NFL defense is probably one of the hardest things to understand in all of sport. There’s just so much jargon that doesn’t make sense to anyone unless you’ve meticulously studied it. Or played Madden for a while. But for those of you new to the sport, I’m going to try and explain the basics of it. I’m not saying you’ll be able to coach, but you might be able to understand what the hell the commentator’s talking about. And who doesn’t want that, really?
Now for some of that jargon I was talking about. Just a little glossary, basically.
Blitz: A play where more than 4 players are rushing the passer, or simply the act of rushing the passer.
Coverage: The act of trying to stop the opposing recievers catching the ball.
Pass Rusher: A defender who’s responsibility is to run at the QB and try and get a sack.
Sack: When a defender tackles the QB behind the line for a loss of yards.
I think that’ll do for basic terms. If there’s anything else you think should be there, let me know in the comments and I’ll edit it in.
Right, let’s do positions.
Defensive Tackle: Normally the biggest guy on the field. Technically a pass rushers, but generally used to take up O-linemen to make room for other pass rushers to make a play. Notable Players: Jay Ratliff (Cowboys), Albert Haynesworth (Redskins), Kevin Williams (Vikings)
Defensive End: A DE is like a streamlined, quicker version of a DT, whose job is primarily pass rushing, but also is responsible for containing any play that develops and directing it towards the inside of the defense. They may also very rarely be used in coverage. Notable Players: Mario Williams (Texans), Julius Peppers (Bears), Jared Allen (Vikings)
Linebacker: Now, the diagram up there isn’t all that helpful for the LB position, as it’s a bit too technical. At a more advanced level you get the WLB, MLB, SLB and all that, as each one has a different job. But basically, there are two types you need to concern yourself with:
ILB: Labelled as MLB up there, these guys stay on the inside of the defence, and do a bit of everything, though tend to be more coverage orientated than other LBs. These guys will generally lead their team in tackles at the end of the season. Notable Players: Ray Lewis (Ravens), David Harris (Jets), Patrick Willis (49ers)
OLB: Labelled as WLB and SLB in the diagram, these guys are more likely to blitz than their interior counterparts. Will also often be physically larger as they will have to shed blocks more often. An OLB will often lead a team in sacks. Notable Players: James Harrison (Steelers), DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), Shawne Merriman (Chargers)
Cornerback: A cornerback is pretty much all coverage. May blitz on occasion, but normally start and stay out wide, matched up against the opposition’s WRs. Notable Players: Darrelle Revis (Jets), Charles Woodson (Packers), Nnamdi Asomugha (Raiders)
Safety: These are like a cross between a LB and a CB, technically part of the coverage team but often move upfield to make a play. They will be stationed deep, because, as the name suggests, their job is to make the tackle if all else goes to pot. Notable Players: Ed Reed (Ravens), Troy Polamalu (Steelers), Adrian Wilson (Cardinals)
Also, stealth attacks.
Right, I’ll go into a bit of basic tactics now. You have your two basic defensive formations, the 3-4, as in the above diagram, with 3 linemen and 4 linebackers, and the 4-3, which is the opposite. Personally, I prefer the 3-4, as it allows a bit more variety in your plays. The standard defensive play has 4 pass rushers, so with the 4-3, those 4 pass rushers are obviously going to be the linemen, which makes it easier on the offense. In the 3-4, you have the 3 linemen rushing, but the 4th rusher could be anyone, so it’s harder for the QB to work out what’s happening before the play.
Generally, the 4-3 is better against the run, as you have more guys to block the holes the O-line creates for the running back. The 3-4 is better against the pass, as the LBs are more athletic than D-linemen, so are better in coverage.
There are other forms of these basic defense formations for different situations, such as the 46 for better run defense (where everybody is stuffed up at the line pre-snap) and formations with extra cornerbacks for passing situtations. More cornerbacks means better coverage, and better coverage means more interceptions.
Hi 5 for interceptions!
Right, that’s defense for you. If you need more information on something….well, it’s probably out there on the internet somewhere. Thank you for reading to the end, and I promise to make the next one more interesting. Really. It won’t be all this preview stuff, more a commentary on the week’s NFL news. Which at this point of the year is….contracts……
OK, maybe I lied when I said it’ll be more interesting. Or did I? The only way you’ll find out is by reading next week’s extra exciting edition of The 5th Quarter!
