#LINEBACKER POSITION FULL#
#LINEBACKER POSITION PROFESSIONAL#

In general, the Sam linebacker is the strong side linebacker, meaning they will go wherever the strong side of the offensive formation is.

The Sam linebacker is often converted from defensive scheme to defensive scheme, as the player may have different roles or responsibilities based on their assignments. Popular Mike linebackers in the NFL were Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, and Luke Kuchlaly. This allows them to play sideline to sideline football and play in the most chaotic spot in football, right in the middle. Teams will also put their captain or their best linebacker in the Mike position. The term “Mike” is now widely used as the middle linebacker of the defense. This became a popular team as it was easy to relay and identify throughout complicated defensive systems. Instead of using “Meg,” the term has evolved over the years to identify linebackers to a more masculine name like Mike. The first linebacker on our list is the popular Mike linebacker.Īs mentioned, Tom Landry, in most recent memory, has used names to identify his players. So if a team runs the ball to the strong side, coaches can game-plan to bring blitzes on certain downs by using easy calls. The names are important because it allows the defensive coordinator to be flexible in their play calls.įor instance, if he wants to blitz just the middle linebacker, he can say “Mike Strong,” which could be a Mike Blitz to the strong.Īlso, coaches can choose to blitz the strong and weak sides using Sam & Will blitzes.

#LINEBACKER POSITION PROFESSIONAL#

On pass plays, they are forced to drop back into zone coverage or play man coverage.ĭue to the innovation of the spread offense, defenses are often forced to have their linebackers be phenomenal athletes to cover the run and pass effectively.Įspecially in professional leagues, the linebackers are often some of the best athletes on the field in size and athleticism.

#LINEBACKER POSITION FULL#

Typically, they will have to run at full speed to defeat blocks and tackle the running player on run plays. This position is essential because they’re responsible for covering both the run and the pass. They are positioned behind or in the back of the (defensive) line. The linebacker gets its name because of where they are positioned. 10 Get Access Now What Is A Linebacker In Football?įirst, let’s learn what a linebacker is in football and how they are essential to the defensive puzzle.

Linebacker position