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As there are two inside linebackers, there are also two outside linebackers. These outside backers can be described generically as the Sam and Will positions. The Sam linebacker typically sticks to the strong side, often outside the strong side defensive end, and has substantial pass coverage responsibilities. [ 11 ]
The outside linebacker's job is to cover the end to make sure a run does not 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. On pass plays, the linebackers' responsibilities vary based upon whether a man or zone coverage is called.
The strongside, or Sam, linebacker lines up on the same side as the offensive tight end and often is responsible for covering the tight end or running back on pass plays. The weakside, or Will , linebacker lines up on the side of the offensive line without a tight end and is often used to rush, or blitz , the quarterback or to cover a running ...
Anthony Barr is a prototypical "Sam" linebacker. The weak side, or "Will" linebacker, will generally play on the weak side and has more freedom than the other LBs, often blitzing the quarterback or guarding against the screen. He also has heavy coverage responsibilities, making a good number of today's Will linebackers former safeties. [13]
Like a Sam linebacker in a 4–3 scheme, the other 3–4 OLB must be able to cover, blitz, and play the run. Strengths of the 3–4 include speedy ILBs and OLBs in pursuit of backs in run defense and flexibility to use multiple rushers to confuse the quarterback during passing plays without being forced into man-to-man defense on receivers.
In the case where one or two linebackers blitz, the remaining linebacker(s) expands his zone to cover the zone responsibilities of the vacating linebacker(s). Often, blitzing will leave larger holes in the pass defense, but it is a gamble the defensive coordinator wants to make to pressure the quarterback into a poor decision and hopefully an ...
Christian C. Sam (born June 7, 1996) is an American professional football linebacker. He played college football at Arizona State , in 2017 leading the Pac-12 with 127 tackles, while also leading the Pac-12 with 87 solo tackles (4th-most in the NCAA ).
Samuel Kofi Barrington (born October 5, 1990) is an American former professional football linebacker. He played college football at South Florida, and was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL draft. Barrington has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and Buffalo Bills.