Why Do Quarterbacks Point Out the Mike Linebacker?

[@jons2614]

I just think it's amazing that EVERY team has a guy named Mike - and he seems to play linebacker! Incredible!

[@justbecause7402]

Mike Kuechly

[@GBHanny8]

Mike Singletary

[@tallonjones8514]

Mike Urlacher

[@serenitywilson5483]

It’s funny because my son is named Michael and he plays linebacker 😂

[@Plxaxt-]

Mike Lewis

[@khushjawandha5283]

Thought this was Kyle Shanahan when I clicked

[@angel.dc5752]

Khush Jawandha same I was aboutta say that 😂😂😂

[@mafia_dave32]

Damn me too

[@TheQBSchool]

Everyone else too i guess.

[@riyazsf]

Same here.

[@johnbienasz163]

*Kyle og

[@jacksonrose1423]

This is like Khan Academy for football

[@TheQBSchool]

You're welcome.

[@codacreator6162]

I just learned more about football in 15 minutes than I have in 40+ years as a spectator. Feels like I’m going back to school, but it’s worth it. My 13-year-old son is so crazy into football already he’s running his own fantasy team. And winning. Nice to be able to share some of this with him on a long, lazy Sunday. Thanks, man!

[@majestykingirving1738]

That’s dope asf do the same thing with my pops on this channel

[@49erfanoz]

Been watching and playing this game my whole life and learn more each day that I know nothing about football lol

[@xGSxAmAZyn]

Don't let him play... unless it's flag... brain is like a dime in a 2 liter bottle

[@bipedalkoi9449]

@@xGSxAmAZyn why would you deprive your kid of that experience?

[@super8bitvideos]

@@bipedalkoi9449 Depriving them of brainmush at an age younger than 13?

[@rogerm2420]

As an equipment assistant for a pro team in the late 70’s, it wasn’t until I was around position meetings and film study did I realize most football fans knew little more than the final score. Great reference and insight. Thank you.

[@hawksfan5]

Most football guys (anyone involved and hardcore fans) realize this about the age of 13

[@rogerm2420]

Maybe...even ‘20 somethings’ had trouble with new techniques at camp. “Get out of my drill rookie”, the great Lamar Leachman R.I.P.

[@desirous5695]

This is Kyle Shanahans long lost brother Chad Shanahan.

[@JohRiGa]

This. Just this xD

[@dsimpson530]

Ironically he is a former niners QB

[@desirous5695]

JoRiGa Kyle and Chad brothers forever

[@dfelix419]

Or Cooper Shanahan... if it weren’t for his injury, he would’ve been than Payton or Eli...

[@raheim21]

Indeed😂. I thought Kyle Shanahan grew a beard and had a weekend in Vegas.

[@susanmaggiora4800]

“2nd & goal from the 22 is not good.” Spoken like a student of the game 🤣

[@DudeHomer]

could be a lot worse.....at least it's only 2nd down + they are in field goal range, if they don't get the TD in 2 tries.

[@jascharl]

Spoken like Booger McFarland

[@LiamBriggs18]

Could be worse. Could be 3rd and 93

[@Falor5151]

@@LiamBriggs18 4th and 93, we're going for it.

[@nathan.d.c]

@@LiamBriggs18 everyone in Ruston, Louisiana felt that one

[@JC-il7rl]

My dad, brothers, and I had niner season tickets when you were with the team. Team struggled but I’ll never forget chanting J-T-O! J-T-O! Some of the best years of my childhood- thanks for being a part of them!

[@CaptainCory]

This is my new favorite KZbin channel. Nerding out so hard right now. Great content JT.

[@alaba2679]

You just randomly popped up in my feed. I'm very grateful!

[@TheQBSchool]

Nice. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@goode.110]

Before watching id say cuz it looks badass

[@adgee5401]

Good E. Lol. Line calls

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Good E. 🙂

[@kaueseoane6885]

As a Brazilian fan I'm grateful for this content! NFL has been growing here! Keep it up!

[@charlesdarks8850]

I already knew these things but hearing the explanation by a real pro is amazing.

[@TheQBSchool]

Thanks.

[@david-shank]

Being a fan, but someone who didn't get to play organized football, I love these videos. Gives me a lot deeper understanding, as opposed to just watching the game.

[@thedeleted1337]

Watching a JT O sullivan video 15 seconds after the video is posted. My life is complete.

[@danielholtxxl4936]

A complete loss.

[@badlandskid]

Ahhhh... a cup of coffee, 3 inches of fresh snow and a new QB school video!

[@TexasKing100]

bruh whats snow, its still 70 in South Texas xD

[@tylerpederson1894]

@@TexasKing100 aged well

[@TexasKing100]

@@tylerpederson1894 not at fucking all

[@nimascolari1508]

JTO!!! Played for so many NFL teams, man. Huge potential and intelligent QB. Now schooling the new generation of QBs. Keep it up! Hope to see you coaching in the NFL soon. ✌️

[@eugene3484]

What’s his name? This coach?

[@golfaddict9]

@@eugene3484 I think he introduced himself at the beginning of the video as JT O'Sullivan. His Wiki says he played in the NFL for 9 seasons and NFL Europe for two seasons.

[@sleepygrumpy]

Man this is the most sophisticated football channel on the internet -- you are the shit, thank you for what you do, you literally are pulling the curtain back on the coolest stuff in sports

[@TheQBSchool]

Glad you dig it.

[@emmagalli]

Wow every time I watch one of your videos I actually learn something new about football! Thanks so much!

[@LYeah-dp9mp]

J.T. O’Sullivan, drafted by the Saints back in 02 played on various teams like the Packers, Bears, Vikings, and Patriots just to name a few. Played professionally from 02-12. Even played in Europe with the Frankfurt Galaxy. Glad to see him still doing what he loves. Most guys get out of the league and if they don’t make the HOF you never hear anything about them again. You gotta have love for this sport because it has long term damaging effects that most don’t see for years to come. Big ups to you Mr. O’Sullivan it’s been a pleasure

[@PunkRockGardener]

Also played in the CFL for the Saskatchewan Roughriders

[@EclecticBuddha]

I think you were suggested to me because I watch Antonelli Baseball. It's fascinating hearing you guys break down your sports. It's also amazing to learn that it's possible for a QB to have a long career without ever having an apartment in Cleveland. Maybe you and Antonelli could do a collaboration comparing and contrasting lifestyles between the leagues. I'm sure your fans would have a ton of crossover. Keep up the great work! I'm really loving your channel!

[@mattsmith1173]

This stuff fascinates me,great explaination!!Always wondered why Tom Brady and others were calling out "52's the Mike"

[@weesebowski8651]

Coming from a small native reservation I was never taught any of this! Sadly all I understood was pass block and run block that’s about it! Other than that I played DE and figured hey I’ll just hit everyone that isn’t on my team and make sure it hurts! And the routes I had was “hey cut inside, or go Wide out! 🤣 Ok bro!!!

[@hermanpesina6328]

I've always asked this question in my head and I'm so glad someone explained it ! Thanks !

[@delontamonroe7503]

Yo, You just put me on game!!! I love this type of content, thanks man!!!

[@Njbear7453]

Just subscribed to this channel and I’m glad I did. Your knowledge is extremely impressive. Being a former player and offensive lineman in college hearing all of the football terms and terminology brings a smile to my face. Good stuff

[@TheQBSchool]

Appreciate it, Bear.

[@George_M_]

I'll always remember that highlight of the guy yelling "I'm not the Mike! I'm not the Mike!"

[@asmahasmalaria8596]

My favorite audibles come from Tom Brady ("Gronkh! Stand up!" or "Julian! Get in your spot!")

[@SovietAssault69]

@@asmahasmalaria8596 I'm pretty sure it was, "Julian! You're in the slot!"

[@mikelynch7271]

Asma Hasmalaria ... have ya seen the one where TB audible’s in the middle of the play ? I think James White was the RB - TB takes the snap & as he fakes the Handoff he tells White where he wants em .

[@ElGranSanto]

That shot from behind made him look like a kid that got in trouble. Lol

[@ashleycoonfield9051]

I was looking in the comments to see if anyone mentioned this. This was the first thing I thought when I saw the title!

[@w0216984]

Just stumbled upon your channel, this is one of the best explanations of this I've seen. Great video for fans

[@stephenkurucz]

This is my new favorite KZbin account. So knowledable! Thanks

[@TheQBSchool]

Wow, thanks!

[@danabuch324]

You're videos are amazing. It occurred to me that there is a subject that is hardly ever talked about. The ability of the QB to judge speed-distance-time. People always associate YAK as only the result of the receiver's ability to run after he catches the ball. But on a crossing pattern the QB needs to get the ball to the receiver on the run and quickly enough for his receiver to make his cut up-field before the linebackers get there. It may only be a half a step but that is enough to get up-field. Please do a video on this subject comparing QBs ability to do this.

[@guidenredhawk]

I'm someone who doesn't watch much football, but where I work a lot of people watch it and talk about it. I'm someone who knows the core of football, but not the specifics like players and their roles, or the different set ups for plays. This video is good for learning how to learn the finer details of football. I am also trying to get into Madden 24 to play with guys at work, so these videos will also help get better at playing.

[@Robmlufc]

Thanks for the videos! Big Football fan in the UK so never played at school. Learning all the details from these videos. 👍🏻

[@TheQBSchool]

Nice. Thanks for watching.

[@edwardmarcus8353]

Awesome. Helps me understand how versatile players like Parsons or Polamalu are/were a nightmare for QBs. Blocking schemes get misdirected by where they line up. Oh - huh - now I understand disguises better too.

[@HPmob420]

During the dark ages of the San Francisco 49ers, I always loved JT and now he is on YT providing great insights. I have one question for JT. who gives the 9ers the better chance during this final stretch of the season (a healthy Jimmy G or Trey Lance)

[@ramganesh4424]

Just discovered this channel! Absolute Gold!! Wish there was an ordered playlist with recommended order for watching all these videos

[@sagnik3556]

there is

[@Ramdiggum000]

Getting to listen to an former NFL qb is excellent. Nice work

[@TheQBSchool]

Thanks, Shariff.

[@charlesdeyo6154]

Thank you for the explanation. I didnt realize it had to do with protection.

[@goose33]

I didnt search for this. But i NEEDED this

[@hughtaggart565]

Man, I love this channel! Mr. O'Sullivan, you do a fantastic job all around with your channel and content! Something about the way you break it down makes everything just click for me and I legitimately walk away from every video with a deeper understanding of the game. Keep up the great work sir!!

[@TheQBSchool]

Thanks, Hugh. Means a lot. Appreciate you watching.

[@oishirley]

I got a lot of catching up to do. I just recently got into football. Cheers from Guatemala.

[@raheim21]

And some film bro!! Your voice and knowledge is Golden!!

[@SatsuiEvilRyu]

"IM NOT THE MIKE"

[@richardhart9204]

… Ray Lewis?

[@rulesnwitz]

Would love you to do a film study on Brady with some final thoughts on their season... what a run even the last like 4-5 yrs has been insane obviously a tough little stretch for them but retool, get better and healthy in the offseason. certainly an interesting time for the pats and Brady

[@wideeyedraven15]

The best way to explain this is to say: when you call the MIKE out, it orients the template for the offensive alignments to all and everyone agrees. It’s like a pinpoint that affixes the whole scheme to an agreed upon orientation. N for north.

[@jrocketcan710]

Please keep doing stuff about Xs and Os. I am trying to get back into coaching and it is really helpful. Also, where can we ask questions for your Q and A vids?

[@tuquynhnguyen9316]

I would have loved if you added Philip Rivers mic’ d up play against the Texans where he called out the Texan defender 41 was the mike, “He’s the new Clowney!”, then he said toldya as it happened and busted him on how he lined up wrong in the blitz. DJ Watts remembers the play and admitting he was right? Funniest Rivers moment ever!

[@retrocny5625]

I grew to love football in the Eli Manning era of the NY Giants. Early on I didn't know much of anything about it, I was more of a basketball guy, so one of the things I always wondered was, why on every single play you'd hear Eli screaming stuff like "55s the Mike! 55s the Mike!" or whatever number the MLB happened to be wearing. I was like, what the hell is a mike? I knew there were defensive linemen, linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks but the whole Mike thing was over my head, until I finally figured it out after I started playing Madden with my friends and a buddy of mine told me to user/control the "Mike linebacker" -- then the lightbulb went off in my head lol.

[@TakingBackHenry1]

Could you break down the differences and similarities of how Brady and Manning read the defenses so effectively?

[@VENENOSEASON]

I think that’s a question only Brady and Manning can answer correctly.

[@MrDirtyd405]

It’s kinda like basketball if you know any of that those two guys have a knack for finding the blitzers in football the blitz is like a double team in basketball a lot of times someone is open when you do it and if it’s a good passer your in trouble. Either sport. In my amateur opinion I think that’s where Tom and Peyton make their decision this is blitz ima look quick first this is man ima look mid for someone getting beat this is zone I’m throwing short like I said that’s my amateur opinion but those guys are great decisions makers if you look at how they move they are slow with their feet but fast with their decisions that’s where Brady kills you he throws short yoh play it close he’ll bomb it on you not even deep just deep-mid the receivers do the rest

[@mildchaos6037]

If this guy knew, he would’ve been on Brady and Manning level

[@tribulation138]

Lol. I always thought Mic was the guy who had the comunication earpiece with his defencive coordinator.. shows how much i know

[@jeffreyplays7479]

Same here lmfao 😂😂😂

[@BDHunj]

JT- love the channel. Was wondering if you might consider doing a deep dive into Super Bowl 51 and how exactly my Falcons gave up a 25 point lead...perhaps your analysis will help me heal LOL

[@teejay3179]

J.T O'Sullivan nice, I'm going to sub now oh and great video by the way

[@jarydjackson8531]

Used to play mike until my freshman year of high school when my coach saw how skinny I was and put me at CB , glad other people here take (or took) it upon themselves to really fill the role of the “QB of the defense” to the extreme. I loved seeing QBs getting confused when I started screaming their audibles back at them and to my teammates like we knew what the fuck they were saying. One time I had a kid start stumbling over his words because I started a half second after him and we got a stoppage of play because he told me to shut up because he couldn’t think. That was the point. The pointing back at the QB was too easy but I still love seeing people who do it to fuck with opponents who aren’t ready for it. It’s all about mind games... really.

[@claytonwood7211]

This makes so much more since thanks!! Love the videos btw!

[@TheKennyboy92]

Such a good explanation of it thanks for the video.

[@xDSDSDSx]

Hey JT! First of all: I love your channel! Keep going with it! My question: Can you explain the difference or the basics of a zone read and a read option?

[@TheQBSchool]

Thanks. ZR is a run only usually reading the EMLOS. And RPO is a run or pass option based off some specific defender depending on the play, front, shell.

[@realdizzle87]

@@TheQBSchool EMLOS = end man on the line of scrimmage, btw. Basically the defensive-end if you're playing a 4-down defensive-front or the OLB against 3-4 defenses. So, on a ZR play - if the end-man breaks inside: the QB will keep it and run outside. If the end-man breaks to outside off the snap: now you hand the ball to the RB because he should have an open gap either between the T & G or between G & C.

[@ChristopherStandardTime]

holy crap... that clears up SO MUCH. subscribing now.

[@TheQBSchool]

Thanks.

[@michaeltipler5674]

You the shiznik dude, keep up the fantastic work!

[@dennisclarke6456]

When Peyton Manning would do that, it was like he was a conductor instructing a symphony.. it was epic lol...

[@jdog6620]

I’m 50 and I’ve never seen a QB do that or have so much control and understanding of what the defense was doing and what he was doing. It was phenomenal to watch.... in awe.

[@Prxscott]

49ers 4 life! I love your channel

[@mtube2380]

I love this channel. Thank you sir

[@kiloalphahotel5354]

Thanks for the vid. Always great.

[@w0216984]

Side note I remember you had a hell of a college career watched you while I was in college. Good luck with the channel

[@smokesletsgo8180]

So what's his name?

[@The757packerfan]

@@smokesletsgo8180 JT O'Sullivan

[@dkrdkr4690]

Best youtube channel

[@hunwa425]

In the 3-4 I call the olb (B on your picture) the bandit, and what you call a plug, we would call the will

[@go.gators]

Just found the channel ...and I love it!! Very cool content.💥

[@nelsonw2096]

Ok this makes sense. How is declaring the Mike done on a silent count? Like when you’re visiting KC or SEA.

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Nelson W Very loudly?🤣 Maybe they just try & point em out & don’t worry about calling out the number?

[@TsorovanZero]

I think they get real close and call it like the telephone game. QB tell the center, center tells the guards, guards tell the tackles. And yes, that's why the play clock becomes critical in those settings. Sometimes they also use hand signals. It's definitely interesting to watch teams adapt to Arrowhead.

[@-John-Doe-]

Declaring the mike has nothing to do with a silent count...

[@slimdougmaddox4634]

I used to think the the "Mike" was the guy that's NOT blitzing. Seems like the RB would be nervous about the protections changing. Thanks for the insight, John Thomas.

[@jk3639]

They point out the mike because defense lacks representation

[@andrewpestotnik5495]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@diggingnthetrenches4215]

Great as always JT awesome job

[@jamief7079]

Happy New Year JT. Can’t wait for more vids in 2020

[@TheQBSchool]

Thanks. Same.

[@skittlecar1]

J.T.O. Underrated football name.

[@YDCFF_]

This reminds me of how many times I heard Ray Lewis identified as the MIC. As a former LB I loved watching that man play.

[@ronaldgoodrich5460]

Football is the most complicated game in sports. The quarterback has to know what 21 other players are going to do when they hike the ball.

[@ShonTV15]

And he’s assuming who’s gonna do what for the most part. If he’s in the pocket looking to the right he’s praying the LT is doing what he’s supposed to be doing 🤣

[@junwah22]

Thanks JT I appreciate it greatly...

[@TheQBSchool]

You’re welcome.

[@billyconforto9108]

Holy shit, JT O’Sullivan haha! I remember this guy,

[@TheQBSchool]

I do too.

[@mikyronpadayachee3609]

RIP Bruh

[@jamilp2869]

@@mikyronpadayachee3609 HAHAHAHA!!!

[@kylemotty5951]

Gang Gang

[@watchthe1369]

It is like a shift key for the calls. is A,B, or C based upon the primary play.

[@aarontaylor463]

Thanks. I had wondered about that and you explained it very well.

[@darrell5703]

I just started watching your videos (awesome by the way) and I keep thinking you look so familiar. Then it hits me. You look and sound just like Zac (Barry Sloane) from Longmire. If anyone knows who that is lol.

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

All manner of adjustments, counter adjustments are barked out until the the ball is snapped. Often a big adjustment, like the QB calling a new play at the line, RARELY results in much of a positive gain, usually a stupid running play up the middle for 0- 3 yards.

[@kelseyjones13]

Good info. These vids could def benefit from sample videos, or even better, animations.

[@liamkenny8026]

This should some how be made into a board game where you identify the mike the will and the sam

[@TheQBSchool]

Good idea.

[@dustinmichel7608]

And the defence has to decide to cover, blitz, play the run.

[@dustinmichel7608]

Depending on how the picked play from offence fairs against the defence plus the advantage or disadvantage depending on your recognition of the linebackers and coverage will affect the out come of the play.

[@marcscott49er]

I hated when you left the 49ers. You were one of my favorites at the time.

[@TheQBSchool]

Thanks.

[@EclecticBuddha]

@blake roberson Heck, I came to like Ken Dorsey on the Browns despite playing against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. I also got out of high school and stopped caring as much about jerseys but still. Dorsey was a smart dude and willing to teach guys. When the QB conveyor belt was running at full speed in Cleveland he tried his best to make it work both for him and whoever else was slinging it.

[@HeismanDeleon]

@blake roberson Hey Blake what was your TD to Interception ratio in the NFL?

[@Lappelduvideify]

Just because one doesn’t play doesn’t mean that they can’t call out a sub-par player.

[@erbgorre]

more importantly, why was jameel mcclain so offended when tony romo called him out as the mike that one time? -.-

[@KindredBrujah]

Probably because he thought he'd get a free shot at Romo and Romo correctly identified the blitz direction.

[@michael-vb7br]

"2nd and Goal from the 22, uh, that's not good" lol GREAT breakdown!

[@jmg999]

Another reason the Mike gets called out so much more frequently these days is due to the proliferation of the zone running game. Many zone systems use these really simplified numbering systems, which is one of the reasons that it's so popular, b/c anyone of any level of intelligence can understand it. Counting out from the nose to each side, and including the second-level defenders, makes it easy for every O-lineman to know who block.

[@allnightfright619]

I still don’t get why only the player named Mike gets called out.

[@jaredlee4836]

Do you have any videos about pre snap quick game reads?

[@KevinWieschhues]

10:10 So, if the offense motions the TE to the left side. What are the adjustments if the defense reacts/adjusts by showing a SS blitz? Or if "Linebacker #52" suddenly comes up to the line of scrimmage? Do I stick with calling out the Will (#54) as the Mike?

[@markjoseph2801]

Got used to Brady always pointing and calling out the Mic. Always felt that he was in control...

[@imyourfarmer9215]

Favres response to ty detmer explaining that a nickel is when they replace a lb with a db was "is that it?... Who cares". He thought it was a type of defense rather than a personal term... Dont believe it. I think he was clowning detmer like my arm is so great i dont need to know...

[@imyourfarmer9215]

...and it was.

[@victorduffany7723]

I gotta say this is fun. I am having fun learning

[@bayareadeen510]

Thanks for your time with the niners

[@TheQBSchool]

You're welcome.

[@kwaynesatuckle5631]

It’s like looking at a map and saying “this is North”

[@RaysDad]

The way I learned it was that the center designates the Mike as the linebacker or other player the line is not going to block. If anyone is going to block the Mike it isn't going to be a lineman.

[@Maxbps88]

Doesn't pointing out the mic tell the Defense what you are doing, what play you are running to an extent?

[@IcyUuUu]

You nice with it!! Qb swag

[@jesussosa1579]

I clicked thinking you were the man, the myth, the legend. KYLE SHANAHAN

[@slimischillin7753]

What about vs a 1-5-5 formation? The Steelers used to do it and I think the patriots would too, where there’s one downed lineman with a bunch of linebackers just standing up & moving around in the box? I guess the mike would still be the inside linebacker on the strong side? that formation always makes me nervous.

[@TheQBSchool]

Usually designate a few often rushers as DL, too. Cleans up look.

[@thiagobrieger]

Hello, do you have a book to indicate to learn more? I'm from Brazil, and we don't have here!!! Thanks

[@Steve-yf9xy]

Yo. When you doing more videos soon? There’s so many good new young QBs out there 🔥

[@briancook7645]

J.T, I really like the videos you're doing. I love football film. I think the mental aspect of football is actually the more enjoyable part. But! Since videos like this are learning tools, I think it would really help if not only did you show the M, W, and S, but maybe show how the offense is going to block it based off the declarations. Just little lines showing LT is looking to block x, LG y, etc etc.