Different Defensive Formations
There are many different defensive formations in the game of football. The most popular might be the 4-3 which means 4 linemen and 3 linebackers. Most of the formations are nickel, dime, 4-3, 3-4, and quarter. Those are the usual defensive formations. There are also safeties and corner backs on defense. Defensive formations are very important in football.
Defensive Line
The defensive line is the line of players (usually 4) that are up against the offensive line and try to bust in and put pressure or sack the quarter back. To put pressure is when you are about to tackle the quarterback forcing him to either pass or throw it away. To sack the quarterback is when you tackle him before he can throw or hand off or anything.
Positions
There are eleven positions on defense as well as offense on the field at one time. There are usually 3 linebackers, 4 linemen, 2 cornerbacks, 2 safeties. Perhaps the most important defensive position is inside linebacker. The best linebacker in the NFL today is Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens. he is also the best defensive and maybe all around player.
Defensive Responsibilities
Your goals on defense are to stop the offense from scoring any kind of points. Most of the time defenses try to stop the offense on 3 downs so then they either have to punt, kick a field goal, or go for it but if they do not get a first down or miss the field goal the defense will get the ball where they were stopped. Also, defenses try to either cause a fumble or get an interception. An interception is when the offense throws a pass and the defense jumps in and catches it. A fumble is when someone from the offense is running the ball and they drop the ball and the defense recovers it. If you pick up a fumble or get an interception you can run for a touchdown unless you get tackled.
Sacks
A sack is when a player from the defense tackles the quarterback before he can pass or hand off or get pass the line of scrimmage. Usually a lineman or a linebacker sacks the quarterback. Occasionally a corner back or safety will receive a sack. Sacks are very important on defense because it counts as a down and causes the offense to lose yards.
Safeties
A safety is when someone from the defensive team sacks the quarter back when he is in his own endzone. When this occurs the deffense gains two points and the other team has to punt the ball. Safeties are very rare in the NFL as well as the NCAA and any other football league. Safeties are very good to get when you are playing defense.
