We have a young group at linebacker mixed in with some vets.  I haven't been pleased with most of our LB progress and I feel as if it is a need going into this season.  We have pieces but we aren't there yet.  We have a very talented LB that is a yo-yo player and I'm frustrated.  I did a post a while back ago comparing our CB tandem to the rest of the league.  I'll post the link later on but right now I thought it would be fun to compare the LB Core to our division rivals.  I compared total tackles, sacks, passes defended, and forced fumbles.  I found that most linebackers had more passes defended than interceptions.  Since Raiders ran a 4-3 compared to the rest of us running a 3-4 it was a bit hard to compare.  So for the extra middle linebacker I just took the LB that had the most playing time for the Raiders that I haven't compared thus far.  I took the LB's that had the most playing time from each team.  Here is what I found...

Chiefs LB totals: 315 total tackles,  14 passes defended,  10.5 sacks,  6 forced fumbles

Raiders LB totals: 280 total tackles,  2 passes defended,  11 sacks,  5 forced fumbles

Broncos LB totals:  318 total tackles,  11 passes defended,  25 sacks,  10 forced fumbles

Chargers LB totals:  255 total tackles,  13 passes defended,  13 sacks,  9 forced fumbles

So, I find these stats very interesting.  The passes defended are about the same from each team except the Raiders with only 2.  We are just fine at knocking down balls and will get better with more pressure.  We are 2nd only behind by 3 in total tackles.  Our group does know how to tackle so I'm not worried about that stat at all.  We have the lowest sack total but not behind much from the Raiders and Broncos.  Dumervil has more than each team, not combined though .  That is where our defense line comes in handy.  They need to put more pressure so our LB's can come and kill the QB.  We are third in forced fumbles only above the Raiders.  We need to make more plays and strip the ball in my opinion to be a better defense.  This gives the offense more chances to get the ball.  Some other observations that I made is that Hali is a very balanced player.  He will only become better in my opinion with more help around him.  He falls in the middle in the tackle area.  He is second in sacks only behind Dumervil.  He is tied in 2nd  for forced fumbles.  I'm very excited about his play.  Our ILB's are very good at tackling but that's about it.  We need an upgrade here or teach DJ how to become consistant.  Although Vrabel is getting old he is still consistant.  Eventually, his position will need to be addressed.

CB Tandem Link:

http://www.arrowheadpride.com/2010/4/17/1428642/every-cornerback-tandem-where-do