Linebacker
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- This article relates to sports. For the Vietnam War bombing raids, see Operation Linebacker and Operation Linebacker II.
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. The number of linebackers is dependent upon the defensive scheme 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.
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3-4 Defense
In a 3-4 Defense, 3 lineman play 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.
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.
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.
Middle linebacker
The middle linebacker is dubbed "Mike", and is the "quarterback" of the defensive team. 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.
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.
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. Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis are two examples of linebackers who play their positions well. Lawrence Taylor, who played for the New York Giants in the 1980s, redefined the role of the linebacker. Prior to Taylor, linebackers were used primarily as a passive part of the defense, dropping back to pass coverage or run stopping when necessary. Taylor became known and feared among NFL offenses for his fearless rushes at the quarterback, something most linebackers did not attempt, because they were not athletic enough, or the other linebackers could not compensate in their absence. Taylor's speed and agility allowed him to get into the backfield before the offensive linemen could stop him, and as a result he consistently led the league in sacks.