NFL Defense Styles

Football is about prediction and strategy. Knowing the play the other team is going to call and reacting appropriately to it is crucial. For defense, this means using the right formations to stop the offense from reaching the end zone. There are a number of different ways a team can defend.

  1. 4-3 Defense

    • This is the most common type of defense used in football today. Four defensive linemen stand on the front line against the offense. They are likely the first players the offense will make contact with so they should be skilled at holding their ground. Three linebackers stand behind them to help secure the line. Two safeties are behind the linebackers while two cornerbacks stand to the outside of the safeties.

      This formation works well in running plays and, when a pass rush is called, it allows the defense to surge through the offense and sack the quarterback. However, it is not as effective if a pass play is called because of the low number of linebackers available to defend receivers.

    3-4 Defense

    • This used to be the most common defense in the 1980s but has since been replaced by the 4-3 formation. It is set up simillarly to the 4-3, but with three down linemen rather than four. The extra player becomes another linebacker. Having a fourth lineman adds pressure to the quarterback, according to Football Made Simple.

    Nickel or Dime Defense

    • This formation involves tightening the pass defense options. In a nickel formation, a linebacker is moved to the back of the defense and placed between the two safeties. In a dime formation, another linebacker becomes a defensive back and is placed between the two safeties. This play is common to use when a pass is most expected: when the offense has a third down and many yards to go before a first down.

    Goal Defense

    • This tightest formation is used when the offense is close to scoring a touchdown. Six defenders are used at the front to try and hold the line so the offense cannot break through and score. Although effective against a run, it does weaken the back end, leaving it susceptible to a pass.