FOOTBALL IN HIGH HEELS: INSIDE THE DEFENSE
As I continue my journey to become knowledgable about football, I learned that there are a lot of variables and parts to each team. As I mentioned in previous posts, we have an offense and defense and then each player has a different role within those sections. Today, I will discuss what the players in the defense do.
THE DEFENSIVE LINE:
This section consists of the defensive tackle/guard and defensive end. In my mind, I thought one did the tackling and the other stood at the end of the line as the last chance defense to keep the other team from scoring.
While I was wrong on both counts (surprise!) I actually wasn’t too far off either.
The defensive tackle consists of the two inner members of the defensive line that are responsible for stopping running plays by rushing the passer. Their biggest challenge is getting past the offensive linemen.
The defensive ends stand at the edges of the defense and are responsible for stopping offensive runs to the outer edges of the line of scrimmage or attacking the passer. They also can either do a hands on the ground or hands off the ground move to accomplish this. The faster player is generally on the right side due to the fact that it is the quarterback’s blind side.
THE LINEBACKERS:
As I have established in previous posts, this has nothing to do with anyone dancing or being sent to the back of the line. They are instead the ones who are the best tacklers on each team. I also did not know that they are divided even further and given different jobs based on what position they have.
The middle linebacker/inside linebacker is also known as the quarterback of defense. They must be ready to react to different situations that could occur on the field and must stop the running backs who make it past the defensive line, cover pass plays and rush the quarterback. In my mind, I am seeing them as a bunch of bouncers in a club attacking and kicking out the rowdy crazies in a club or bar.
The outside linebackers are either strong sides (Sam) or weak sides. (Will) This completely threw me for a loop because it makes it sound like it is based on who is stronger, but in actuality, the Sams cover the tight end or running back on pass plays, while the Wills rush the quarterback or cover a running back in pass plays. I have nothing on this one and am still incredibly confused. Also, who the heck are Sam and Will?
Tomorrow we cover the defensive backs and what roles they play in the game! Stay tuned!
