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Can somebody explain the "names" for the linebackers--WILL, SAM, MLB (middle line backer?)?.

By explain, I mean where each is positioned, their different responsibilities, and the different skills required for each one.

I believe WILL is weak side linebacker (W) and SAM is the strong side linebacker (S).

This is a link to a great site for info on defensive strategy. Here's an explanantion of what everyone does in a basic 4-3 defense (what we usually run)

http://letstalkdefense.com/43defense.html

WILL=weakside LB
SAM= strongside LB
MIKE= middle LB

Just shorthand terms. Makes it easier to say

Why do I have to be in the middle?

McMetz811 wrote:Why do I have to be in the middle?

Because.... ahhh, no comment.

That's ok, the one in the middle doesn't have to do as much work. Just got to make sure your keeping an eye on your tight end.

Hm, never realized football covered such sexual references....

TG1996 wrote:

McMetz811 wrote:Why do I have to be in the middle?

Because.... ahhh, no comment.

Stuck in the middle....isn't that a song?

BGDrew wrote:That's ok, the one in the middle doesn't have to do as much work. Just got to make sure your keeping an eye on your tight end.

Hm, never realized football covered such sexual references....

The 'Tight End' aka my cornhole will always be covered when I'm in between 2 other guys my size!

I hear ya, don't want your tight end to become a wide receiver.

I stumbled on the wrong thread.

Flipper wrote:This is a link to a great site for info on defensive strategy. Here's an explanantion of what everyone does in a basic 4-3 defense (what we usually run)

http://letstalkdefense.com/43defense.html

Good link Flip.

By the descriptions they make it sound like each of the LB's have similar responsibilities and therefore need similar talents. However, I always thought that the WILL and SAM needed to have better speed than the MIIKE becasuse they are assisting more on covering wide receivers. Am I wrong on that?

Rightupinthere wrote:

Flipper wrote:This is a link to a great site for info on defensive strategy. Here's an explanantion of what everyone does in a basic 4-3 defense (what we usually run)

http://letstalkdefense.com/43defense.html

Good link Flip.

By the descriptions they make it sound like each of the LB's have similar responsibilities and therefore need similar talents. However, I always thought that the WILL and SAM needed to have better speed than the MIIKE becasuse they are assisting more on covering wide receivers. Am I wrong on that?

Rightupinthere:

My take has always been (bear in mind these are broad generalizations) ...

MIKE: Run-stopper. Speed not the main criterion here. Sure tackler and it's a real plus if they are a big hitter.

WILL: Quickest of the three linebackers.

SAM: Best athlete - strong enough to fight off extra blockers, quick enough to cover backs & tight ends.

Our starting linebackers as of late. Especially the SAM or WILL postions we've had a 5'11 215 pounder at that postion , how does that equate to being able to cover a running back that might go 225 or more or a TE?? We must insert size into this years starting linebackers.

Falconboy:

We've been over this territory many times and I don't think anyone has changed their opinion. Lighter and quicker are the keywords for Beckman's defense. Whether that's good or bad, well, we'll have to see. But adding size isn't necessarily going to make difference. The problem is probably as much schematic as it is phsyical.