Run Stopper

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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

Excellent

Portrait of Isaiah McDuffie
Normal development
Isaiah
6'1"227 lbs27 yrs
McDuffie
Packers logoSAM
Portrait of Dennis Gardeck
Normal development
Dennis
6'0"232 lbs32 yrs
Gardeck
Jaguars logoSAM

Great

Portrait of Jerome Baker
Normal development
Jerome
6'2"232 lbs29 yrs
Baker
Free Agents logoSAM
Portrait of E.J. Speed
Normal development
E.J.
6'3"224 lbs31 yrs
Speed
Texans logoSAM
Portrait of Derrick Barnes
Normal development
Derrick
6'1"245 lbs27 yrs
Barnes
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