Defensive Positions

What is a 'defensive tackle'?

A defensive tackle are definitely your hogs - they're your run-stoppers, especially in the interior line. Depending on what kind of defense you run, if you have a nose tackle, he's usually your run-stopper - he controls the center. Your two tackles, they definitely are your run-stoppers and they plug the holes.

What is a 'defensive end'?

Defensive ends are players that not only stop the runs, but also rush the passer. They're also known as bookends. Your bookends are your speed rushers that under your pass player are trying to sack the quarter back. Defensive ends are a vital part of trying to stop the passing game.

What is a 'nose tackle'?

A nose tackle lines up opposite the centre, and his job on every play is to create havoc in the middle. His job is to plug holes so the running back can't run through. If you have a good nose tackle, and he can control the centre, and can get him off his game, he can be a vital part as far as gaining advantage on defence.

What is a 'linebacker'?

A linebacker is, if you're the mic linebacker, which is called the middle line backer, he lines up easy behind the nose tackle and he's the quarterback on the defense. Middle linebacker's job is to make checks. When ever a quarterback checks protection, his job is to check the defense. If he knows that the quarterback is going to check to a run, he'll check the defense as far as many blitzing one of the backers. So the middle linebacker is definitely the quarterback of defense.

What's the difference between an inside linebacker and an outsider linebacker?

Inside linebacker and outside linebacker. The sand linebacker or your strong linebacker is considered an outside linebacker. Your weak side linebacker or your wheel linebacker is an outside linebacker. The only thing really different about them is that their job is to contain. So if the ball is moving outside their job is to push it back to the middle linebacker, so he can make a play. If you have a really good sand linebacker he'll make the play, so the job of the outside line backer is to push pressure back to the inside.

What is a 'cornerback'?

A corner back is off the nose of the defensive back, and his job is to cover the receivers, but also be a key in the run game. The teams, they cover 2 teams. Their job is not only to make sure they re-route the receivers, but also keep the ball from going outside, and ultimately support the players.

What is a 'safety'?

Safety? There are two safeties. There's the strong safety and the free safety, they line up depending on what defence you're in about 10 to 15 yards away from the line of scrimmage. Their job is to not only make plays in the run game, especially if you're a strong safety, come down and be run support, but also in the passing game. If a strong safety is playing man to man coverage, usually he's lined up on a tight end or a slot receiver, and that can be a tough task, now for them to not only see run, but play the play action and make plays on defence.

What makes a great defensive player?

Great defensive player is someone that plays with tenacity, that plays with a passion for the game and has no regard for his body or anything else going on. If you watch a lot of football, you can see the defensive players play with a lot of passion, a lot of emotion. So a great player is someone that plays with passion, knows his role on the defense and makes plays day in and day out.