Matt Sheldon Will Have a Big Task in Identifying the Best Alouettes Linebackers

It is safe to believe that Montreal Alouettes head coach, Marc Trestman has his entire coaching staff ready to take charge for the 2012 season.

I am sure when the workforce will convene with Trestman, that every member will have a “Hello my name is” sticker on their shirt, until everyone is comfortable with each other.

With the hiring of former Buffalo Bills linebacker coach Matt Sheldon, it adds more intrigue to a position that will receive a lot of attention on who will be the starting quartet in week one if the team opts for the 3-4 defense.

Even though Sheldon's last coaching stop was with the Minnesota Vikings as defensive backs coach. It was during his time with the Bills, where he tutored some excellent linebackers in Buffalo from; London Fletcher, Angelo Crowell, and Paul Posluszny.

Under Sheldon's guidance, it was one of these linebackers who led the entire team in tackles. Between the three of them, they averaged per season; 123 tackles, 1.6 sacks, 2.2 interceptions, and 6.2 pass defense.

The key statistic between the NFL trio was their ability to play in pass coverage. Given that the CFL is a pass happy league. It will be imperative for this group of Alouettes linebackers to be even more agile to play the pass.

Now, I highly doubt in general that any CFL linebacker would be able to reach these lofty tackle numbers. But the importance that Sheldon will be preaching in making sure they use the proper tackling techniques will go a long way in the Alouettes goal of winning a Grey Cup.

Sheldon will have his work cut out for him, as there is an abundance of linebackers he will be working with and assessing if they possess the ability to be the starter.

Ultimately the final word will be decided by Trestman, and defensive coordinator Jeff Reinebold.

But it will be on Sheldon to make sure he has these players ready for each week. Let the competition begin.

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