Steelers Sunday Spotlight: The linebackers ... a legacy in jeopardy

[Galax Steeler]

By Ed Bouchette / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

No position on the Steelers has earned more fame, produced more big plays, visited more Pro Bowls and graced more highlights films than linebacker.

Linebackers were crucial to their 1970s Super Bowl dynasty when two Hall of Famers, Jack Ham and Jack Lambert, played in their 4-3 defense. An abundance of good linebackers prompted them to add one to the lineup when they switched to the 3-4 defense for the 1982 season and never went back. Linebackers fueled their consistently dominating defenses from the 1990s through now.

So how did the Steelers find themselves in such a spot now where linebacker could be their top draft priority? Those three killer reasons: Age, injuries, underperformance.


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-sunday-spotlight-the-linebackers-a-legacy-in-jeopardy-675711/#ixzz2LA00uRo2

[GBMelBlount]

By Ed Bouchette / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Sean Spence, a third-round draft pick last year, looked every bit as Foote's heir apparent until a knee injury knocked out his rookie year in the preseason. His injury was severe enough that the coaches will not count on him in 2013.


Entering the 2013 season, the Steelers' linebackers could look the same as they did in 2012, with, they hope, one big improvement -- that their pair of play-making outside starters stay healthy.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-sunday-spotlight-the-linebackers-a-legacy-in-jeopardy-675711/#ixzz2LA00uRo2

Damn.

It is pretty sad to have $30 mil tied up at LB'er right now and still have needs...

[GoSlash27]

An abundance of good linebackers prompted them to add one to the lineup when they switched to the 3-4 defense for the 1982 season...
:hmm:
I'd suggest that Ed not quit his day job, but this *is* his day job.

[43Hitman]

:hmm:
I'd suggest that Ed not quit his day job, but this *is* his day job.

:lol: