Defense-
The defense attempts to prevent scoring opportunities by tackling offensive players short of a first down or causing the offense to lose control of the ball (turnovers).
Positions -
Defensive linemen - these men are known for their strength and quickness. They must have speed within a short area. Their responsibilities are:
Defensive Tackle - lines up on the defensive line; responsible for stopping the offensive charge; either one or two defensive tackles play depending on defensive formation.
Defensive Ends - line up on the defensive line; responsible for containing the outside running game and for rushing the QB; a successful rush of the QB results in a sack; two defensive ends play at all times.
* Defensive Linemen have jersey numbers in the 70's, 80's and 90's.
On Running Plays:
- To get rid of the offensive blocker
- To locate, pursue and tackle the ball carrier.
On Passing Plays:
- To run at the QB
- To run to an area of the field to protect against the pass.
- To run with a receiver (man to man coverage).
Linebackers - line up 2-3 yards in back of the tackles and ends; responsible for stopping the run and also for covering receivers on passing plays; occasionally rush the QB (referred to as a blitz). Linebackers must be strong, smart, have good speed and be excellent tacklers.
* Linebackers have jerseys with numbers in the 50's and 60's.
Their responsibilities are:
On running plays:
- Get rid of the offensive blocker.
- To locate, pursue and tackle the ball carrier.
On passing plays:
- To run at the QB (blitz).
- To run to an area on the field for pass coverage (zone coverage).
- To run with a receiver (man to man coverage).
The Defensive Backs - The Secondary - The players are very fast, sure tacklers and have the ability to catch the ball (intercept).
Responsibilities:
On Running plays:
Rush the line of scrimmage
- Turn the ball carrier back towards the pursuing Defensive Linemen and Linebackers.
- Pursue and tackle the ball carrier, to stop any long run.
On passing plays:
- Sprint into the area of the field (zone coverage)
- Run with a receiver all over the field (man to man coverage)
- Prevent the receiver from catching the ball.
- Sometimes will be asked to blitz (rush) the QB.
- Try to intercept the pass.
* The Defensive backs have jerseys with the numbers 20's, 30's and 40's.
Cornerbacks - line up opposite wide receivers; responsible for covering receivers and providing support in stopping the running game; typically two cornerbacks play depending on the defensive and offensive formations.
Safeties - line up 8-10 yards from the line of scrimmage; responsible for providing support in pass coverage; typically two safeties play depending on the defensive and offensive formations.
Defensive Fronts:
The defensive front is the alignment of the Defensive Line and the Linebackers. Defenses are usually designated by the two-digit number based on the number of Defensive Linemen and Linebackers in the game.
Example: 34 Defense: 3 defensive Linemen and 4 Linebackers.
Example: 43 Defense: 4 defensive Linemen and 3 Linebackers.
Example: 42 Defense: 4 Defensive Linemen and 2 Linebackers.
The number of Defensive Backs in the game is determined by the number of Defensive Linemen and Linebackers on the field with the total of players being 11.
Example:
In a 34 or 43 Defense the total number of defensive players is 7. The remaining 4 players to make up 11 defensive players are Defensive Backs.
In a 42 Defensive scheme the number of Defensive Backs is 5. (This is called a Nickel Defense).
In a 41 Defensive scheme the number of Defensive Backs is 6. (This is called a dime defense).
Prevent Defense:
At the end of each half, the Defensive Backs and Linebackers may line up farther back from the line of Scrimmage before the play begins, this allows a small gain but "prevents" the Offense from scoring or getting big gains.
