Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers linebacker Kris Frost (17) tackles Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon (25) during the second half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Auburn Tigers 34-31 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Continuing our series of Defensive Depth Chart Projections for the 2015 season, we take a look at the strong side outside linebacker position – which is often referred to the SAM linebacker, or abbreviated SLB.
In case you missed any of our defensive line projections, check them out here:
So, what is the “strong side” anyway?
In most defenses, there are three ways to determine the strong side of an offensive formation, and therefore which side of the formation the linebacker will line up: If the ball is in the middle of the field, the strong side is (1) the tight end side of the offense or (2) the side that poses the strongest passing threat. If the ball is on either the right or left hash mark, the strong side is (3) the wide side of the field.
For example, from the perspective of the linebacker, a formation that has two running backs in the backfield, a wide receiver to each side and a tight end to his left (the quarterback’s right), the tight end side is the strong side, and the SLB will align to that his left, while the WLB will line up on the right.
However, if there is a tight end to the left, two backs in the backfield and two wide receivers to the right, the strong side of the offense is the right because of the stronger passing threat.
Make sense? If not, maybe Brian Billick can explain it better (video via FoxSports):
In a base defense, the strong side linebacker’s top priority is defending the run and he also usually has outside containment responsibilities. He has to take on blocking tight ends (and occasionally cover them man-to-man depending on the coverage called), fullbacks and pulling guards – though of course responsibilities change with each defensive call.
A SLB must often defend the flats in zone pass coverage, but may also be called upon to run with a wheel route out of the backfield. He may also be a pass rusher.
Simply, it’s a diverse role and very important.
As it relates to our depth chart projections for the 2015 Auburn defense, it will honestly be somewhat difficult to project both the strong side and weak side outside linebacker positions prior to spring football because the Tigers are changing their base defensive scheme. New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will install a multiple 4-3 defense to replace the 4-2-5 system that Ellis Johnson utilized over the past two seasons.
However, given the general roles and responsibilities of the position to play near the line of scrimmage on the tight end side, we can make an educated guess as to which Tigers best fit the traditional mold.
Next: Kris Frost