D Study

What is the primary objective of the defensive team in American football?

To prevent the other team from scoring and win possession of the ball.

What are the two most common defensive formations in football?

3–4 defense and 4–3 defense.

What positions make up the defensive line in American football?

Defensive tackles, nose tackles, and defensive ends.

What is the primary function of a nose tackle in football?

To clog the middle of the offense's line and stop most run plays.

What is a middle linebacker commonly referred to as in football?

The quarterback of the defense.

What is the role of cornerbacks on a defensive team?

To prevent successful passes by swatting the ball away or catching it.

What is a nickel formation in football?

A defensive formation with five defensive backs.

What distinguishes a strong safety from a free safety?

A strong safety is larger and closer to the line of scrimmage, while a free safety is smaller and deeper.

What are the responsibilities of outside linebackers?

Depending on their team's philosophy, they may cover tight ends, blitz the quarterback, or cover running backs.

What is a fumble in football?

When an offensive player loses possession of the ball while playing.

What is the primary objective of the defensive team in American football?

To prevent the other team from scoring and win possession of the ball.

What are the two most common defensive formations in football?

3–4 defense and 4–3 defense.

What positions make up the defensive line in American football?

Defensive tackles, nose tackles, and defensive ends.

What is the primary function of a nose tackle in football?

To clog the middle of the offense's line and stop most run plays.

What is a middle linebacker commonly referred to as in football?

The quarterback of the defense.

What is the role of cornerbacks on a defensive team?

To prevent successful passes by swatting the ball away or catching it.

What is a nickel formation in football?

A defensive formation with five defensive backs.

What distinguishes a strong safety from a free safety?

A strong safety is larger and closer to the line of scrimmage, while a free safety is smaller and deeper.

What are the responsibilities of outside linebackers?

Depending on their team's philosophy, they may cover tight ends, blitz the quarterback, or cover running backs.

What is a fumble in football?

When an offensive player loses possession of the ball while playing.

What is a sack in football?

When a defender tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage while the quarterback is attempting to pass.

What is an interception in football?

When a defensive player catches a forward pass intended for an offensive player.

How many defensive linemen are in a 3-4 defense?

Typically three defensive linemen (1 nose tackle, 2 defensive ends).

Typically four defensive linemen (2 defensive tackles, 2 defensive ends).