Kaspers Korner

The New England Patriots for some reason have weakened themselves at the linebacker position by trading linebacker Mike Vrabel.

With the Patriots trading for Derek Burgess their hopes of finally solving their problem lies in him making the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker.

While there are many similarities between a 4-3 defensive end and a 3-4 outside linebacker there are still enough differences that can make a player fail at outside linebacker.

The big difference is that an outside linebacker has to go out in pass coverage from time to time.

Any good quarterback that sees Burgess out in coverage will take advantage of it.

So, if Burgess is going to be a difference maker this year he is going to have to be exclusively a pass rusher this year.

Then when they are comfortable with his pass coverage skills they can then use him in coverage.

In the end Burgess’s play will be the deciding factor for the Patriots being an elite unit or not.