NFL DEFENSIVE POSITIONS

 NFL DEFENSIVE POSITIONS

NFL Defenses have 11 payers with the job of stopping the offence from scoring (obviously). The defensive positions are mainly divided into 3:

-Defensive Linemen

-Linebackers

-Defensive Backs

The positions of the Defensive Linemen may differ based on the defensive scheme(formation) namely the 4-3 set and 3-4 set

The 4-3 has 4 Defensive Linemen and 3 Linebackers:


The 3-4 has 3 Defensive Linemen and 4 Linebackers





Let's look at Defensive Linemen:

-Defensive Tackles(DTs): In a 4-3 set there are 2 Defensive Tackles while in the 3-4 set there is only one called the Nose Tackle(NT). They line up in the centre. The Defensive Tackles main job is to stop the running game and even to sack(tackle) the Quarterback. They take on many blockers at the same time and thus they need to be big but also quick.

-Defensive Ends(DEs): Defensive Ends line up to the outside of the Defensive Tackles. Their main job is to chase and tackle the Quarterback before they pass or even when they start running. They also stop the Running Back when they run on the outside.


Defensive End, JJ Watt, tackling QB Dak Prescott



Linebackers:

Linebackers are considered the most athletic players on the field. They are tall, strong and big.

Types of Linebackers:

Inside Linebackers(ILBs): In a 3-4 set there are two of these. Their main job is to cover the pass and stop the running backs.

Middle Linebackers(MLBs): In a 4-3 set there is one Middle Linebacker who is basically the leader of the offence. The Middle Linebacker stops running plays and covers passing plays. They are great tacklers and the main tacklers of the defense.

One of the best MLBs of all time, Ray Lewis



Outside Linebackers(OLBs): Outside Linebackers are often smaller than Middle Linebackers. In a 3-4 set their main role is to help the Defensive Ends chase down the Quarterback. In a 4-3 set they have to be all rounded and have the same roles as the Inside Linebackers but could also chase down the Quarterback.

Outside Linebacker, Khalil Mack, chasing down Russel Wilson


Defensive Backs

Defensive backs(DBs) are the last line of the defense  and cover receivers trying to prevent them from catching the ball. They also make tackles.

Types of Defensive backs

Strong Safety(SS): The Strong Safety lines up mostly in the backfield but may also be like an extra linebacker. They defend against the pass trying to intercept passes from the Quarterback but also stop the run. They are the biggest defensive backs

Kam Chancellor(31) punching the ball out of Megatron's hands forcing him to fumble



Free Safety(FS): The Free Safety is the deepest player in the defense. Their job is to read the eyes of the Quarterback and coordinate with the other defensive backs. They get many interceptions on the team. They also have to be outstanding tacklers since they are the last line of defense.

Minkah Fitzpatrick intercepting a pass



Cornerbacks(CBs): Cornerbacks lineup the widest on the field. Their job is to cover receivers 1-on-1 or in zone coverage. They face off against receivers and when 1-on-1 they create exciting matchups. They are supposed to be fearless and good tacklers as well.

 Star CB Sauce Gardner trying to prevent Ja'Marr Chase from catching the ball


Those are the basics of the NFL Defensive Positions and next we'll look at exactly how they are supposed to prevent the offense from scoring.









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