Fansided

Creating powerful NFL Olympic teams using four USA regions

By Dan Schmelzer

Jul 9, 2015; Montreal, CAN; A general view of the olympics rings on top the Canada Olympic House. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2015; Montreal, CAN; A general view of the olympics rings on top the Canada Olympic House. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /
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Richard Sherman Bobby Wagner
January 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts with middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) after he intercepts a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the first half in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

West Defense

  • DL: Ndamukong Suh
  • DL: Calias Campbell
  • DL: Jurrell Casey
  • DL: Malik Jackson
  • LB: Vontaze Burfict
  • LB: Bobby Wagner
  • LB: Shaq Thompson
  • CB: Richard Sherman
  • CB: Marcus Peters
  • FS: Eric Weddle
  • SS: T.J. Ward

While there really is not the star power of one guy like Rodgers, the West defense has a nice mix of players. There are not any big-time outside pass rushers to add to the mix, but the West has an incredibly strong defensive front that should be able to create consistent pressure on the passer with raw power.

Their defensive line of Ndamukong Suh, Calias Campbell, Jurrell Casey and Malik Jackson would also be incredibly tough against the run.

Vontaze Burfict and Bobby Wagner are all-around play-makers for the group at linebacker, and Shaq Thompson with his elite-level range and athleticism gets the edge over guys like Brandon Marshall and Koa Misi for the last linebacker spot.

Thompson’s ability to make plays both against the run and the pass would be a huge part of this defensive mix.

The West’s cornerback duo of Richard Sherman and Marcus Peters is as good as any other region in this practice. Sherman is a legitimate lock-down corner on one side, and Peters showed incredible play-making ability as a rookie last season.

Teams would probably try to throw at Peters as much as possible, but he undoubtedly has the fantastic ball-skills to make them pay for that. The safety duo of Eric Weddle and T.J. Ward is not the greatest, but they are a strong veteran combination who will not make major mistakes.

There are some holes here, but overall the West defense has the makings of a strong unit both against the run and the pass. Thompson as the jack-of-all-trades as a roaming linebacker is a major key.

Next: Midwest Offense

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