41.   According to Davis, the biggest problemsdefending the run have been youth and poor performance from the middle linebackers and defensive ends.

42.   Add middle linebacker responsibilities to that and what you have is one tired hombre.

43.   After opening the season as the starting middle linebacker, he lost his job to veteran Barron Wortham.

44.   After the game, middle linebacker Eric Hill criticized the offense and was confronted by offensive lineman Ed Cunningham, according to several players.

45.   After years of being in the shadow of the outside linebacker, the middle linebacker is making a comeback, led by Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis.

46.   Against the Yankees, Caminiti played like a middle linebacker who was hurt.

47.   Against Washington, he returned to middle linebacker but made minimal impact.

48.   Also, middle linebacker Robert Jones could come on a blitz or two up the middle in certain situations, Campo said.

49.   Brian Willmer will replace Edwards at middle linebacker.

50.   Brooks plays hurt and is a hard-nosed hard body, in the tradition of an old-style middle linebacker like Jack Lambert.