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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J.J. Watt
Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) runs onto the field with a flag before a game against the New York Jets at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Midwest Defense

  • DL: J.J. Watt
  • DL: Kawann Short
  • DL: Fletcher Cox
  • EDGE: Whitney Mercilus
  • LB: Luke Kuechly
  • LB: Anthony Barr
  • LB: Dont’a Hightower
  • CB: Chris Harris Jr.
  • CB: Aqib Talib
  • FS: Kurt Coleman
  • SS: Morgan Burnett

With so many deserving players, it was really tough to put together the defensive front seven for the Midwest. J.J. Watt leads a strong defensive line along with Kawann Short and Fletcher Cox, but it was tough to leave out guys like Aaron Lynch and Dan Williams.

That being said, Watt, Short, Cox and edge rusher Whitney Mercilus make up a strong defensive front that can create consistent pressure against the passer. They may get physically manhandled against the run at times, but Watt and company are talented enough to make many impact plays regardless.

Anthony Barr could play a bit of a hybrid role for the team, joining Mercilus as the outside rusher in a 3-4 defense while also playing strong side linebacker in the 4-3. Hightower could also make some noise as an outside rusher, but his ability against the run would be key for this defensive squad.

The impact play of Luke Kuechly at middle linebacker would obviously be huge as well. Kuechly is the best linebacker in the NFL, showing an ability to make plays everywhere on the field. Simply having him defending the middle greatly improves the Midwest’s pass and run defense.

The Denver Broncos’ cornerback duo of Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib is solid here. Harris has established himself as one of the premier corners in the NFL, and Talib is a strong veteran who excels in man-to-man coverage.

The pickings at safety were relatively slim. Having Kurt Coleman as the deep safety is pretty strong, and Morgan Burnett certainly has plenty of upside at strong safety. That being said, it is not the greatest group compared to some of the other teams.

The secondary as a whole is average when compared to the other regions, but Watt and Kuechly leading the Midwest’s defensive front seven is as good as it gets. This is undoubtedly an impact defensive unit.

Next: South Offense

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