WLB vs. SLB

[jasonakramer]

What values are you looking for in a WLB vs. a SLB?

I think the SLB should be stronger in pass coverage, while the WLB needs to be a strong run defender. Or is it vice-versa?

In the same vein, what's the difference between the SS and the FS?

[Celeval]

What values are you looking for in a WLB vs. a SLB?

I think the SLB should be stronger in pass coverage, while the WLB needs to be a strong run defender. Or is it vice-versa?

In the same vein, what's the difference between the SS and the FS?

In "real football", the SLB would need pass coverage, as he'd end up covering the TE. In FOF, I typically look for better pass rushing from my WLB, although the two end up interchangable some of the time. Also depends if you're running 4-3 or 3-4.

[jasonakramer]

In "real football", the SLB would need pass coverage, as he'd end up covering the TE. In FOF, I typically look for better pass rushing from my WLB, although the two end up interchangable some of the time. Also depends if you're running 4-3 or 3-4.

I'm talking about FOF football and a 4-3 defense.

[jzicc]

I typically look for better pass rushing from my WLB,

Is their concurrence on this point? I always thought SLB needed the better pass rusher (maybe that's why my teams aren't any good :mad:)

[jzicc]

In the same vein, what's the difference between the SS and the FS?

I think FS has more of an emphasis on MtoM skills ( for effective double coverage) , where as with a SS I look more to run stopping and zone coverage ability for using the weak side man, SS zone coverage to stop TEs) --- but then again I' m far from an expert...

[Julio Riddols]

when I run a 3-4, I want my SLB to be well balanced, usually the best LB on the team. The WLB can be extremely disruptive if he can pass rush since he is part of the normal rush in a 3-4. I have a WLB in the OSFL right now with 4.5 sacks and a PR% over 10 through 3 games. A guy with very high technique and strength will cause nightmares for most offenses.

in the 4-3, I like to have all my linebackers be balanced with an emphasis on run defense and pass coverage. WLB is valued less than SLB or MLB though, due to him being off the field on nickel and dime stuations. Since that limits his liability in pass defense, the pass defense rating takes a backseat to run defense when I look at WLB's for my 4-3.

Play Diagnosis is always my number one though. If a guy can't diagnose, it just doesnt work well in my defense.

My two cents-

[Sgran]

In general, teams run to the strong side more often than the weak side since they have an extra blocker -- the tight end -- on the strong side.
In that sense, you want your SLB to be a better run defender, because he has to take on the tight end, who should be a good blocker. The WLB should be better in space, that is he should be fast enough to trail a play in pursuit and make a tackle. Of course, you could argue that the WLB will have to take on the fullback, especially in a weak alignment. As always, any weakness will be exploited by a good offensive coordinator. It's the chess match of football and what makes it such a great sport. In my SP games I look for the weaker run stopping OLB and run at him on crucial 3rd down plays, especially if it's the WLB I'll run a weak alignment off-tackle or sweep.
As for FOF, I win less than a third of my MP games, so someone else can give you a better answer.

[JMO]

when I run a 3-4, I want my SLB to be well balanced, usually the best LB on the team. The WLB can be extremely disruptive if he can pass rush since he is part of the normal rush in a 3-4. I have a WLB in the OSFL right now with 4.5 sacks and a PR% over 10 through 3 games. A guy with very high technique and strength will cause nightmares for most offenses.

in the 4-3, I like to have all my linebackers be balanced with an emphasis on run defense and pass coverage. WLB is valued less than SLB or MLB though, due to him being off the field on nickel and dime stuations. Since that limits his liability in pass defense, the pass defense rating takes a backseat to run defense when I look at WLB's for my 4-3.

Play Diagnosis is always my number one though. If a guy can't diagnose, it just doesnt work well in my defense.

My two cents-

I agree with this. When I run 34 I normally trawl a draft class for DEs who look like they could switch to WLB. They can wreak havoc.

In the 43 I use whoever is my best pass D lb as the nickel lb. I don't think it has to be the SLB. I've even sometimes had a guy especially for that job who didn't play in normal set although that is pretty unusual, normally a converted safety..i may have been hurting myself doing this though.



One thing that does bug me about this game..is that the ai doesn't convert DEs to lb for the 34 or Ss to LB for a cover 2 D.

[Celeval]

In FOF, the WLB is part of the standard rush package in the 3-4; so then you would definately look for a big pass rusher.