Defensive Football Positions

Eleven people make up the defensive football positions on a football team, and these eleven are tasked with keeping the offensive from scoring. Typically tough, hard-nosed and with bad attitudes, defensive players try to set a tone that the offense will pay for every yard it gets.

1. Nose tackle. Of all the defensive football positions, this player must be the most stout, as he anchors the defensive line and takes on the center…and perhaps even one of the guards. His position isn’t glamorous, but he is key to the defense.
2. Tackle. The tackle plays over the offensive tackle and in some defenses is a key pass rusher. He also stuffs the run when the play comes to his side and is one of the biggest of all defensive football positions.
3. Inside linebacker. This player, of all defensive football positions, must be ready to take abuse. He is in the inside of the action and has a lot of responsibility toward stopping the run and taking on big offensive linemen charging down field.
4. Outside linebacker. This player is one of the most athletic of all defensive football positions. In a 3-4 defense especially, he is the force coming off the outside, trying to beat the offensive tackle and rattle the quarterback. On other  plays he has to drop into coverage and blanket running backs and tight ends.
5. Corner back. The corner back must cover wide receivers down field and of all defensive football positions must be able to match the athleticism and speed of the receiver. He defends against the pass, makes interceptions, and supports the run.
6. Safety. The safeties are the last line of defense against big plays and are careful not to let any receivers get behind them. They also cover receivers, running backs, and tight ends. They must have the ability to cover receivers and stop the run.