A great weakside linebacker must be able to play the run, play coverage, but also seamlessly transition from one to the other. No player in the current NFL better embodies that ideal than Lance Briggs.

What makes a good weak side linebacker?

A great weakside linebacker must be able to play the run, play coverage, but also seamlessly transition from one to the other. No player in the current NFL better embodies that ideal than Lance Briggs.

What’s the difference between a weak side linebacker in a strong side linebacker?

Strong Side Linebacker – The strong side linebacker plays on the side of the field where the tight end lines up. He has the nickname “Sam”. He is often a bigger linebacker so he can take on the tight end when necessary. Weak Side Linebacker – The weak side linebacker plays on the opposite side from the strong side.

What does a SAM linebacker do?

The Sam Linebacker In Football In general, the Sam linebacker is the strong side linebacker, meaning they will go wherever the strong side of the offensive formation is. The strong side is often determined by having more players on one side.

What is the outside linebacker responsibility?

The outside linebacker’s job is to cover the end to make sure a run doesn’t escape, and to watch the pass and protect from it. The middle linebacker’s job is to stop runs between the tackles and watch the entire field to see the play develop.

Why is linebacker called Mike?

The middle linebacker, or MIKE, is the quarterback of the defense and got his name because he is positioned in the middle of the defense (more or less). He generally lines up 3-5 yards off the line of scrimmage and covers (lines up over) the guard to the strong side of the offensive formation.

What is a Mike LB?

The Mike linebacker is the middle linebacker on defense. He is the player that often aligns in the middle of the defensive formation, behind the defensive tackles.

What is the weak side in football?

The weak side in football is the side of the field opposite the side that the tight end (TE), a player on the offense, stands on. The weak side is used in by defensive coordinators when designing plays. The free safety, a player position on defense, stands on the weak side of the field.

What is an offensive linebacker?

A linebacker’s job in football is to stop the offense’s running attack. Linebackers will also support the defensive backs to help stop the offense if they throw the football. It’s one of the most versatile positions on the field.

What is the strong side linebacker?

The strongside linebacker (SLB) is often nicknamed the “Sam” for purposes of calling a blitz. Since the strong side of the offensive team is the side on which the tight end lines up, or whichever side contains the most personnel, the strongside linebacker usually lines up across from the tight end.