inside linebacker
Central defensive player
Inside linebacker is a defensive position in American football, stationed behind the defensive line near the center of the field.
Inside linebackers read offensive plays, stop runs up the middle, and cover short passes.
In a 3-4 defense, two inside linebackers anchor the formation; in a 4-3, a single middle linebacker fills the role.
He made twelve tackles from his inside linebacker spot.
- tackleGear or takedown
- tackle for lossDefensive stop behind scrimmage
- defenseProtection against harm
- blitzSwift, overwhelming offensive
- pass rushDefensive quarterback pursuit
sack · middle · coverage · gap · pursuit · helmet · pads · read · snap · huddle · sideline · formation · scrimmage · downfield · interception · fumble · crunch · impact
- defendersdefender, guard, protector, guardian, keeper
- football positionsquarterback, wide receiver, tight end, cornerback, safety
inside linebackeroutside linebacker
Defensive player flanking formation
edge rusher · defensive end · cornerback · safety · pass rusher
inside linebackercenter
Middle of anything
running back · fullback · quarterback · offensive lineman · guard
inside, insider, insiders, insides, linebacker, linebackers, line, liner, liners