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:
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 |
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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