig in against the double team or he can split the double team because he also has a quick first step and a quick burst (his 10-yd split time shows up well in his play.)
I'm not sure he's strong enough to be the long-term solution, and you would rather have a guy penciled in at each position if possible.
(And you always need a backup).

It is probably wise, if they can, that the Texans should find another LB.
(I don't think Bentley or any other LB on the roster is the solution.)
 
As far as rush LB, if Barwin comes back at 100% (some time after about 4 games, hopefully) and they can resign Anderson, I think they wouldn't need another WILL.
They also have Nading as a back-up, and we have seen him play standing up quite a bit the last two years.
(Do we still have Tim Jamison???)
 
As far as rush LB, if Barwin comes back at 100% (some time after about 4 games, hopefully) and they can resign Anderson, I think they wouldn't need another WILL.
They also have Nading as a back-up, and we have seen him play standing up quite a bit the last two years.
(Do we still have Tim Jamison???)

Those 4 names..... Barwin, Anderson, Nading, Jamison... I think should fill the spots for OLB, both weak side and strong side, with the possibility of Diles & Cushing playing the SAM as well.

Could we use an upgrade? Sure. Are we desperate at that position, I don't think so.

Demeco, Sharpton in the middle, possibly Cushing.... then Diles & Bentley as back-ups...

My point, is I think LB has always been our strongest/deepest position on defense. With the little tweener DEs we've got running around (Bullmen is another one I didn't mention) I think we've got something to work with.

I'm not saying we shouldn't draft an OLB in the first (I have said it in the past, but that's not the point of this thread). I'm saying if we're thinking about our defensive roster, & ranking what we have now, I would go....


CB.....Diles....... Mario......Mitchell...... Antonio........Anderson... KJac
.
...............................Cushing............. Demeco...........

......... ..Nolan................................................Quin


And work from there. Not that we need to reach for a CB, but I think that is our biggest whole. Unless they are extremely high on McMannis, I would draft a CB early 1st or 2nd round, & pick up a couple in FA.
 
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