Quote:
Originally Posted by lux.sh
lineman and linebacker.
Difference would be...
dude I friggin' need a Football for Dummies.
|
Lineman - the lineman (also referred to as down lineman) on either side of the ball line up on the line of scrimage. This is the imaginary line that runs from sideline to sideline, through the center of the ball. The neutral zone is the span of the ball, from tip to tip, all the way across the field. No one may line up in the neutral zone, but the center (the person that gives, or "snaps" the ball to the QB to start the play) may have their hand in the neutral zone. Lineman are valued for size first, strength first and then quickness. Their job on defence is to plug up the area around the ball (between the offensive tackles).
Linebackers have a long list of duties. There are inside, or middle linebackers, and there are outside linebackers. It depends on the defensive scheme and the play called as to what they might do. The line up between 2 and 6 yards off the ball. One of the middle linebackers is the "QB" of the defense, usually. He is charged with reading the offence, calling out plays and adjustments. When the ball is in play, and it's a run, they are charged with flowing to the ball and working with the defensive lineman to make the tackle. In a pass, the linebacker may drop back into short coverage in the flat and underneath (flat is 0-8 yds off the ball, outside the tackles, underneath is 0-8 yds between the tackles), but they may also be part of the pass rush, depending on the play called.
Linebackers are usually smaller than the defensive linemen, and while they must still poses great strength, they are valued for quickness, and agility, which helps them flow to the ball. They still have the size to take on offensive linemen, but use their speed as well as strength to make the play. These are some of the most unusual athletes on the field. The best are only a couple tenths slower than a cornerback in the 40yd, but they typically have strength similar to a down lineman. They're just smaller than the linemen so they can move.