Miami Dolphins: Best 5 linebackers ever | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

Miami Dolphins: Best 5 linebackers ever

DKphin

DKphin

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[h=2]1. Zach Thomas, (1996-2007)[/h]
Zach Thomas goes down in the books as the greatest linebacker in Dolphins history and one of the best middle linebackers of his time. A veteran of 14 seasons in the league, he played 184 games including 182 starts. In his 11 years of work with Miami alone, he started 168 out of a possible 168 games. Thomas’ legacy was an unexpected turnout from a 5’11” undersized linebacker who was the 154th pick of the 1996 draft. He tallied a personal high 120 tackles while notching 3 interceptions, 2 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in his rookie season with the Dolphins, and would continue on that path to become a ten-time leading tackler for the team. The five-time First Team All-Pro, two-time Second Team All-Pro selection still holds the franchise record of 1,041 career tackles.


[h=2]2. Nick Buoniconti, (1969-1976)[/h]
[h=2]3. John Offerdahl, (1986-1993)[/h]
[h=2]4. A.J. Duhe, (1977-1984)[/h]
[h=2]5. Bryan Cox, (1991-1995)[/h]
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Read more: http://247sports.com/Bolt/Miami-Dolphins-Best-5-linebackers-ever--37809921
 
Hard to believe Bryon Cox was only here for a short time. I loved that guy. He embodied my hatred for the Bills when the rivalry was HEATED.
 
Weren't we running a 3-4 under Saban in 2006 when JT was playing OLB? Maybe that didn't start until 2007 under Capers.
 
ChambersWI said:
We didn't play a 34 until Tony's first year so JT didn't play OLB until his final 3 seasons
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Nah we definitely ran a 3-4 in 2007 with Capers here. I remember us touting JT/Zach/Channing/Porter as the best LB group in the league.

Just trying to think if we did it under Saban, but I guess we were more of a 4-3 hybrid with him.
 
ZT was one hell of a player. And I will always remember the fire Cox showed when someone shoved our kicker, and Bryan Cox came off the bench, ran the length of the field and got in the guy's face. No disrespect for any Dolphin on Cox's watch! Nick B was pretty dang good too.

In all honesty, if the NFL were somehow able to get every NFL player in their primes an field a greatest of all time for each team, the Dolphins would be one of he very best, especially on offense.

But what many people don't realize is that the vaunted Steel Curtain finished 2nd in points allowed and 2nd in yards allowed in 1972. That team put so my guys into the Hall of Fame it is scary. But the "no name defense" of the Dolphins finished 1st in both categories. It is a travesty that only Nick Buoniconti was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
 
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there's no way you could ever field a best lb group in the league if channing crowders name is on it

not possible
 
hooshoops said:
there's no way you could ever field a best lb group in the league if channing crowders name is on it

not possible
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ehh, 2007 Crowder was still an upcoming player and next to Zach and surrounded by Porter and Taylor coming off of Defensive MVP . . . he was widely considered a solid inside LB. The knees started to give issues in 2008 and you saw him descend over his last 3 years.
 
Kdawg954 said:
ehh, 2007 Crowder was still an upcoming player and next to Zach and surrounded by Porter and Taylor coming off of Defensive MVP . . . he was widely considered a solid inside LB. The knees started to give issues in 2008 and you saw him descend over his last 3 years.
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that dude sucked since day 1
 
hooshoops said:
that dude sucked since day 1
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Agree to disagree . . . day 1 starter and a great tackler during his healthy years. More of a 2 down guy, but there is nothing wrong with that. Became more of a liability later in his career as his knees began to give but his presence was missed often in games as the defense clearly looked disorganized with him out of the lineup.
 
Kdawg954 said:
Agree to disagree . . . day 1 starter and a great tackler during his healthy years. More of a 2 down guy, but there is nothing wrong with that. Became more of a liability later in his career as his knees began to give but his presence was missed often in games as the defense clearly looked disorganized with him out of the lineup.
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hot pokers in my eyes
 
Kdawg954 said:
ehh, 2007 Crowder was still an upcoming player and next to Zach and surrounded by Porter and Taylor coming off of Defensive MVP . . . he was widely considered a solid inside LB. The knees started to give issues in 2008 and you saw him descend over his last 3 years.
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Crowder was allergic to the ball and rarely made a tackle at or behind the LOS...I can't imagine a player having less impact yet keep making the team for so many years.
 
Many on the board may not remember him or even know that he played on the team, but I always liked Larry Gordon. He may not be in the top 5, but he was a good LB.
 
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