49ers' Willis, Cards' Dansby Rule 3-4 Defense

Shapecity · Sep 6, 2008

In the 3-4 defense, it's not a requirement to have a young, athletic playmaker at the weak inside linebackers spot, but it doesn't hurt. The 49ers, with Patrick Willis, and the Cardinals, with Karlos Dansby, have two of the best in the NFL.

"I think you need guys like me and Patrick," Dansby said. "We fly around and make plays."

In simplistic terms, the defense is designed for the three down linemen to keep the offensive linemen from reaching the weak inside linebacker. That guy is usually a good athlete who can track down the ball.
Dansby has watched plenty of Willis on video. "I have to check him out," he said. "I check out all the competition. You have to know how you have to play to make it to the Pro Bowl."

Willis made the Pro Bowl last year as a rookie, and he and Dansby are comparable players according to Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt.

"This type of defense suits that kind of player," Whisenhunt said. "You have big guys in front of them who keep the guards and 'pullers' off of them, and he's able to move and make plays in both the pass game in space and in the run game."

Picking leaders

Five captains were chosen in a vote by the players. Quarterback Kurt Warner and left guard Reggie Wells were the choices on offense. Dansby is the defensive captain, and Sean Morey and Aaron Francisco are the special team leaders.

There were two captains on offense and special teams because the voting was close, Whisenhunt said.

Kicking it

In kicker Neil Rackers' magical 2005 season, he missed only two field goals and was 6 of 7 from 50 yards and beyond. In the past two seasons, however, Rackers has been 4 of 16 from that distance, accounting for all but six of his misses.

But Whisenhunt remains confident in Rackers from long distance and won't shy away from attempting long field goals, he said. The decision, as usual, will be based on field and weather conditions, as well as the "feel for the game," Whisenhunt said.

Last year, Rackers attempted only three 50-plus-yard field goals in the second half of the season.

The reason, Whisenhunt said, was the offense was operating smoothly so he went for it more often on fourth down.

"I have confidence in Neil to make the long fields," Whisenhunt said. "He made a 57-yarder in practice (Thursday), so I think he's been kicking extremely well."

Growing into a role

Judging by the preseason, rookie running back Tim Hightower will play a significant role this season. Hightower is the backup to Edgerrin James and also played in short yardage and goal-line situation.

It's not hard to imagine him getting five to 10 carries a game, but Whisenhunt isn't ready to commit to that.

"It's hard to say before we've ever played a regular-season game exactly what his role is going to be," he said. "I think if he proves in the game that he can do what he did in the preseason, his role will expand. But when you're going against first-teamers the whole game, it's a whole different tempo."

Hightower fumbled in each of the last two preseason games, so his ability to hang on to the ball will impact his playing time, too.

Injury update

Nose tackle Alan Branch (ankle) didn't practice Friday and is doubtful for Sunday's game. Nose tackle Gabe Watson (knee) and center Al Johnson (knee) won't play. Tight end Jerame Tuman (hamstring) is questionable, and tight end Ben Patrick (ankle) and tackle Mike Gandy (knee) are probable.
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Source: AZCentral

Vintage · Sep 7, 2008

Dansby is good....but he isnt in Willis' range, yet. Though, admittedly, Dansby was a helluava OLB at Auburn.

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49ers' Willis, Cards' Dansby Rule 3-4 Defense

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

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49ers' Willis, Cards' Dansby Rule 3-4 Defense

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Vintage Defeating Communism...

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