It seems they keep messing up and every time they do, the 3 man rush has allowed the QB all the time needed to find that mistake.  It's odd because the LB's have traditionally been among the strongest group on the team but have really struggled this year both against the pass and the run.  They do lead the team in picks but it's because our DBs have been pretty stalwart in their play so the QBs have been picking on the LBs a lot more.  They have also been weak against the run which has led to the long sustained drives.  When they have stepped up, we have had great wins. When they struggled we have seen tense or aggravating drives.

And so only rushing the three would be effect if the LBs make the plays but they consistently make mistakes giving the other team the opportunity to make plays.  This is what has been the weakness (in my opinion) with the drop 8 strategy.  Heck, I think coaches are getting so frustrated they are dropping DLinemen and rushing the LBs on plays now. 🙂