Who again picks up the back on passing plays, the linebacker right? Ok please read..
Yes, an outside linebacker (OLB) often picks up a running back on passing plays, but it depends entirely on the defensive scheme, the side of the field they play on, and where the back runs. [
1]
Scheme and Alignment Rules
- 4-3 Defense (Weak-side "Will" Backer): The Will linebacker is fast and frequently responsible for covering a running back who leaks out to their side of the field or goes out on a route. [1]
- 4-3 Defense (Strong-side "Sam" Backer): The Sam linebacker usually matches up with a tight end, leaving the back-field coverage to middle or weak-side linebackers, though they may pick up a back if the tight end stays to block. [1, 2]
- 3-4 Defense: Outside linebackers in a 3-4 scheme act primarily as edge pass rushers. They rarely cover running backs unless running a zone-blitz drop; coverage on backs usually falls to the inside linebackers.