Jo-Lonn

Dunbar

It’s a nice matchup boost for Ben Tate, who will be seeing the majority of carries in place of the injured Arian Foster. As for Vilma, this latest setback has to be concerning given the veteran’s history of knee issues. Jo-Lonn Dunbar will attempt to hold down the fort at middle linebacker in Vilma’s absence.

St. Louis lost defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to an indefinite suspension, but it hasn’t stopped pursuing his former players. Dunbar can play middle and strong-side linebacker. He started 14 games for New Orleans last season.

Dunbar, 27, has experience starting both at strong-side linebacker and middle linebacker, and knows the new Rams defensive scheme after spending the past several seasons playing for Gregg Williams. Dunbar is undersized at 6-foot, 226, and lacks elite talent. He’ll likely be the Rams’ starting “Sam” 'backer in 2012, although St. Louis shouldn’t expect a difference maker.

“I’m just here to play ball,” he said. “Whatever they need me to do, I’m ready to do. I’m familiar with all three linebacker positions.” Dunbar was mostly a versatile reserve in New Orleans, but should primarily man the strong side in St. Louis with James Laurinaitis entrenched in the middle.

Dunbar is coming off a breakout season, including outplaying Jonathan Vilma while filling in at middle linebacker for a stretch. The Saints may indeed choose to ditch Vilma and re-sign Dunbar as the “mike” starter.

Dunbar racked up 10 tackles with a forced fumble against the Giants. The Saints defense hasn’t missed a beat with Jonathan Vilma (knee) out of the lineup. In fact, Dunbar has been an upgrade. He’s expected to move back to the strong side in the next week or two, with Vilma due to return.

Vilma racked up a team-high 10 tackles in the win over the Lions after missing four games. The Saints were 4-0 with Jo-Lonn Dunbar at middle linebacker. He’s moved back to the strong side with Vilma healthy.

Scott Shanle will man the strong side with Jonathan Casillas at weak-side ‘backer. Dunbar has seven starts this year, but only 35 tackles. Playing middle linebacker, however, makes him a sleeper candidate for 10-plus stops today.

There’s a long way to go, of course, but the too-early depth chart has Dunbar at weak side and Mario Haggan at strong-side linebacker. Rookies Aaron and Sammy Brown, and Alex Hoffman-Ellis will be vying for backup roles with Justin Cole and Josh Hull. Dunbar could be a sneaky late pick in IDP leagues.

Vilma experienced several knee problems early in his career, so we wonder if this is a long-term concern. Regardless, it’s another potential matchup boost for Ben Tate. The Saints list Jo-Lonn Dunbar as their backup middle linebacker.