What's the responsibility difference for OLB vs. ILB in the 3-4?

[caneaddict]

It seems to me that the OLB rushes the passer more and depending on the scheme can drop deeper into coverage? The reason I ask is I'm wondering about Matt Roth. He is extremely stout vs. the run but isn't having success pressuring the QB. Would his skills translate to a 2 down ILB where we can utilize his run stuffing abilities but still keep guys on the outside that can better get to the QB?

Obviously most D-line conversions are to OLB so there is obviously some aspects to OLB that fit a quick DE better than the skills needed at ILB. I actually don't remember any D-line to ILB moves. Just wondering what the reason is.

 

[PeepinTom]

Although I like your thinking and Matt Roth is a beast against the run, he would be too slow to play ILB. The main job of the ILB is to move freely behind the the d-line. The NT and DE's take up blockers and allow the ILB to make plays freely. Check this website out.
http://www.milehighreport.com/2009/2/5/749381/mhr-university-3-4-positio

 

[juniorseau55]

It seems to me that the OLB rushes the passer more and depending on the scheme can drop deeper into coverage? The reason I ask is I'm wondering about Matt Roth. He is extremely stout vs. the run but isn't having success pressuring the QB. Would his skills translate to a 2 down ILB where we can utilize his run stuffing abilities but still keep guys on the outside that can better get to the QB?

Obviously most D-line conversions are to OLB so there is obviously some aspects to OLB that fit a quick DE better than the skills needed at ILB. I actually don't remember any D-line to ILB moves. Just wondering what the reason is.

The convertion of a 3-4 defensive lineman is not always automatically, the prospect needs to fit the scheme regardless. Before we can discuss the difference we have to keep in mind that the 3-4 is linebacker oriented.

The responsability of the defensive line in this defense is to basically protect the linebackers. The weak side linebacker usually is put against the best offensive lineman which is usually the left tackle in most cases. His responsability is to provide pressure in addition to dropping back to help the wide receivers underneath. The inside linebackers are more run oriented since they have to be fast enough to get to a rb during a run play, or they can help cover a tight end or any player that is uncover coming from the line of scrimage. The outside strong side linebacker usually provides run support and pass pressure.

There is really not too much difference in their tasks, it is just that these linebackers need to have the physical abilities to perform the scheme according to how the coordinator sets it up. The weak linebacker is most of the time used as a pass rusher, while the inside linebackers either drop to help a corner or safety, or provide run support in the middle. The outside linebacker faces the right tackle during pass situations or he has to cover the tight end during pass situations. Bottoline, if the linebacker doesn't have the pass rushing ability to face the OT then they do not fit on the scheme. Matt Roth is one of those players who should come on certain downs since he is not the ideal linebacker that you want for 3 downs.

 

[caneaddict]

Thanks guys. So since the responsibilities vary based on schemes how come you never hear of a DE/ILB hybrid. It's always DE/OLB.

 

[juniorseau55]

Thanks guys. So since the responsibilities vary based on schemes how come you never hear of a DE/ILB hybrid. It's always DE/OLB.

There are a handful of defensive ends that are able to succesfully translate into a 3-4 scheme as a linebacker. Most of those defensive ends weight around 245-250 lbs at 6'2-6'4 and they are aligned within the WILL spot to face the left tackle. A lot defensive ends that play in a 3-4 are not very good against the pass so they are played in a position that plays to their best of their abilities. A lot of those defensive ends are athletic enough to play the position as well.

Matt Roth would play well in the middle as an inside linebacker; however, he is required to have a good enough speed to beat the man to the outside, or help our defensive backs in the middle. Those are not his strengths; therefore, he is best suited in situational downs due to those liabilities.

 

[Lord Of Miami]

Thanks guys. So since the responsibilities vary based on schemes how come you never hear of a DE/ILB hybrid. It's always DE/OLB.

Only because it doesn't happen alot, and playing DE and ILB are very different and DE and OLB are not.

The only guy i think Bill ever drafted that was a DE that became a ILB is Tedy Bruschi.

 

[xxGrizzxx]

In the 3-4 the MLB will take on more blocks. The OLB will pass rush but also have outside run contain. In the 4-3 the MLB have less blocks to beat and the DE get the contain for run and pass rush job. If Roth were to play MLB he would be in pass coverage more and would have more blockers to beat to get to the point of attack. His size is fine but his closing speed would not be good enough. As a pass rushing OLB he suffers in this respect and whilst he can take on a block and make a tackle on the run his side im not sure scraping down the line from the backside in the middle would be his forte. You face too many double blocks and traps inside to be one dimensional. That is my opinion and only that.