The Defensive Line

The Defensive Line are big, but they must be quick. In the split-second where the ball is snapped (passed) to the quarterback, the defensive line has to evade the offensive line and tackle the quarterback before he has a chance to make the play. An effective defensive line can shut down the entire offensive, and even score points by tackling the quarterback in the endzone. They must also shut down the offense's run game, allowing the linebackers to focus on the blitz as well. The Defensive Line is made up of two Defensive Tackles and two Defensive Ends.