Weakside Linebacker?

Question

What is an weakside linebakcer and where do they line up on the field(are they outside linebackers?) What is the role of an weakside linebacker?

Answer 1

The weak side line backer is typically in the 4-3 set. He is the outside linebacker opposite the short side (or "weak" side) of the offensive line. His role is usually a secondary run defense or short pass/screen defender.

Answer 2

Weakside Linebacker is usually the Right Outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. He is usually the more athletic and intelligent of the trio which puts more responsibilities on his shoulders.

The Weakside Linebacker typically on the weak side of the offensive formation where there is no Tight end, offset FB, etc.. On running plays, just like every other linebacker, he has the chase down the ballcarrier, except for a few exceptions. Being on the offset side, he is normally responsible for "containment" meaning if the runningback does not run his way initially, he must stay to his side unless he reads that the play is not coming to him and help out the others if he can. For example, on a reverse play, the first RB goes away from the weakside LB, he tries to chase him down, going all the way to other side of the field, yet the RB hands it off to another player and goes the other way, back to the original spot of the weakside linebacker. In containment, he should of have tried to run him down, yet NOT going all the way towards him, enabling him to still defend his side of the formation.

In passing situations, one of two things could happen. He is either called upon to stay in and play a short coverage, being the most athletic. This is normally gaurding a a flat area, 10 yard hook zone, or coner zone. The other situation is a blitz. Being athletic and on the weakside, the LB has the best chance of getting to the Quarterback for the sack.

In a nutshell, the Weakside linebacker normally stays on the field longest, and depending on the situation either 1) fills a gap on a running play. 2) play containment on a running play. 3) cover a short zone on passing downs. 4) Blitzing the Quarterback.

Answer 3

The weakside linebacker, or 'Will' as he is known, is usually too valuable a player to send on a blitz. Will linebackers are famous for their blinding speed and are excellent in space and pass coverage. Having a fast Will linebacker is like having a second strong safety. A Defences' most effective blitzer is 'Mike', or the Middle Linebacker, simply because he is closest to the Quarterback, and that there is already another corner player rushing from Wills coverage area, the right Defensive End. The weakside 'backer will usually line up right behind the defensive end on the right side of a defense, opposite an Offense' left side, or weak side. Yes, the term 'Weakside' is said to describe the offensive line set with the tight end on the opposite side. A tight end set in motion from the right to the left does move the strongside to the left, however a competent 'Will' can cover a tight end. No need to flip flop assignments.

Answer 4

In a three linebacker set, the weakside LB is an outside linebacker who lines up opposite the TE or opposite the strong side. The role of the weakside linebacker is depended on the coverage or play call. They could play zone, in the flats, stuff the run, play the pass, etc.

Answer 5

They are an outside linebacker lined up to the weak side of an offense. If the tight end is on the right, the weakside linebacker is opposite and on the left. They line up opposite the strong side of the offense rather because of a tight end, fullback or multiple wide recievers. Their job is to contain the outside on their side. They have to make tackles if the running back cuts back or there is a bootleg by the quarterback. They are a linebacker, who makes tackles.

Answer 6

A weakside Linebacker is someone who is really fast,speedy,Roadrunner like. Who then lines up off the line of scrimage. And goes through the traffic. And keeps an eye on the Qb and his side hes supposed to watch. There not outside linebackers. Linebackers weak or strong have there own agenda. This may differ cause of the game or your coach may be telling you what to look for and not to look for.

Answer 7

The weakside linebacker, or "Will", must be the fastest of the three, because he is often the one called into pass coverage. He is also usually chasing the play from the backside, so the ability to maneuver through traffic is a necessity for Will. Will usually aligns off the line of scrimmage at the same depth as Mike (middle linebacker). Due to his position on the weakside Will does not often have to face large interior linemen one on one unless one is pulling. In coverage, Will often covers the back that attacks his side of the field first in man coverage, while covering the weak flat or hook/curl areas in zone coverage.

Famous weakside linebackers include William Thomas, Junior Seau, Lance Briggs, Keith Brooking, Keith Bulluck, Julian Peterson, and Derrick Brooks.

Answer 8

They're like outside linebackers but they line up on the weakside of the ball. They have the same role as any other linebacker.

Answer 9

The weak side linebacker lines up on the outside and on the opposite side of the tight end

Answer 10

he is a outside linebacker,he is on the side of the ball without the tightend the side that the tightend is on is called the strong side since they have a extra blocker if needed