If i am a defensive end and a half back is running towards to should i tackles him?

Question

because one of my coaches said the linebacker should have made that tackle (and the linebacker was far back)

Answer 1

Just because he should have made the tackle, doesn't mean you shouldn't knock the guy on his ***.

Answer 2

Stop pretending like you play football. What a stupid question.  

Answer 3

First thing that I would do is MAKE SURE HE HAS THE FOOTBALL!

If he does,  Crunch him!!

Answer 4

Well duh.

If you can make a tackle before the linebacker and prevent him from gaining a couple more yards, hammer him.

Answer 5

The defender on the outside (whether a linebacker or an end) has the responsibility of "containment", meaning his #1 priority is to keep a ball carrier from getting around him and racing towards the sideline, where there aren't any more defenders. His job is to turn the runner back towards the inside where the other linebackers and linemen are.

This is especially true when the offense runs the (pitchout) option. The outside defender covers the tail back who doesn't even have the ball and the second defender in takes the quarterback who's carrying the ball.  

Answer 6

Contain, keep him inside and don't let him burn you, square off on him shoulder to shoulder, watch his waist, where the waist goes, the body goes, get lower than him and knock him on his azz.