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Why is it so important for the QB to identify the MIKE LBer and what could happen if he gets it wrong? Also, what is the definition of a possession receiver? Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frezo (Post 3038908)

Why is it so important for the QB to identify the MIKE LBer and what could happen if he gets it wrong? Also, what is the definition of a possession receiver? Thanks

Calling the mike can involve a few things from simply sliding protection to identifying a key player the QB think has to be neutralized in order for the play to succeed, to identifying a blitz. It isn't necessarily a right/wrong situation.

Possession receiver = someone who can catch the ball in critical situations, 3rd down etc. The go-to guy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patspsycho (Post 3038915)

Possession receiver = someone who can catch the ball in critical situations, 3rd down etc. The go-to guy.

I've always thought of a "possession" receiver as a guy who can make a short catch and turn it into a big gain, not a vertical threat. Through jukes, cuts, stiff arms, etc. Not only on third downs and not really the go-to guy.

Just a guy that makes things happen after the catch. Most don't have elite speed, they just get it done.

I think of a possession receiver as a guy who makes or contributes to a lot of first downs, so that you keep possession of the ball.

E.g., David Givens.

Possesion WR is a WR who lacks top end speed but has good hands...

Troy Brown comes to mind.

He did have that great 80 TD against the Dolphins in OT thought, that was sweet.

Identifying the MIKE sets up blocking schemes. Mike is the middle of the D, and the blcoking schemes are dictated from there.
Possession recevier is kind of a euphamism for slow guy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyJohnson (Post 3039078)

Identifying the MIKE sets up blocking schemes. Mike is the middle of the D, and the blcoking schemes are dictated from there.
Possession recevier is kind of a euphamism for slow guy.

While Andy is correct, I liked this explanation of Identifying the MIKE.

Quote:

Identifying someone as the mike linebacker sets up the protection for the center and backs. Typically the offensive guards and tackles take the defensive tackles and ends (most offensive lines try to block big on big). The center and backs have to figure out who is left unaccounted for to block. So based on defensive formation and tendencies learned during film, the QB (or center) calls out the Mike, which gives the center his blocking assignment. Once the Mike is establsihed - it may not be the player who in reality is the middle linebacker, the backs will know who to block. Without doing this, the center and backs may be late in figuring out who their guy is.

Why do quarterbacks call out the mike linebacker