Defensive back
From Free net encyclopedia
Defensive back (DB) is a player in American football whose role is primarily pass coverage; that is, the defensive back will stay near a receiver and try to deflect or intercept any passes thrown to him. However, like all defensive players, a DB can rush the quarterback and tackle running backs. Collectively, DBs are called the defensive secondary. See also American and Canadian football position names.
A typical defensive set will have four DBs — two cornerbacks, a free safety, and a strong safety.
Typical skills that are exhibited by defensive backs include the backpedal, quickness in changing direction, secure tackling ability, relatively good catching skills, and as previously mentioned, speed. The backpedal is crucial because it allows a player to keep his hips square and, consequently, neutral. Having natrally postitioned hips put the defensive back in a better position to react to when a receiver changes direction in a route. This helps tremendously in the ability to react to a receiver's route and either deflect or intercept the pass. Often being the "last line of defense" for a defense, defensive backs have to be able to make sure, open field tackles. These are not often the bone-crunching hits that make highlights after the game, but they prevent a big play from happening for the other team and allow their team another chance to get the ball back.
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Safeties
The free safety is responsible for reading the offensive plays and covering deep passes. Depending on the defensive call, he may also provide run support. He is positioned 10 to 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage, toward the center of the field. He provides the last line of defense against running backs and receivers who get past the linebackers and cornerbacks.
The strong safety is usually larger than the free safety and is positioned relatively close to the line of scrimmage. He is often an integral part of the run defense, but is also responsible for defending against a pass.
Cornerbacks
The cornerbacks position themselves at the line of scrimmage, directly opposite the wide receivers. They attempt to disrupt the receivers' routes and defend against short passes. They are often the fastest players on the defensive, if not the entire team.
If the defense expects a pass, they may replace one or two of the linebackers with additional defensive backs. The fifth DB is called the nickel back, and the sixth is called the dime back.
Statistics for DBs include interceptions, tackles, and passes deflected.
Notable Defensive Backs
- Herb Adderley
- Champ Bailey
- Ronde Barber
- Mel Blount
- Mike Brown
- Brian Dawkins
- Darrien Gordon
- Darrell Green
- Rodney Harrison
- Chris Hope
- Dexter Jackson
- Ty Law
- Ronnie Lott
- John Lynch
- Deltha O'Neal
- Troy Polamalu
- Ed Reed
- Mel Renfro
- Ken Riley
- Deion Sanders
- Darren Sharper
- Shawn Springs
- Patrick Surtain
- Sean Taylor
- Pat Tillman
- Nathan Vasher
- Roy Williams
- Willie Wood
- Charles Woodson
- Darren Woodson
- Rod Woodson