ktoblesky:Sorry but what's a SAM when refering to a linebacker?
It refers to the strong side linebacker. In a 4-3 this player lines up over the TE or on the strong side of the formation if no TE is present. This player's responsibility is to stack and shed on the TE and effectively seal the edge (especially important in the over variant of the 4-3) his ultimate goal is to force the flow of the play inside where it can be cleaned up by the MLB and WLB.
These players tend to be physical and generally slightly larger then the other linebackers, they can also be utilized as pass rushers in some schemes (i.e Kiwanuka in 07 with Spagnulo's single gap 4-3 over). In the cover 2 this player has the resposibility of covering the TE and is generally smaller than other 4-3 SAMs from other scheme's as safety help is not readily available down the seam in a cover 2, thus demanding a smaller and faster LB to ensure good coverage. The prime example of the cover 2 sam is Cato June (texans). He played safety in college and is fairly light at ~225lbs.
The best FA cover 2 SLB is Pisa Tinoisamoa. Many on these boards do not believe he has the playing strength to be an effective SAM but he has succeeded there for a majority of his career. If utilized in an under front or a balanced front he could easily be one of the top SAM backers in the NFL. However he may not be able to handle an over front on a consistent basis. This doesn't mean that the over should be completely abandonded but it is just not fully utilizing his talents.
20 bucks on who gives up less sacks, I got the bears and avs has the broncos. May the best Oline win.