NFL Linebackers?

Question

In the NFL, whats the difference in jobs between the SAM and WILL positions in a 4-3 D? I thought I heard that SAM does a lot of tight end covering stuff and WILL is against the run, but doesn't WILL play on the left side, which isn't usually where teams run? Thanks in advance :-)

Answer 1

4-3 is right

Answer 2

the sam is usually the faster, smaller and the weaker linebacker so he doesnt have to deal with the tight end when he has a blitz assingnment and the Wille is the slower, bigger and the stronger linebacker since he has to deal with not only the Offensive line when he blitzes but also the linbacker. and the Willie usually also has to look out for the run because teams run on the strong side because of the protection provided by the Tight End.

Answer 3

Start with the names. The Will, Sam, and Mike linebackers are so called as a simple convention to designate where they line up pre-snap, i.e., weakside, strongside, or middle.

The Mike,or middle linebacker is easy. The strongside/weakside determination is made by how the defense interprets the offensive formation they face on a particular play.

You are correct in that "traditional" calls made the side the tight end lined up on the strongside, but be cautioned that is very simplistic in today's world of multiple shifting sets, particularly in the NFL.

Answer 4

4-3 is 4 lineman and 3 linebackers.

Answer 5

23 got it completely wrong

weakside is the smaller, quicker lineback............think derrick brooks when he first came into the league.......his job is to flow freely (since he doesnt have to worry about the tight end) and make plays all over the field. hence his need for athleticism......think Julian Peterson right now is the perfect mold........he chases the run down from sideline to sideline, blitzes, and drops back in coverage......

the strongside is lined up over the tight end.......

hes bigger and stronger because he needs to take on blockers........