A glance at Pittsburgh's linebacker measurables i.e. height/weight, is in significant contrast with the Bronco's roster at that position.  Pittsburgh has one line backer in the 260 range with the rest ranging between 220 and 245.  The Broncos on the other hand are peppered with 270/260/250, with Woodyard coming in 220 at the lightest.  The NY Jets are dominated by LBs in 240/250 range and they were the number one total defense leaders last year. 

This raises a question in my mind: do we have an anomaly developing here, a new defensive philosophy that includes a massive front seven?   With Alexander, Ayers, Kirlew, Hunter, pushing 270 is McDaniels/Wink building some kind of prototype?  Woodyard is the only LB that could be considered a "light weight".  Are we sacrificing speed for size in order to stop the run and at the expense of mid-range pass coverage.  One thing for sure, McDaniels mad scientist routine provides plenty of fodder for examining new trends.  Linebacker play is my number one watch priority not only for tonight against Pittsburgh but into the regular season as well.

What I wouldn't give to see McDaniel's entire plan laid out as it sure appears his thinking is way out of the box to me.