So i realize I may get slammed for this question but could anyone explain the difference of these two positions to me in today's NFL. SAMs seem to usually have body type of a DE where as the weak side will usually be the nickle linebacker. With the offenses being run today why is that? I wouldn't think that there would be such a preponderance of plays to one side with 3/4 wide formations being almost the norm. Again apologies in advance if this is basic stuff but was trying to better understand from the BBI coaches. Thanks in advance
Agreed, and hopefully some of the more football-savvy members here will chime in. But until they do, linked below is an article from PFF from a few years ago that covers the basics on MIKE, SAM, and WILL LBs.
Defensive Prototypes: Linebackers. - ( New Window )
The Sam backer needs to be able to take on that extra beef at the LOS hence why their body type typically calls for a stronger player.
Here's another quick one that goes into a little more detail:
Top 3 Main Linebacker Positions. - ( New Window )
Sams do not have to be as athletic because like the Mike they play mostly over the middle of the field.
In the Under alignment, the WLB (and MLB) are stacked between the T's like 34 ILBs. It's why Spags likes big bruiser WLBs like Kawika Mitchell and now Casillas, who has gone from a speed guy to a power guy. They are blitzing and playing downhill taking on blocks between the tackles. Need a certain body type and mentality for that.
So while LT was the WIL, he was constantly taking on three blockers because he was simply unreal :)