Inside linebackers are only as good as the line in front of them, and we can all agree, that line was bad last year.

That said, I expect Manning to make Hawk expendable.

Originally Posted by: DakotaT 

Inside linebackers are only as good as the line in front of them, and we can all agree, that line was bad last year.

Originally Posted by: DakotaT 

Please tell that to London Fletcher, who, despite having a terrible D-Line ahead of him year after year plays at a Pro Bowl level.

Inside backers need to make plays even when the DL has an off day.

Originally Posted by: Packers_Finland 

What Dakota means is that in a 3-4, the DL is meant to eat up blockers so the LBs can make the plays.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 

It's pretty clear to me that the general consensus of this thread is that Manning will likely rarely see the field in 2012 and Hawk will be the starter. I'm not sure how much hype that is. Manning has much better potential than someone like Elmore, but that doesn't really mean anything unless it turns into production. It's mostly been a discussion of potential and hopes. I don't expect him starting at all this season, or even being the first one off the bench, necessary.

Originally Posted by: doddpower 

Heck there were a couple moments last year that I thought Robert Francois was our best ILB, and I didn't expect him to make the opening season roster.

Originally Posted by: Wade 

hah! I was questioning that as well, and before that I was wondering why he was even on the team. I'm not sure if that's a reflection of his talent or the lack of talent in front of him. Unfortunately, I think it may be the latter.

Originally Posted by: doddpower