In the 3 - 4 formation , the two outside linebackers are the closest of the seven defenders to the edge of the offensive line .
Therefore linebackers are the linebackers who have the best shot at hitting the quarterback .
In the 3 - 4 formation , the two outside linebackers are the closest of the seven defenders to the edge of the offensive line and therefore they are the ones who have the best shot at hitting the quarterback .