This Gollin guy has the right perspective. Assume nothing and enjoy watching.

As for Dansby…we will see how the whole thing shakes out…I think Dansby’s at his best when he plays on the edge where he can line up on the outside shoulder of the last down lineman, be it the TE or the WT. Yours and Rugby’s arguments about Dansby being freed up at WILB have merit, no question, but…has Dansby shown you the tackling ability and the consistent toughness to be making stops one play after another? I agree he has the range…and he’s a good chaser…is he a finisher though? And doesn’t he play too high for your liking? I will say this right now…Buster Davis will blow away Dansby at WILB. It won’t even be close. Davis has the motor and the stamina…and much more desire.

Also Blackstock is actually over 250 lbs right now, I think he is close to 260. Him gaining the weight is actually the reason why the coaches have been trying him as a pass rush 4-3 DE specialist, and why he just might work after all in a 3-4 OLB role.

I think the most interesting battle in the front 7 during training camp will be -

Berry vs. Pace/Blackstock
Beisel vs. Buster.

First it isnt just ILB. Makes it sound like he is taking on MLB type duties of which he isnt. He is a WILB.

Second, if that is how you feel then why put him on the outside where he would need to be even more rugged and durable? Why put him at a spot that will only magnify his weaknesses that you yourself point out 10 fold?

WILB is the least touched LB on the field in a 3-4, and why in 90% of the 3-4 Ds the WILB has the most tackles on the team. because they are the most free to roam. And becuase of the 3-4 OLB responsibilites to take on a lot more blockers they rarely get to the 75 tackle mark.

Just think about it. Dansby is covered up by 4 other defenders on all sides(OLB, SILB, NT, DE) who’s job it is, is to take on more blockers and in the the NT case to take on more then one blocker. As a 4-3 OLB he is only covered up by a smaller DE, smaller DT, and a MLB. He will take on even fewer blockers as a WILB then he did as a OLB, and that is a good thing for the less rugged and durable Dansby.

PS: Walter, try not to take K9 so to heart, this is meant to express opinions and he knows his stuff. I think you take way too much offense when you know more of us will pile in with good things and it wont be all negativity. We all appreciate the time and effort you put in to these articles. I do however reccommend that article on the 3-4, it opened my eyes to alot of aspects of the NFL 3-4.

Anyway, great writeup, I hope clancy truly mixes it up and returns to the madman of old, remember his first season as DC? turnover madness!

By the way, in theory it’s nice to think that the WILB will always be covered for and free to swarm to the ball unimpeded, but it doesn’t always work out that way, particularly when teams use double TE sets, which they often do to off-set the numbers issues in the 3-4.

Gerald Hayes is the best tackling linebacker on the team…and Monty Beisel isn’t far behind. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see Beisel used at SILB and Hayes at WILB. Buster Davis should get plenty of snaps as well.

As for Berry…I really don’t think he will last anymore as an every-down player. The Cardinals need him badly for their pass rush, particularly in passing situations. With the depth at OLB, I expect Pendergast to use Berry wisely.