Linebacker
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- This article relates to sports. For the Vietnam War bombing raids, see Operation Linebacker and Operation Linebacker II. For the air defense version of the US infantry fighting vehicle, see M2 Bradley.
A linebacker is a position in American and Canadian football. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately five to seven yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen. Linebackers generally align themselves before the ball is snapped by standing upright in a "two point stance" (as opposed to the defensive linemen, who put one or two hands on the ground for a "three point stance" or "four point stance" before the ball is snapped). The linebacker is often the most feared player on the defensive side of the ball and is considered the ideal blend of size, strength, ferocity, speed and overall athleticism.
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[edit] Formations
The number of linebackers is dependent upon the formation called for in the play; formations can call for as few as none, or as many as seven. Most defensive schemes call for three or four, and they are named for the number of linemen, followed by the number of linebackers. For example, the 4-3 defense has four defensive linemen and three linebackers; conversely, the 3-4 defense has three linemen and four linebackers.
[edit] 46 Defense
In the 46 defense, there are 4 linemen, 3 linebackers, and a safety who is moved up behind the line of scrimmage. So it looks like there are 4 linebackers, but it is really 3 linebackers with one safety playing where the other linebackers are. The safety, like the linebackers, can blitz, play man coverage, zone, or drop back into deep coverage like a normal safety would do. The 46 is used in heavy run situations, or when a team wants to bring lots of pressure or just to confuse the quarterback. In the 46 the outside linebacker on the strong side or side with the most linemen that the tight end lines up on moves up to play end and the two linebacker hook the curl by dropping back at a 45 degree angle about 10-15 yards. Buddy Ryan is generally regarded as the originator of this defense, developing it and using it to great success with the 1985 Chicago Bears. It was named in honor of Chicago Bear safety, Doug Plank, who wore the number 46.
[edit] 4-3 Defense
In the 4-3 defense there are 4 down linemen, and three linebackers. The middle linebacker ("mike") and two outside linebackers ("rovers"). If there is a strong call, the linebacker to the strong call is called, "Sam". While the linebacker away from the strong call is called, "Will". The outside linebackers' job is to cover the end to make sure a run doesn't escape, and to also watch the pass and protect from it. The middle linebackers' job is to watch the entire field and see the play develop. If the running back or tight end goes out for a pass it is the "mike's" job to cover him. The "mike" also covers the slot receivers and takes responsibility for any run play up the middle and to the side.
In the "Tampa 2" zone defense the middle linebacker is required to drop quickly into zone pass coverage, requiring a quick player at this position.
[edit] 3-4 Defense
In the 3-4 Defense there are 3 lineman playing the line of scrimmage, with 4 linebackers backing them up, typically two outside linebackers and two inside linebackers. This defense is favored when the opposing team is expected to pass. Generally both outside linebackers can both rush the passer and play the run. Also, at least one outside linebacker should be able to cover a tight end if they go out into coverage. When it comes to the inside linebackers, one is generally a run stuffing bully while the other is smaller and more versatile and can play pass coverage very well. However, the smaller one should also be able to scrape and plug running lanes decently.
[edit] Types of linebackers
There are typically three designations of linebackers: strongside, middle, and weakside. Sometimes the strongside and weakside are combined under the title outside, and the middle is renamed inside.
[edit] Strongside linebacker
The strongside linebacker is often nicknamed "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, the strongside linebacker usually lines up across from the tight end. Often the strongside linebacker will be called upon to tackle the running back on a play, because the back will be following the tight end's block. He is most often the strongest linebacker: mostly rushing the quarterback or stopping runs, allowing the weakside linebacker to drop into pass coverage.
Famous strongside linebackers include Jack Ham, Bill Romanowski, Willie McGinest, LaVar Arrington, and Julian Peterson.
[edit] Middle linebacker
Typically the middle linebacker is responsible for calling the play, or communicating with the coach on the play to be chosen. "Mike" must be versatile in his assignment, since he may be called upon to stop a run, or drop back into coverage on a pass play. The Middle Linebacker is usually the best player on the team not just the defense, he must be able to make tackles from anywhere on the field, because of this he must be able to react quickly.
Famous middle linebackers include: Mike Singletary, Dan Morgan, Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher, Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert, Sam Mills, Willie Lanier, Zach Thomas, and Ray Nitschke.
[edit] Weakside linebacker
The weakside linebacker, or "Will", must be the fastest of the three, because he is often the one called into pass coverage. Despite this, he will be called in to stop the run if the defense is certain that the offense will run the ball. He is given the freedom to roam the open field because the strongside linebacker ("Sam") is playing the line tight.
Famous weakside linebackers include Lawrence Taylor, Junior Seau, Takeo Spikes, Derrick Brooks, Will Witherspoon, and Joey Porter
[edit] Roles of linebackers
As referenced above, linebackers must often be the most versatile players on the defensive team. While the linemen's sole job is to shoot the gap and break up the offense, and the defensive backs cover the receivers and stop pass plays, the linebackers must do both. For this reason, quality linebackers are highly sought-after players.de:Linebacker (American Football)
