Talk Football

Positions Defense

Eleven players work together to stop the offense and protect the end zone. Tap a player on the field, or open a position below, to see what each one does.

Interactive defensive formation S S LB LB LB CB CB DE DT DT DE
Schematic formation; player positions can vary by play.

Objective

Main job is to stop the run at the line of scrimmage (stop Running Backs and any other receivers from running the ball) and to rush the Quarterback.

Attributes

  • Linemen First line, on the ends of the line.
  • Fast & Strong The position requires speed and strength, and the player must be able to endure thousands of hits during the season.
  • Tall & Big Tall enough to see above or around offensive linemen, and big enough to stop offensive players from breaking through the line.

Objective

Main job is to get through blockers and tackle player with the ball. On rushing plays they target the Running Back and on passing plays they target the Quarterback.

Attributes

  • Linemen First line, on the inside of the line.
  • Fast & Strong The position requires speed and strength, and the player must be able to endure thousands of hits during the season.
  • Biggest player Big enough to break through offensive players to get to the Quarterback.

Objective

Responsible for preventing the opponent’s receivers from catching the ball (Wide Receivers, usually). If they fail, they must then make the tackle, preventing a possible touchdown.

Attributes

  • Fast The ideal Cornerback can run the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds.
  • Tall Tall enough to keep the tall Wide Receivers from catching the ball.
  • Defensive Back Also called a Defensive Back, part of the Secondary (the group of players that make up the defensive backfield).

Objective

Main objective is to tackle offensive player with ball and cover any receivers. Also tries to break offensive line and blitz (tackle) the Quarterback.

Attributes

  • Second line Behind the Tackles and Defensive Ends. Position varies considerably depending on coach's defensive strategy.
  • Smart must be smart and think quickly to react to offensive line.
  • Leader Make calls and direct rest of defensive team.
  • Fast & Lean Fast enough to chase down the Running Back.
  • Big Big enough to clog up the middle and stop the offensive line from breaking through.
  • Killer Instinct Enforcers of Defense.

Objective

Responsible for pass coverage (prevents Receivers from catching passes) towards the middle and sidelines of the field. Strong Safety tends to play closer to the line and assist in stopping the run. The Free Safety tends to watch the play unfold and follow the ball.

Attributes

  • Third line Behind all the other defensive players. Lines up from ten to fifteen yards behind the line of scrimmage.
  • Two types of Safeties (1) Strong Safety is generally bigger, stronger, and slower (named for "strong side") and (2) Free Safety is generally more athletic and less physical than the strong safety.
  • Excellent Tacklers They are the last line of defense and need to be able to take down a receiver quickly and effectively.
  • Agile Needs the ability to backpedal and quickly retreat in order to cover a specified area to defend the pass.
  • Quick Thinkers Needs the capacity to make instant and astute judgments. An excellent Safety is one that can predict where the Quarterback will throw the ball.
  • Defensive Back Also called a Defensive Back, part of the Secondary (the group of players that make up the defensive backfield).