Defensive back
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 neutrally 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.
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 depending on the safeties speed and quickness so the distance depends. There are usaully two safeties per play, a left and a right, but if there is only one, he is usually positioned in the center of the field. He provides the last line of defense against running backs and receivers who get past the linebackers and cornerbacks. He must be a quick and smart player capable of making tackles efficiently as well as reading the play and alerting his team of changes in the offense.
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; especially against passes to the tight-ends.
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 dimeback.
Statistics for DBs include interceptions, tackles, and passes deflected.
Notable Defensive Backs
- Herb Adderley
- Champ Bailey
- Ronde Barber
- Mel Blount
- Mike Brown
- Nate Clements
- Brian Dawkins
- Darrien Gordon
- Darrell Green
- DeAngelo Hall
- Rodney Harrison
- Chris Hope
- Dexter Jackson
- Dick "Night Train" Lane
- Ty Law
- Ronnie Lott
- John Lynch
- Sam Madison
- Lawyer Milloy
- Mike Minter
- Deltha O'Neal
- Troy Polamalu
- Ed Reed
- Mel Renfro
- Ken Riley
- Bob Sanders
- Deion Sanders
- Darren Sharper
- Shawn Springs
- Patrick Surtain
- Jack Tatum
- Sean Taylor
- Pat Tillman
- Nathan Vasher
- Troy Vincent
- Aeneas Williams
- Roy Williams
- Willie Wood
- Charles Woodson
- Darren Woodson
- Rod Woodson