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Coming into the 2009 season, the Packers felt relatively secure about the number of options available at linebacker as they made the transition to Dom Capers' 3-4 defensive scheme.
Turns out, it's a good thing they had all those choices.
Because to look at the linebacking corps now with four games left in the regular season, it's significantly different in terms of roles and playing time from the one the Packers began the year with.
Consider where the unit was when the season opened:
--At the inside linebacker spots, Nick Barnett was a part-time player as he came back from his 2008 knee injury, A.J. Hawk played in the base defense only, and Brandon Chillar was a regular in the nickel package and "Big Okie" five-linebacker set.
--On the outside, Aaron Kampman was learning his new position and the other flank saw Brady Poppinga starting, rookie Clay Matthews on third downs, and Jeremy Thompson in waiting if needed.
But now? Fast for..
Source: Packers.com
