Defensive Archetype

Back to SAM Linebacker Archetypes

Run Stopper

Finds their gap and meets running backs at the point of attack for easy stops.

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Strengths

  • Meets running backs at point of attack
  • Finds their gap
  • Easy stops in run game

Weaknesses

  • Often a liability in pass defense
  • Less effective in coverage

Most Relevant Attributes

Hit PowerPursuitTackleBlock SheddingPlay RecognitionAwareness

Archetype Fit Players

Perfect

Portrait of Leo Chenal
R??-P??
Star development
Leo
6' 3"250 lbs24 yrs
Chenal
84OVR
93ACC
89POW
88SPD
88PUR
86TAK
83AWR
82BSH
82STR
81PRC
69ZCV
63PMV
54FMV
Chiefs logoSAM

Excellent

Portrait of Isaiah McDuffie
R??-P??
Normal development
Isaiah
6' 1"227 lbs26 yrs
McDuffie
78OVR
90TAK
89ACC
87SPD
87PUR
79POW
76PRC
76AWR
74BSH
73STR
69ZCV
52FMV
48PMV
Packers logoSAM

Great

Portrait of Jerome Baker
R??-P??
Star development
Jerome
6' 2"225 lbs28 yrs
Baker
76OVR
89SPD
87ACC
85TAK
84PUR
78POW
77AWR
76PRC
74STR
73BSH
69FMV
65ZCV
58PMV
Browns logoSAM
Portrait of Dennis Gardeck
R??-P??
Star development
Dennis
6' 0"232 lbs31 yrs
Gardeck
74OVR
87SPD
86ACC
84PUR
82TAK
81STR
77POW
77FMV
76BSH
74AWR
72PRC
70PMV
59ZCV
Jaguars logoSAM
Portrait of Derrick Barnes
R??-P??
Normal development
Derrick
6' 1"245 lbs26 yrs
Barnes
74OVR
86SPD
85POW
84TAK
83ACC
83PUR
79STR
78AWR
74PRC
73BSH
72PMV
66FMV
66ZCV
Lions logoSAM

Compatible Schemes

This archetype is used in the following schemes:

3-4 Storm

Speed up front and coverage in the middle, the 3-4 Storm defense is geared towards applying pressure to the quarterback as quickly as possible and having linebackers ready to capitalize on any passing errors.

3-4 Under

The 3-4 Under adds even more flexibility with linebackers that can line up on the defensive line. Using bigger linebackers, the defense looks to switch the roles play to play to keep the offense off balance.

4-3 Quarters

Quarters, also known as Cover 4, is a scheme that puts four defenders deep, but allows for opportunities to split the field in man and zone coverage. As such, 4-3 Quarters is a good match against versatile offenses like Spreads.

4-3 Under

The 4-3 Under defensive scheme allows for more flexibility than the base 4-3, as it can change to a 3-4 or 5-2. It requires solid fill in players at both the DL and LB positions to be used at full potential.

46 Defense

The 46 Defense features 8 players in the box, and a weak side defensive line shift. Designed to confuse blocking assignments and bring heavy blitzes to outman and overwhelm offenses.

Base 3-4

The base 3-4 defense utilizes bigger DL to eat up blockers, allowing four LBs to attack from multiple angles. The 3-4 excels at generating pressure with clever blitzes and is a solid defense against running plays.

Base 4-3

The 4-3 defensive scheme is a defensive formation with 4 defensive linemen and 3 linebackers, ideal for generating a pass rush with minimal blitzing, allowing for 7 defenders to drop into coverage.

Disguise 3-4

As offensive production is at an all-time high, defenses need to be unpredictable to succeed. This defense draws strength from the flexibility of its symmetrical lineup, and it shines with disguise concepts and malleable fronts.

Other SAM Linebacker Archetypes