Outside linebacker

The outside linebacker is a player responsible for outside containment and blitzing the quarterback. There are three maximum OLBs on the field. These players share strong and weak sides.

The strongside OLB is Sam. It combats with the tight end and helps its inside colleagues to cover most territory. That makes extra difficulties for the offense who concentrates their strongest players there. Sam often hints a running back or fullback. Its advantages are shedding, fight off moves and strength.

The weak outside linebacker is Will or Buck. It is the fastest of backside group and works on pass coverage. Buck doesn’t contact with strong interior offensive linemen, but it’s first responder on the call. Its position is some yards off the scrimmage line, right in the defensive backfield.