One of the most valuable things a defense can have is a CB that can shut down a team's top WR, enabling the rest of the defense to focus on the other WRs.  Instead of having to roll coverage towards the top WR, the defense can play as designed, allowing most of the areas of the field to be covered.

 

But most analysis focuses in on the one cover corner, with the tacit understanding the rest of the defenders are largely less capable of single handedly taking a receiver out of the progression.  Every once in a while, a team will have two cover CBs, which will exacerbate the desired effect on opposing offenses to the benefit of the defense.  But even in those instances, the idea of the shut down cover guy deals with the back end of the defense.  Opposing offenses are typically left to attack underneath.

 

However, you never hear about LBs being described in those terms.  You hear about the 3-4 OLB who blitz and chase down QBs.  You hear about the two down run plugger inside.  There are those known for excelling in zone.  But rarely, if ever, do you hear about the LB excelling in man coverage to the point where the guy they are covering in man is not an option like it is when a shut down CB is on a WR.  Typically, LBs don't have the speed and change of direction ability to be considered top cover guys.  They may excel in zone, but rarely are you witness to a LB following a TE all game long. 

 

With Jack, however, you have a guy who has been known to cover receivers despite being in 230-245 lb range.  Not just slot receivers.  Not just lesser talent.  But he has shown he could cover the likes of a Nelson Agholor.  If he is what we think he is, he's more than fast and quick enough to stay with the fastest TEs, while big enough to not consistently get muscled by these same TEs.

 

If Ramsey is the shut down CB most people think, and Jack can reliably be tasked with taking a TE out of the passing game on a given play, attacking underneath, and overall,  would suddenly become less viable a proposition.  Teams would have to focus on 2nd and 3rd WRs predominantly.  I like House and Amukumara against most 2nd and 3rd WRs.  Our coverage and our blitzing would be improved.  Wash could feel more comfortable blitzing a nickel or dime back knowing Jack could get out to cover the slot.  Gipson could roam the middle with virtual impunity.  Coverages and blitzes would be better disguised. 

 

Make no mistake, this defense still has some vulnerabilities.  Pass rush is still a major concern, and I wonder how the run defense will hold up against teams that pull their linemen and run outside or utilize two TEs in the run.  But I think now we have a fighting chance to stop teams from passing the ball at will.  I think if Jack stays healthy, he could be one of the best cover LBs in the tradition of Derrick Brooks and Luke Kuechly, only better in man.

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