What is a 'prevent defense'?

What is a 'prevent 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...

A prevent defense I consider the worst defense in football and I think prevent defenses lose football games. Basically what it is is that you bring in five defensive backs, you play off-coverage, usually about 15 to 20 yards off, and let the offense what's called "nickle and dime" you down the field. That means throw everything in front, not let them get the big play, but it enables them to stay on the field. And I wouldn't recommend using the prevent defense. I think that defense gets you beat. A lot of teams still use that but I don't recommend it when I coach.