Defense Positions

Defensive Linemen• Includes both tackles and both ends.• D-Linemen line up in front of the offensive

linemen, but the have to make sure that they are behind the ball.

• Their job is to stop any runs up the middle, and if it’s a pass, then they try and tackle the quarterback before he throws it(called a sack).

Linebacks• Two outside linebackers, and the middle

linebacker. • These players have the job of seeing whether the

offense is running a pass or a run.• If it is a run, they go and tackle the ball carrier.• If it is a pass, then they drop back into coverage.

Cornerbacks• Cornerbacks line up across from the offense’s

wide receivers.• It is the job of the cornerbacks to cover the wide

receiver so that they do not catch a pass.

Safeties• The are the last line of defense. They line up

about 12 yards behind the line of scrimmage.• The job of the safety is to let no receiver behind

them on a pass. If it is a run, safeties have to stop a running back if they get through everyone else on defense.