Editing Linebacker (section)

=== Inside linebacker ===
The terms ''middle'' and ''inside'' linebacker ('''ILB''') are often used interchangeably;<ref>{{cite book |last=Bradley |first=Michael |title=Football All-Stars: The Nfl's Best |date=2003 |publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group |isbn=0823936902 |page=55}}</ref> they are also used to distinguish between a single middle linebacker playing in a [[4–3 defense#Linebackers|4–3 defense]], and two inside linebackers playing in a [[3–4 defense#Linebackers|3–4 defense]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Weisman |first=Larry |date=August 5, 2008 |title=Mayo leaning on 'old guys' to pick up Pats system on the fly |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/patriots/2008-08-05-mayo_N.htm |work=[[USA Today]]}}</ref> In a 3–4 defense, the larger, more run-stopping-oriented linebacker is usually still called "Mike", while the smaller, more pass protection/route coverage-oriented player is called "Will".<ref name="May2021">{{cite web |last=May |first=Jeffrey |date=November 18, 2021 |title=Why is a linebacker called Mike? What does this mean? |url=https://en.as.com/en/2021/11/18/nfl/1637194760_140628.html |accessdate=January 23, 2023 |work=[[Diario AS]]}}</ref> "Mikes" usually line up towards the strong side or on the side the offense is more likely to run on (based on personnel matchups) while "Wills" may line up on the other side or even a little further back between the defensive line and the secondary.<ref name="May2021" />