Defense Explained, Part 1: Positions

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NFL

Defense Explained, Part 1: Positions — Football 101: Tackling The Game

Defense doesn’t get enough love in most sports, specifically so in the NFL. In this series within a series, we’re going to tackle the topic of defense. First up: defensive positions.

Defensive positions can seem ambiguous. For some viewers, it can be hard to delineate one position from another on the field. Knowing the specific positions and their responsibilities create a greater understanding of their respective roles regarding defensive formations, strategy, and theory.

Defensive Line (DL)

The defensive line is the group of defensive players that line up against the offensive line at the line of scrimmage. Depending on the formation called, there can be a varying number of defensive lineman on the field. There are typically three to four defensive linemen.

Nose Guard (NG)

The nose guard is a defensive tackle who lines up across from the center on the offensive line (they are nose-to-nose). Their main job is to push the center out of the way so that middle linebackers can come through the hole created at the line of scrimmage to get to the ballcarrier. At times, they can also break up an inside run. Nose guards are typically the largest defender on the field and, while their stat numbers are low, they are the anchor of the defense in the 3-4 formation. A current nose guard in the NFL is the Giants’ Damon Harrison.

Defensive Tackle (DT)

The defensive tackle lines up against the guards on the offensive line. The DT’s responsibility is based on the formation the defense lines up for a particular play, as well as the blitz or coverage package called. The job of a DT varies, but typically includes:

• Engaging an offensive lineman so another defender can make a play
• Reading the quarterback and swatting down passes
• Going through a hole in the offensive line to disrupt the run
• Blitzing the quarterback

While DTs need incredible strength, it is also important that they have quick footwork. To break through a hole and make a tackle, they rely on their speed as much as their strength. A current DT in the NFL is the Eagles’ Fletcher Cox.

Defensive End (DE)

The defensive end lines up on the end of the D-line. The DE’s job on a run play is to contain the running back, making sure they don’t get past the line of scrimmage. This containment also applies to screen passes and flat routes in the backfield. On a blitz play, the DE attempts to run around the offensive line to reach the backfield to tackle the quarterback. Their responsibilities vary by formation. In a 3-4 defense, they act like a DT and block gaps and occupy blockers. In a 4-3 defense, they act similar to a linebacker and try to collapse the pocket. Due to the crossover of responsibilities, some defenses employ a hybrid defender. This hybrid position – known as “Jack” – fulfills the defensive duties of both a defensive end and a linebacker. A current DE in the NFL is the Texans’ JJ Watt.

Linebackers (LB)

Linebackers are positioned behind the defensive line (they back up the line) and ahead of the secondary. There are two kinds of linebackers (you can have multiple of each on the field): an outside linebacker and a middle/inside linebacker.

Outside Linebacker (OLB)

The outside linebacker is positioned behind the D-line and on the outside. Sometimes he is only inches from the line of scrimmage. However, an OLB’s body posture is upright — rather than crouched like a lineman. The OLB can be responsible for pass coverage, especially in the 4-3 formation. The OLB is typically the fastest linebacker, as they are on the outside of the line and have more ground to cover. They use their speed to rush the backfield or drop back in pass coverage, typically in zone coverage or while guarding the tight end. There is a strongside OLB (“Sam”) and a weakside OLB (“Will”). A whole article was even written on these two OLBs and their respective roles. A current OLB in the NFL is the Broncos’ Von Miller.

Middle/Inside Linebacker (MLB/ILB)

The middle linebacker, like the OLB, is positioned closely behind the D-line. However, MLBs line up in the relative middle of the line instead of the outside. Rather than getting around the O-line, the MLB often runs through the line of scrimmage after finding a hole. Before the snap, the MLB analyzes the offensive formation — predicting blocks and running routes. After the snap, they wait for the play to develop and react accordingly. The MLB is responsible for making split-second decisions and directing the defense on how to react.

For example, is the offensive play a weak side counter? In this case, the MLB would run to the weakside to make the tackle or occupy a blocker to free up a teammate to tackle the ballcarrier. Is the play an inside run? The MLB would find the intended path of the RB and run up the hole being created to tackle the RB.

When dropping into pass coverage, they normally are responsible for a zone. For instance, interceptions off short targets to tight ends are almost always done by MLBs. So while the MLB is not as fast as the OLB, their football IQ is incredibly high. The MLB is also known as “Mike” in playcalling. A current MLB in the NFL is the Seahawks’ Bobby Wagner.

Secondary (DB)

The defensive secondary is made up of defenders known as defensive backs (DBs). DBs are referred to, collectively, as ‘the secondary.’ Defensive backs are responsible for pass coverage more than any of the other positions. They are assigned receivers or zones of the field to defend.

Cornerback (CB)

The cornerback lines up across the wide receiver, as their primary job is to defend that receiver in either man-to-man coverage or in zone coverage. The CB needs to be as quick, if not quicker than the WRs on the field. They also need to maintain awareness of the QB (where is he looking to pass), the WR they are guarding, and the ball once it enters into the air. A current CB in the NFL is the Jaguars’ A.J. Bouye.

Strong Saftey (SS)

The strong safety is typically behind the linebackers but closer to the line of scrimmage than the free safety. The SS often drops into zone coverage in the pass defense and chases down the RB in the run defense. In zone coverage, they typically cover the middle of the field. This is often the safety most likely to blitz, as they’re closer to the line.

Free Saftey (FS)

The free safety is like a thief, watching the QB to see where he is looking to anticipate his throw. Out of the two safeties, the FS is often the one who helps cover deeper downfield. Due to this, if the defense goes into man coverage, the FS in a lot of schemes stays in a zone to assist CB coverage in case a WR beats his defender.

Photo Credit: Nathan Rupert via Flickr

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