What is a '4-3' defense?

What is a '4-3' defense?

Darrin Chiaverini (Football Coach and Professional Athlete) gives expert video advice on: What are the different defensive formations?; What is a '3-4' defense?; What is a '4-3' defense? and more...

4-3 defense is four down linemen, three linebackers. And the reason why a lot of teams use the 4-3 is it's really good against the run. You get your two defensive ends that are usually your bookends, and they create havoc as far as pressuring the quarterback, getting to the ball carrier. And a 4-3 defense is still used a lot today, and usually your defensive linemen are the staples in that defense.