Jene Bramel
Footballguy
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A few key updates:
The Cardinals lost three outside linebackers last week and it's not clear how they'll approach the depth chart today. Matt Shaughnessy, Dontay Moch and John Abraham could form a three man rotation at outside linebacker. If that doesn't work well, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles might look at a 3-3-5 base with Tyrann Mathieu an extra starter or begin transitioning to a 4-3 in the hopes that Karlos Dansby and Daryl Washington can bookend Jasper Brinkley when Washington comes off suspension. Mathieu could be an every-down player today with Rashad Johnson recovering from a finger injury. Johnson is expected to be active, but may not start.
The Cowboys will continue to rotate DeMarcus Ware and George Selvie out for a series now and then, but they will both push for 750+ snaps now that Anthony Spencer is on injured reserve. Selvie has been less consistent recently, but will benefit from the strong pass rush of his linemates and will be a weekly low ceiling DL2. J.J. Wilcox got the start last week and played well. His tackle upside isn't great, but it'll be interesting to see how his play affects Barry Church.
Donald Butler and Manti Te'o both fully practiced all week. If they start and go back to their preseason every-down roles, we'll see very little of Reggie Walker and Bront Bird today. The coaches weren't giving away their plans with the linebacker group, though, and I don't think you can trust Butler, Te'o or Walker today. Of the three, Butler probably has the best chance at every-down snaps. Shareece Wright may miss another game with a hamstring injury.
The Titans went to a dime package often last week. Moise Fokou was the lone linebacker on the field, with Zach Brown missing around 20 snaps. There's been no information from the team or local media on why that decision was made. The Jets force opposing defenses into subpackages only rarely, so Brown is probably safe as a LB3 today, but if he's sitting in subpackages today it's time to worry. Fokou is battling a stinger-type injury but will play today.
The Falcons used a heavy rotation at linebacker last week. Joplo Bartu played every down but didn't fill up the box score. Akeem Dent started inside, but Paul Worrilow replaced him in subpackages. Dent cannot be in your lineup against the spread offense of New England. If you like to live on the edge of extreme upside, Worrilow is your riverboat gambler play of the week at linebacker. Slot corner Robert McClain has been strong against much lesser matchups than the Patriots. He's a CB2 with elite CB1 upside this week.
A few key updates:
The Cardinals lost three outside linebackers last week and it's not clear how they'll approach the depth chart today. Matt Shaughnessy, Dontay Moch and John Abraham could form a three man rotation at outside linebacker. If that doesn't work well, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles might look at a 3-3-5 base with Tyrann Mathieu an extra starter or begin transitioning to a 4-3 in the hopes that Karlos Dansby and Daryl Washington can bookend Jasper Brinkley when Washington comes off suspension. Mathieu could be an every-down player today with Rashad Johnson recovering from a finger injury. Johnson is expected to be active, but may not start.
The Cowboys will continue to rotate DeMarcus Ware and George Selvie out for a series now and then, but they will both push for 750+ snaps now that Anthony Spencer is on injured reserve. Selvie has been less consistent recently, but will benefit from the strong pass rush of his linemates and will be a weekly low ceiling DL2. J.J. Wilcox got the start last week and played well. His tackle upside isn't great, but it'll be interesting to see how his play affects Barry Church.
Donald Butler and Manti Te'o both fully practiced all week. If they start and go back to their preseason every-down roles, we'll see very little of Reggie Walker and Bront Bird today. The coaches weren't giving away their plans with the linebacker group, though, and I don't think you can trust Butler, Te'o or Walker today. Of the three, Butler probably has the best chance at every-down snaps. Shareece Wright may miss another game with a hamstring injury.
The Titans went to a dime package often last week. Moise Fokou was the lone linebacker on the field, with Zach Brown missing around 20 snaps. There's been no information from the team or local media on why that decision was made. The Jets force opposing defenses into subpackages only rarely, so Brown is probably safe as a LB3 today, but if he's sitting in subpackages today it's time to worry. Fokou is battling a stinger-type injury but will play today.
The Falcons used a heavy rotation at linebacker last week. Joplo Bartu played every down but didn't fill up the box score. Akeem Dent started inside, but Paul Worrilow replaced him in subpackages. Dent cannot be in your lineup against the spread offense of New England. If you like to live on the edge of extreme upside, Worrilow is your riverboat gambler play of the week at linebacker. Slot corner Robert McClain has been strong against much lesser matchups than the Patriots. He's a CB2 with elite CB1 upside this week.
