Over the past few games Derrick Burgess role with the Patriots has been gradually increasing. Originally brought in as what was thought to be strictly a hand-down pass rusher, Burgess has been seen playing stand-up outside linebacker as the Patriots have employed of their usual 3-4 defense.
No one needs to be reminded of the Dolphins Wildcat offense, nor how hard it is to defend, and with Adalius Thomas already falling down the depth chart before missing practice on Tuesday, Burgess will likely be thrust into the fire of stopping Ronnie Brown and company.
For an outside linebacker in the 3-4 decisions must be made in an instant. Should he drop into coverage? Should attack the passer or set the edge for a run coming in his direction?
For someone like Burgess who has limited experience doing anything other than pinning back his ears and attacking the quarterback this week could pose quite a challenge.
Against the Wildcat, where the blockers often outnumber the defenders at the point of attack, especially when it is run out of an unbalanced line with two offensive tackles lined up on one side, discipline and fast decisions are paramount, especially for an outside linebacker.
If the Patriots do open in their 3-4 defense with Burgess at OLB, look for the Dolphins to run the Wildcat right at him. He's already somewhat undersized for what Bill Belichick traditionally likes for his outside 'backers, and if he has to hold the edge versus a tackle like Jake Long, Burgess will surely have his work cut out for him.
Keywords: Derrick Burgess, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Ronnie Brown, Wildcat
