by Morgan Johnson

Created on: October 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 28, 2008

The biggest names in football are usually on the offensive side of the ball. But defense is the key to victory. The defensive team helps keep their team ahead. They give the offense more opportunities to shine by keeping the ball in their hands. Most importantly, they make the job of the coach and quarterback that much easier.

The defense is composed of eleven members on the field at any time. Each position has a name and specific duties in achieving the overall goal of preventing the opposing offense from moving the ball forward. Each position fits into one of three zones of defensive activity: defensive line, pass defense and middle defense.

The largest men on the defense are on the defensive line. They line up close to the ball at the beginning of each play to try and stop the run and attack the quarterback. Their goal on every play is to stop the offense behind the line of scrimmage. The defensive line consists of three or four players in any of the following positions: defensive end, defensive tackle or nose-guard.

The pass defense consists of the smallest and fastest players on the defense. Their duty is to cover offensive receivers closely enough to discourage a pass attempt in their direction. If a pass is attempted, they try first to prevent the receiver from catching it and, if at all possible, intercept the ball for their own team.

Pass defenders play any of the following positions:

- Cornerbacks who cover the speedy wide receivers,

- Safeties cover slot receivers and tight ends or running backs entering their area. They also provide extra coverage for more difficult receivers.

- The Free Safety is often the last line of defense against the pass.

The Middle zone is protected by the most versatile players on the Defense, the linebackers. They need the strength to fend off giant offensive linemen trying to block them and the speed to catch shifty running backs. They also have to provide coverage for tight ends and running backs going out in pass routes.

Linebackers number three or four. Outside linebackers support the end and contain plays to the outside. Middle linebackers cover the interior line gaps against the run and also try to surprise the quarterback by sudden, unexpected charges through the line.

This extra attacker is called a "Blitzer" or "blitzing back." The extra attacker is an attempt to disrupt offensive timing and tackle the ball carrier for a loss. If the ball carrier is the quarterback them the player is given credit for a "Sack."

A good defense can stall a good defense most of the time - provided each of the team's position players performs their duties. The saying is "Offense for show, Defense for dough" is quite true, but I would add, defense is also a lot more fun!

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