Linebackers

[YayAreaPlaya707]

I know the Sam is the SLB, the Mike is the MLB, and the Will is the WLB. I was just a little confused as to how you identify where a particular linebacker is best used. I know speed is not as important for a MLB because he isn't playing on the edges. But what is the difference is skill sets for the the Will and the Sam. I read on espn.com recently that the Will needs to be very fast, but I thought the Sam was the LB that lines up over the TE most often so why would it not be most important for him to be the speediest linebacker?

Morrison is our Will, but speed isn't his strong point is it? I've heard of us using Howard or Bing at Sam and they are very fast for linebackers right?

Someone please clarify for me

[Swoosh23]

I think its something like this Strongside Linebacker lines up over the te.. that would be the Sam in our case.. and thats the guy that has to have the best coverage skills and the speed to run with the te's or rb's outta the backfield.

The Weakside Linebacker or Will.. needs to line up on the other edge and watch the flat and is used to blitz freely.

So both need to have speed and some coverage ability. There is diffrent schemes and things to take into account of course but I think thats just a gross generalization of what the two OLB positions main responsibilities are.

[YayAreaPlaya707]

Originally Posted by Swoosh23

I think its something like this Strongside Linebacker lines up over the te.. that would be the Sam in our case.. and thats the guy that has to have the best coverage skills and the speed to run with the te's or rb's outta the backfield.

The Weakside Linebacker or Will.. needs to line up on the other edge and watch the flat and is used to blitz freely.

So both need to have speed and some coverage ability. There is diffrent schemes and things to take into account of course but I think thats just a gross generalization of what the two OLB positions main responsibilities are.

thanks. anyone else care to contribute?

[liebo84]

Originally Posted by YayAreaPlaya707

thanks. anyone else care to contribute?

Ill paraphrase this from my big book of defensive football strategies.

Sam backer should be big and strong. Running plays are run directly at them. They need to be able to get to the corner on wide runs. They need range. And to be able to pursue well. Should be big, strong, and fast. Sam backers line up on the strongside. Sam backers need to be able to take on blockers because so many plays are run right at them.

Will backer should be the next best athlete. He always lines up on the weak side (or short side of the field). Wills need to have really good range both against the run and the pass. They need to tackle cutback runs when the play flows away from them, because most plays are run away from them. They need to cover the field from sideline to sideline, and need to be able to tackle in the open field. Smaller players can get away with it at Will backer. Finding the ball while the play flows away from you is very important for a will backer.

Mikes are usually lined up over the center. Usually Mike backers are the toughest. He can be attacked from anywhere because he is at the middle of the offensive line. The run is his first responsibility, pass second. He needs to be able to defeat the center when in a 4-3 system (which is what were talking about considering Im only talking about 3 backers) They need to be really strong to beat blocks, aggressive, and great at stuffing the run. They also should be able to play the pass at some times, but there is a large number of two down backers who are taken out on third downs because of their inability to cover.

Hope that helps

[Raider Ran]

Originally Posted by liebo84

Ill paraphrase this from my big book of defensive football strategies.

Sam backer should be big and strong. Running plays are run directly at them. They need to be able to get to the corner on wide runs. They need range. And to be able to pursue well. Should be big, strong, and fast. Sam backers line up on the strongside. Sam backers need to be able to take on blockers because so many plays are run right at them.

Will backer should be the next best athlete. He always lines up on the weak side (or short side of the field). Wills need to have really good range both against the run and the pass. They need to tackle cutback runs when the play flows away from them, because most plays are run away from them. They need to cover the field from sideline to sideline, and need to be able to tackle in the open field. Smaller players can get away with it at Will backer. Finding the ball while the play flows away from you is very important for a will backer.

Mikes are usually lined up over the center. Usually Mike backers are the toughest. He can be attacked from anywhere because he is at the middle of the offensive line. The run is his first responsibility, pass second. He needs to be able to defeat the center when in a 4-3 system (which is what were talking about considering Im only talking about 3 backers) They need to be really strong to beat blocks, aggressive, and great at stuffing the run. They also should be able to play the pass at some times, but there is a large number of two down backers who are taken out on third downs because of their inability to cover.

Hope that helps

Very nice explanation bro rep coming your way.

[KELLYISTHEMAN]

Faster LBs usually play WLB because they usually aren't as good taking on blocks and holding up at the point of attack. Playing WLB keeps blockers off of them, and allows them to use their speed to the max advantage (covering RBs in the backfield, blitzing, etc)

With the rise of TEs like Gates and Gonzo though, faster SLBs are getting in demand. This is probably why we drafted Howard. Even though he would smoke a good deal of WRs in the league in a footrace, he'll be used at the SLB spot a lot to match up against athletic TEs

[AnthonyMoss]

Oh, that always confused me and that cleared it up. Thanks man.