Off-ball linebackers are the forgotten men of modern NFL football. They have always done a lot of the dirty work of run support, and New York Giants history is filled with greats who were tough against the run such as Sam Huff, Harry Carson, and Carl Banks. In the attacking “position-less” defense of Wink Martindale, off-ball linebackers can also be chess pieces who sometimes rush the passer.
But in the passing-dominated 21st Century NFL, linebackers are increasingly asked to cover tight ends and running backs in addition to stopping the run. And that’s been bad news for the Giants in recent years.