Dhani Jones is taking Jessie Armstead's position at weakside linebacker when the Giants have three linebackers on the field, but it is Short who will essentially inherit Armstead's playing time.
He was frequently out of position at strongside linebacker as a result, his grasping hands just missing a back scooting past him.
After playing only sparingly in that Super Bowl, Mr. Johnson began taking larger and larger doses before and throughout the 2004 season, when he regained his starting position at middle linebacker and helped the Patriots win their second consecutive Super Bowl.
New England is also starting to show some age at linebacker, the position that contributed to the Patriots' allowing just one 100-yard rusher during the season.
WEAKNESSES -- It is difficult to find one, but the losses of Tedy Bruschi and Ted Johnson at linebacker make the position a point of interest.
His combination of size and speed (4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash) attracts recruiters and analysts like Allen Wallace, whose Superprep ranking has Earle as high as fifth in the nation at linebacker, his projected position in college.
Cowart's strength is running to the ball, but he has only 44 tackles in 5 games, less than nine a game at a position, weakside linebacker, in which James Farrior had 181 tackles last season.
Position battle to watch: Though Temple is deep at linebacker, experience is a concern, and both outside positions are up for grabs.
He was named a MaxPreps 2011 U.S. Air Force Freshman All-American first team selection at linebacker, although his true position was safety.
It could happen because the Bears need a player at their most iconic position, middle linebacker.
