Linebackers play less often in the modern NFL nowadays, with most teams downsizing to base-Nickel packages. But this change has made having a versatile, three-down ‘backer more important than ever.
With many teams employing so-called “offensive wizards” as head coaches, linebackers have found themselves in more difficult positions than in past eras, regularly having to cover tight ends, jitterbug running backs and slot receivers in addition to all of their responsibilities against the run.
The Raiders struggles with their linebacking corps are well documented, and the units troubles were exacerbated on Sunday when Dalvin Cook torched them for 143 yards on 20 touches.