We've discussed the worst combinations of NFL players on the offensive side of the ball, so now we turn our attention to the defense and look at the bottom rung of linebacker combinations. Most of these teams have at least one good player at the position, but judged as a unit, they come up short.

Buffalo Bills: The Bills gave up the 7th most rushing TD's and the 8th most rushing yards in the NFL, and at least part of that can be blamed on the defensive line. However, the team's linebacking corp is at fault as well. Paul Posluszny may one day be a star, but an injury cut his rookie season short. Angelo Crowell is productive, and the team brought in Kawika Mitchell, so they may be in line for improvement this season. But that remains to be seen.

Cincinnati Bengals: There's a reason the team drafted Keith Rivers in the first round. And that's because this group of LB's needed a serious upgrade. Had David Pollack not suffered a serious injury that will ultimately cost him his career, things may have been different, but unfortunately for everybody involved, he did get hurt. Ahmad Brooks brings some promise after coming off a season ending injury, but only if he stays out of trouble.

Cleveland Browns: Cleveland's linebackers are a mix of young and old players. Willie McGinest is playing his final season, and he only had 3 sacks a year ago. Kamerion Wimbley led the team with 5 sacks, and he should improve in his third season, but the unit helped give up the 6th most rushing yards in football. And they were 3rd worst in the NFL allowing 4.5 yards per carry.

Miami Dolphins: Like virtually every other position on the Dolphins roster, the linebackers struggled mightily. The team allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL, and the 3rd most rushing TD's. Channing Crowder led the team in tackles with just 77, and Joey Porter was second with 66. The team rid themselves of Zach Thomas in the offseason, who wound up signing with Dallas. They then acquired Akin Ayodele from the Cowboys, essentially to replace Thomas.

Oakland Raiders: There's no doubt Kirk Morrison is a very good player, but he needs more help from the rest of the squad. Oakland allowed the second most rushing yards and the most rushing TD's in football, and opponents ran for 4.8 yards per carry against them, worst in the NFL. Raiders fans can only hope Thomas Howard can keep improving, and that Edgerton Hartwell has something left after playing in just 13 games the last 3 seasons, and none last year.