Hubbry Logo
Defensive backDefensive backMain
Open search
Defensive back
Community hub
Defensive back
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Defensive back
Defensive back
Defensive back
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
A diagram of a standard 4–3 defense set. The defensive backs include two cornerbacks (labeled CB on the diagram), a free safety (labeled FS) and a strong safety (labeled SS).

In gridiron football, defensive backs (DBs), also called the secondary, are the players on the defensive side of the ball who play farthest back from the line of scrimmage. They are distinguished from the other two sets of defensive players, the defensive linemen who play directly on the line of scrimmage, and the linebackers, who play in the middle of the defense, and between the defensive line and the defensive backs.[1][2]

Among all the defensive backs, there are two main types, cornerbacks, which play nearer the line of scrimmage and the sideline, whose main role is to cover the opposing team's wide receivers, and the safeties, who play further back near the center of the field, and who act as the last line of defense. American defensive formations usually includes two of each, a left and right cornerback, as well as a strong safety and a free safety, with the free safety tending to play further back than the strong safety. In Canadian football, which has twelve players on the field compared to the eleven of American football, there is an additional position called defensive halfback, which plays like a hybrid between a linebacker and cornerback. Canadian formations include two cornerbacks, two halfbacks and one safety, for a total of five defensive backs.

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Deshea Townsend jumps for the ball with St. Louis Rams wide receiver Drew Bennett

Besides the standard set of defensive backs, teams may also remove a defensive lineman or a linebacker and replace them with an additional defensive back. The fifth defensive back is commonly called the nickelback (so named because a five-cent coin in the U.S. and Canada is called a nickel). By extension, a sixth defensive back is called a dimeback (because the next value coin in the U.S. and Canada is called a dime). Rarely, teams may employ seven or even eight defensive backs.

Historic notable defensive backs include Hall-of-Famers Dick "Night Train" Lane, Mike Haynes, Ronnie Lott, Troy Polamalu, Deion Sanders, Darrelle Revis, and Ed Reed, among others. In 2019, the National Football League released its all-time team in honor of the league's 100th anniversary, in which the top defensive backs in its history were noted and honored.[3]

Longtime National Football League executive and renowned former general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, Gil Brandt released a list of the top cornerbacks of all time.[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Defensive back

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
In , a defensive back (DB), also known as a member of the secondary, is a player positioned 10–15 yards behind the in the defensive backfield, primarily responsible for defending against pass plays by covering wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs, while also providing support against rushing plays and occasionally blitzing the . The position group is essential in preventing pass completions, forcing interceptions, and limiting yards after catch (YAC), making it one of the most demanding roles due to the need for speed, agility, and quick decision-making in high-pressure situations. Defensive backs are divided into key subpositions: cornerbacks (CBs), who typically number two in a base defense and align directly across from wide receivers to engage in man-to-man or zone coverage, focusing on jamming receivers at the line and mirroring their routes to disrupt passes; and safeties (S), usually two per formation, with the free safety (FS) playing deeper to read the quarterback and provide over-the-top coverage, and the strong safety (SS) positioned closer to the line opposite the tight end for run support, short-pass defense, and tackling. In nickel and dime packages—defensive alignments with five or six defensive backs, respectively—these players replace linebackers to counter pass-oriented offenses, a common strategy in the modern NFL where passing attempts have surged, emphasizing the secondary's role in limiting explosive plays. The evolution of the defensive back position reflects broader changes in the game, from early two-way players handling both offense and defense to specialized athletes today, with jersey numbers now expanded to –49 for greater flexibility in branding and player identification. Elite defensive backs, such as shutdown cornerbacks, are prized for their ability to neutralize top receivers, contributing significantly to success in an era dominated by aerial attacks.

Definition and Role

Primary Responsibilities

Defensive backs play a pivotal role in thwarting the passing game by covering eligible receivers, such as wide receivers and tight ends, to prevent the from executing successful throws. This responsibility includes jamming receivers at the —using physical contact within the first five yards to disrupt their timing and route initiation—and mirroring their movements downfield to deny separation and force inaccurate passes. Beyond coverage, defensive backs actively contribute to pass disruption by positioning themselves to intercept or deflect thrown balls, turning potential completions into turnovers or incomplete passes. Interceptions, in particular, are a primary metric for assessing their effectiveness, as they directly impact field position and scoring opportunities; standout performers like have led the league with ten interceptions in the 2020 season, highlighting the tangible value of this skill in high-stakes games. Weak secondaries, or groups of defensive backs, can contribute to high total points in NFL games by permitting offenses to exploit the defense through increased passing volume and chunk plays—long gains on individual passes—resulting in more efficient scoring opportunities. Defensive backs also bolster run defense by filling alleys and gaps left by the front seven, pursuing ball carriers with efficient angles to close distances quickly, and shedding blocks from offensive linemen or backs to secure tackles. In select defensive packages, they occasionally blitz from secondary alignments to the , creating pressure that can lead to hurried decisions, sacks, or errant throws.

Position in Defensive Formations

Defensive backs are positioned strategically within various coverage schemes to counter the offensive passing game, primarily focusing on pass coverage while maintaining balance against the run. In Cover 2, a zone scheme that divides the deep field into two halves, the two safeties align deep, typically 12-15 yards off the and inside the hash marks, while cornerbacks position closer to the line, often 3-5 yards off, to cover and receivers at the line. This setup allows the cornerbacks to funnel routes inward toward the underneath coverage by linebackers. In Cover 3, another zone coverage that splits the deep field into three thirds, one plays the middle deep third from a depth of about 15 yards, while the cornerbacks align 6-8 yards off the to initially cover the outside flats before dropping to the outside deep thirds if needed. The man-free scheme, also known as Cover 1, employs man-to-man coverage across the field with a single free positioned 12-15 yards deep in the middle to provide over-the-top help against deep routes, allowing cornerbacks to press receivers at or just off the , typically 1-2 yards in press man or 5-7 yards in off-man alignments. Defensive backs play a central role in base and sub-packages, adapting the number of personnel to match offensive threats. In the base 4-3 defense, which features four defensive linemen, three linebackers, and four defensive backs (two and two safeties), the defensive backs provide standard secondary coverage while the front seven focuses on run stopping. However, against pass-heavy offenses, teams shift to packages with five defensive backs, substituting one linebacker for an additional or slot defender to cover an extra receiver, and dime packages with six defensive backs, further reducing linebackers to one for enhanced pass protection. These positions adjust dynamically based on offensive personnel and formations to maintain scheme integrity. For instance, against spread or wide receiver-heavy sets, defensive backs spread wider across the field, with cornerbacks aligning outside the widest threats and safeties rotating to cover potential seams, often transitioning from base to or dime to match the extra receivers without compromising the defensive line's rush. This interaction ensures balance, as the defensive backs' deeper alignments complement the defensive line's pressure up front and the linebackers' underneath support, preventing exploitable gaps in either run or pass defense.

Types of Defensive Backs

Cornerbacks

Cornerbacks serve as the primary outside defenders in the defensive backfield, positioned across from wide receivers to disrupt passing plays on the perimeter. They are often tasked with man-to-man coverage, utilizing techniques such as press coverage—where they make initial contact at the to disrupt the receiver's release—or off-man coverage, which provides a short cushion before reacting to the route being run. Physically, cornerbacks require elite athleticism, including straight-line speed with times typically ranging from 4.4 to 4.6 seconds to keep pace with receivers downfield. is crucial for efficient backpedaling and transitions, while hip fluidity enables quick changes in direction to mirror sharp route breaks without losing balance or speed. Performance evaluation for cornerbacks emphasizes advanced metrics like completion percentage allowed when targeted, where top performers hold opponents below 50%, and yards per coverage snap, with elite players averaging under 0.6 yards to limit gains effectively. Historically, cornerback play shifted from the aggressive bump-and-run technique dominant in the , which involved repeated physical jamming of receivers, to more zone-oriented schemes in the modern . This evolution stemmed from 1978 rule changes, including restrictions on defensive contact beyond five yards downfield (known as the Rule), aimed at protecting receivers and promoting a pass-friendly game. In contrast to safeties, who offer deep over-the-top help, cornerbacks specialize in boundary matchups against primary wide receivers.

Safeties

Safeties serve as the last line of defense in the secondary, balancing responsibilities in pass coverage and run support to prevent plays by the offense. Positioned deeper than cornerbacks, they must possess versatility to read developing plays, support teammates, and adapt to various offensive schemes. This dual role makes safeties crucial in modern defenses, where they often split duties between preventing deep passes and aiding in short-yardage stops. The position divides into two primary types: the free safety and the strong safety. The free safety typically aligns 10–15 yards off the in the deep centerfield, acting as a roamer who reacts to the quarterback's movements, such as reading their eyes to anticipate pass directions and providing over-the-top help coverage to double-team receivers or intercept threats. In formations like Cover-3, the free safety often patrols the deep middle third of the field. Meanwhile, the strong safety positions closer to the line—often on the strong side of the formation near the —to bolster run defense, tackling ball carriers and covering short routes or blockers. Physically, safeties demand elite athleticism to cover expansive areas, including the range to pursue plays 50 or more yards downfield while maintaining the tackling prowess to engage runners effectively. Free safeties emphasize speed and for deep tracking, often requiring a time around 4.5 seconds to cover halves or the full field width of 53 yards. Strong safeties, by contrast, blend this speed with linebacker-like build and strength, typically weighing 200–220 pounds, to handle physical blocks and secure tackles in traffic. Tactically, safeties enhance defensive effectiveness by disguising coverages pre-snap, aligning in ways that suggest one scheme—such as a two-high safety look—before rotating post-snap into another, like single-high or zone variations, to mislead quarterbacks and induce poor decisions. This forces offenses to hesitate, creating opportunities for interceptions or stalled drives.

Slot and Hybrid Positions

In modern defenses, the functions as the fifth defensive back in nickel packages, which replace a linebacker with an extra defensive back to counter spread offenses featuring multiple wide receivers. This position primarily involves covering slot receivers who operate between the tackles and the outside, demanding quickness in man coverage and the ability to support run defense near the . The dimeback enters as the sixth defensive back in dime packages, typically deployed in obvious passing downs against offenses with six or more eligible receivers, often drawing from converted cornerbacks or safeties for added pass disruption. These packages reduce the front seven to prioritize coverage, with the dimeback focusing on underneath zones or man assignments to prevent short completions. Hybrid roles, exemplified by the position in Cover-1 schemes, merge slot coverage with blitzing responsibilities, allowing versatile defenders to pressures while matching up against shifty inside receivers. Players in these roles, often hybrid safeties or corners, provide flexibility in personnel adjustments, enabling defenses to shift between and run fits seamlessly. Since the , the proliferation of these specialized positions has paralleled the NFL's pass-oriented evolution, with defenses rising to over 60% of snaps in 2023 and five-defensive-back alignments increasing from 55.5% in 2019 to approximately 67% league-wide. This trend responds to offenses deploying more 11 personnel (one , one , three s), which has elevated slot receiver routes from under 33% of total wide receiver routes in 2009 to nearly 37% by 2015, intensifying targets in the slot area.

Skills and Techniques

Coverage Methods

Defensive backs employ man coverage to engage receivers in one-on-one matchups, focusing on individual assignments without regard for adjacent zones. In this scheme, the defender trails the receiver throughout the route, maintaining close proximity to disrupt timing and positioning. The trail technique involves staying in the receiver's hip pocket, anticipating breaks and cuts by mirroring movements and using quick footwork to limit separation. Pressing man coverage adds an aggressive element, where the defensive back aligns at or near the to jam the receiver's release, redirecting their path without incurring penalties. The bail technique, often used in off-man alignments, allows the defender to backpedal initially while opening hips toward the sideline, keeping eyes on the and receiver to transition smoothly into trailing without losing steps. Zone coverage shifts defensive backs' responsibilities to specific areas of the field, enabling them to read the quarterback's eyes and react to passing lanes rather than a single receiver. In quarters coverage, also known as Cover 4, the secondary divides the deep field into four equal zones, with cornerbacks responsible for the sideline quarters and safeties covering the middle seams. Defensive backs drop to predetermined landmarks, such as hash marks or numbers, using a controlled backpedal to maintain cushion while scanning for threats entering their zone. This approach emphasizes awareness of route combinations, allowing backs to pass off short routes underneath to underneath defenders and rally to deep threats. Pattern matching represents a hybrid strategy that begins with zone alignments but converts to man coverage based on the offensive route patterns revealed at the snap. Defenders initially drop to zone landmarks but match receivers vertically or horizontally depending on the stem and break of routes, such as switching from area drops to trailing a slot receiver on a vertical stem. This method, popularized in schemes like Nick Saban's Cover 3 adaptations, uses pre-snap reads to anticipate combinations— for instance, a corner might bail deep on a post route while a safety matches an underneath slant—enhancing flexibility against bunch or spread formations. To counter specific offensive tactics, defensive backs incorporate bailout adjustments and techniques against rub routes, which exploit crossing paths to create picks in man coverage. In rub schemes, such as those involving or posts, backs use the banjo technique to bracket adjacent receivers, switching assignments based on release direction— the inside defender takes the inside route, while the outside one covers the outer path. Against , pressing at the line disrupts timing, followed by hip-to-hip trailing to maintain leverage and prevent separation on the break. For posts, a drop positions the back to undercut deep seams, using film study to anticipate stems and rally with help from safeties. These counters rely on quick decision-making to avoid being screened, often combining press and off alignments for layered disruption.

Run Defense and Tackling

Defensive backs contribute to run defense through disciplined pursuit and strategies that funnel ball carriers toward the defensive front. Cornerbacks typically defend the alleys—the gaps between wide receivers and offensive tackles—to prevent runners from reaching the sideline and turning short gains into big plays. Safeties provide force by setting the edge on the perimeter, directing the runner inside to converging defenders and closing off cutback lanes. This teamwork limits yards after contact and forces the offense into predictable, stoppable paths. In run-heavy formations, defensive backs may align tighter to the line to bolster support without compromising their primary coverage duties. Tackling remains a core skill, with defensive backs emphasizing form tackling to secure the ball carrier while complying with evolved protocols. Form tackling requires a head-up posture, eyes forward, contact, and wrapping both arms around the runner's thighs or before through with the legs for a controlled . This method contrasts with traditional wrap-up styles that risked head-leading contact, a practice curtailed by NFL rule changes in the late . Specifically, a 2018 rule prohibits players from lowering their head to initiate forcible contact against any opponent, resulting in a 15-yard penalty to prioritize player and reduce concussions in all tackling scenarios. In 2024, the NFL introduced a rule banning hip-drop tackles, defined as a defender grabbing the runner with both hands or arms, unweighting by swiveling and dropping the hips to land on and trap the runner's leg(s) at or below the knee, with a 15-yard penalty and automatic first down if committed by the defense, aimed at reducing lower extremity injuries that occur at a rate 20 times higher than other tackles. Shedding blocks is essential for defensive backs to reach the runner, often involving hand-fighting against offensive linemen or tight ends. The shock-and-shed technique starts with an explosive hand strike inside the blocker's frame, followed by a low pad level to lock arms, control the blocker's momentum, and rip free to pursue. For perimeter threats, the Boss method uses the inside shoulder to attack while keeping the outside arm free to maintain edge containment, and the Crack the Cracker approach counters outside receiver blocks by staying square and leveraging one arm to redirect the blocker inward. These hand-active drills ensure defensive backs stay unblocked and contribute to the tackle. Key metrics evaluate defensive backs' run defense effectiveness, including tackles for loss (TFL), where they wrap up runners behind the line to disrupt plays, and missed tackle rate, which measures failed attempts in space. Top performers, such as those with rates under 10%, demonstrate reliable support that bolsters team run defense rankings. also tracks run-stop percentage for defensive backs, quantifying stops relative to run snaps faced to assess overall impact.

Physical and Training Aspects

Required Attributes

Defensive backs require exceptional speed and acceleration to keep pace with wide receivers and running backs in coverage and pursuit. Elite performers at the typically record times between 4.4 and 4.5 seconds, with top prospects often dipping below 4.3 seconds to demonstrate the burst needed for short-area explosions. The 20-yard shuttle run, which measures change-of-direction , averages around 4.1 to 4.3 seconds for cornerbacks, highlighting the lateral essential for mirroring routes and recovering from fakes. These benchmarks underscore how speed enables defensive backs to close gaps rapidly in man-to-man situations or zone drops. Optimal for defensive backs emphasizes lean muscle mass to sustain throughout games while maintaining . Cornerbacks generally stand between 5'10" and 6'1" tall and weigh 180 to 200 pounds, allowing for a balance of speed and physicality without excess bulk that could hinder acceleration. Safeties, who often contribute more to run support, are slightly larger, averaging 6'0" to 6'1" in height and 200 to 215 pounds, with low body fat percentages to support prolonged high-intensity efforts. This lean build facilitates quick transitions between coverage and tackling while minimizing fatigue in extended plays. Cognitive skills are paramount for defensive backs, who must process complex offensive schemes in real time. Extensive film study allows players to anticipate routes by recognizing receiver alignments, stances, and tendencies, enabling proactive positioning rather than reactive chasing. Play recognition under pressure—such as identifying play-action fakes or hot routes—relies on pattern identification honed through repeated video analysis, giving defensive backs an edge in high-stakes moments like red-zone defenses. Injury resilience is critical for defensive backs due to the position's demands for frequent cuts, collisions, and dives. Flexibility training enhances joint , reducing strain on hips, knees, and ankles during abrupt directional changes and tackles. Core strength provides torso stability to absorb impacts and maintain balance, significantly lowering the risk of lower-back and soft-tissue injuries common in high-contact scenarios. These attributes collectively ensure defensive backs can withstand the physical toll of 60-plus snaps per game while preserving performance integrity.

Development and Drills

Defensive backs undergo specialized footwork drills to build the agility and quickness essential for maintaining coverage during plays. The backpedal mirror drill involves pairing with a partner simulating a receiver, where the defensive back mirrors movements while backpedaling, focusing on keeping eyes on the hips and maintaining a low stance to enhance body positioning and eye discipline in man coverage. Ladder agility drills, such as the Ickey Shuffle, require stepping through an agility ladder in a three-count rhythm—inside foot into the square, outside foot following, then out to the opposite side—to improve foot speed, hip fluidity, and balanced transitions that mimic shadowing receivers. These exercises target attributes like speed and change-of-direction ability, preparing defensive backs for explosive reactions in pass defense. Reaction drills emphasize hand-eye coordination to sharpen and pass-deflection skills. Tennis ball drills, often performed while jogging or backpedaling, involve catching or reacting to tossed s to develop visual tracking, , and anticipation, skills directly transferable to tracking football passes in coverage. The JUGS machine, a mechanical ball thrower, is widely used in training to simulate high-repetition catches at various angles and speeds; for instance, defensive backs like of the practiced deep balls and one-handed catches post-practice to boost catching proficiency and hand speed. These methods foster rapid under pressure, reducing drops and improving overall reactive precision. Scrimmage simulations integrate these skills into team contexts, with 7-on-7 drills providing focused pass coverage practice by limiting to seven players per side, allowing defensive backs to execute man or zone schemes against live routes without run interference, thereby increasing repetitions and refining . Team periods extend this to full 11-on-11 scrimmages, incorporating run defense to teach pursuit angles and tackling integration, ensuring defensive backs contribute to overall scheme execution during simulated game scenarios. Offseason programs for defensive backs prioritize building explosiveness through structured weight training aligned with NFL Combine preparation, such as incline bench presses at progressive intensities (60-85% of max) paired with push-ups to enhance upper-body power for jamming receivers. Lower-body sessions include squats and five days a week to develop burst speed for transitions. Recovery incorporates , which improves flexibility, balance, and muscle pliability to accelerate healing and prevent injuries; NFL players, including defensive linemen like Leonard Williams, use poses targeting hips and core to maintain joint integrity during intense training cycles. This regimen, often spanning 90-minute sessions with mobility warm-ups, supports sustained performance leading into the season.

History and Evolution

Origins in Early Football

In the early decades of , the defensive back position emerged primarily as an extension of the halfback role in ironman lineups, where players handled both offensive and defensive duties amid the dominance of run-heavy single-wing offenses. Passing plays were infrequent and often illegal if thrown from beyond the , limiting the need for specialized pass defenders; instead, halfbacks dropped back sporadically to contest rare aerial threats, focusing more on run support and kick coverage. This rudimentary pass defense reflected the era's emphasis on ground attacks, with formations like the 7-2-2 featuring just two halfbacks positioned to aid against runs rather than deep coverage. The introduction of the T-formation in the 1940s, revitalized by coach at Stanford in 1940, marked a pivotal shift by enabling quicker releases and more effective passing, necessitating defensive adaptations including additional backs for pass protection. Shaughnessy's innovations, including the 5-3-3 alignment with three defensive backs, allowed for better containment of mobile s and initial zone concepts to cover receivers spreading the field. This evolution prompted teams to experiment with two-deep alignments to prevent big plays over the top, as the T-formation's deceptive motions and direct snaps increased aerial threats across the league. By the 1950s and 1960s, the position specialized further with the rise of man-to-man coverage techniques, exemplified by Chicago Cardinals cornerback Dick "Night Train" Lane, who set the NFL single-season interception record with 14 in 1952 through aggressive, physical shadowing of receivers. Lane's style, involving hard jams at the line and relentless pursuit, influenced a generation of defenders amid the league's integration, which began in 1946 with players like Bill Willis—a defensive standout for the Cleveland Browns who helped break the color barrier and contributed to early secondary depth. Rule changes, such as unlimited free substitution in 1956, accelerated this specialization by allowing dedicated defensive backs to focus on coverage without offensive fatigue, enhancing secondary performance against evolving pass-oriented offenses.

Modern Adaptations and Notable Figures

In the late , the implemented rule changes to promote passing and reduce physical contact, particularly affecting defensive backs. The 1978 rules prohibited defenders from using their hands or body to impede receivers beyond five yards from the , while allowing offensive linemen to extend their arms during blocks. These adjustments shifted the emphasis for defensive backs toward speed and agility rather than brute physicality, as excessive contact penalties became more frequent and passing attacks proliferated. By the 2000s, defensive strategies evolved with the rise of the and Cover-2 schemes, notably popularized through the defense under head coach with the . Dungy, drawing from his time with the , modified the traditional Cover-2—where safeties divide the deep field—by having the middle linebacker drop into deep coverage to counter short passing games like the . This variant, implemented in the late 1990s and peaking in the early 2000s, integrated elements to disguise pressures and disrupt quarterbacks, leading the Buccaneers to a victory in 2003. Prominent defensive backs have exemplified these adaptations across decades. , a shutdown corner in the 1990s, mastered man coverage with his elite speed (4.19-second ) and instincts, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1994. redefined the safety role in the 2000s as a premier ball hawk for the , leading the in interceptions three times (2004, 2008, 2010) and returning seven for touchdowns, including a league-record 107-yard pick-six in 2008. In the 2020s, cornerback has revived press-man techniques, using physical jams at the line to disrupt routes and ranking among the top corners with a 90.8 PFF coverage grade in 2023, holding opponents to under 50% completion. The integration of since the has further refined defensive back evaluation, with (PFF) grades providing detailed metrics on coverage efficiency and tackles beyond traditional stats. PFF's player grades, introduced in the mid-2000s but widely adopted in the , assess every snap to highlight skills like separation allowed (e.g., top corners under 2.5 yards) and forced incompletions. Complementing this, the NFL's Next Gen Stats, launched in 2016, use tracking data to measure metrics such as separation speed and route disruption, enabling teams to quantify a defensive back's impact in pass-heavy schemes.

References

  1. https://playfootball.nfl.com/resources/youth-and-high-school-tackle-football-glossary/
  2. https://operations.nfl.com/gameday/analytics/stats-articles/the-evolution-of-personnel-groupings-and-usage/
  3. https://operations.nfl.com/inside-football-ops/players-legends/evolution-of-the-nfl-player/
  4. https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/rules-changes/nfl-jersey-numbers/
  5. https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-the-top-10-shutdown-cornerbacks-of-the-2025-nfl-season-so-far
  6. https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/t/playbooks/football/mastering-the-defensive-back-position/
  7. https://alleyesdbcamp.com/defensive-back-in-football-the-ultimate-guide-to-excelling-at-the-position/
  8. https://www.nfl.com/photos/next-gen-stats-compelling-figures-for-top-defensive-performers
  9. https://www.nfl.com/players/xavien-howard/stats/career
  10. https://blog.kokasports.com/what-is-a-defensive-back-in-football-guide/
  11. https://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/386501
  12. https://theanalyst.com/articles/nfl-playoffs-one-weakness-that-could-derail-every-team
  13. https://www.espn.com/ncf/columns/davie/1437187.html
  14. https://www.viqtorysports.com/defensive-coverages-in-football-complete-guide/
  15. https://throwdeeppublishing.com/blogs/football-glossary/what-is-cover-3-in-football
  16. https://www.joedanielfootball.com/blog/cover-1-defense
  17. https://www.gripboost.com/blogs/news/football-coverages
  18. https://www.espn.com/ncf/columns/davie/1460709.html
  19. https://www.viqtorysports.com/nickel-dime-quarter-defenses/
  20. https://operations.nfl.com/learn-the-game/nfl-basics/formations-101/
  21. https://gorout.com/football-defensive-schemes/
  22. https://www.nfl.com/news/sidelines/the-high-wire-life-of-an-nfl-cornerback
  23. https://fansided.com/posts/average-40-yard-dash-time-for-every-position-at-nfl-combine-01hqktr2gxk3
  24. https://landryfootball.com/evaluation-criteria-for-corners-and-safeties/
  25. https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-cornerback-rankings-ahead-of-week-7-2025
  26. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45531014/top-10-nfl-cornerbacks-execs-scouts-2025-espn-jeremy-fowler-position-rankings
  27. https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/evolution-of-the-nfl-rules/
  28. https://sportshistorynetwork.com/football/1978-nfl-rule-changes/
  29. https://www.nfl.com/news/2022-nfl-season-s-early-top-10-safeties-derwin-james-at-no-1-rookies-paying-imme
  30. https://www.liveabout.com/strong-safety-vs-free-safety-1336342
  31. https://www.gobigrecruiting.com/recruiting101/football/positional_guidelines/defensive_back
  32. https://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=4994&output=article
  33. https://www.underarmour.com/en-us/t/playbooks/football/nickel-defense-in-football-explained/
  34. https://www.matchquarters.com/p/golden-age-of-the-nickel-defense-titans-mccreary
  35. https://www.sbnation.com/2014/3/13/5503674/2014-nfl-draft-free-agency-defense-seahawks-49ers-nickel-dime
  36. https://www.pff.com/news/pro-the-rise-of-the-nfl-slot-receiver
  37. https://alleyesdbcamp.com/mastering-the-art-of-man-coverage/
  38. https://blogs.usafootball.com/blog/5615/how-to-understand-nick-saban-s-pattern-match-cover-3-defense
  39. https://blogs.usafootball.com/blog/4177/rub-concepts-how-to-defend-them-and-how-offenses-can-counteract-it
  40. https://alleyesdbcamp.com/how-to-defend-the-slant-pattern-a-guide-for-defensive-backs/
  41. https://blogs.usafootball.com/blog/4177/rub-concepts-how-to-defend-them-and-how-offenses-can-counteract-it/
  42. https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2010/6/17/1516369/defensive-back-run-support
  43. https://www.glazierclinics.com/football-coach-resources/win-the-kickoff-field-position-battle-hot-force-alley-responsibilities-defined
  44. https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/keeping-the-head-out-of-tackling
  45. https://www.nfl.com/playerhealthandsafety/equipment-and-innovation/rules-changes/nfl-health-and-safety-related-rules-changes-since-2002
  46. https://operations.nfl.com/updates/the-rules/nfl-clubs-approve-rule-to-remove-hip-drop-tackle-from-the-game/
  47. https://www.glazierclinics.com/football-coach-resources/close-running-lanes-with-these-db-block-destruction-techniques
  48. https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-all-32-teams-by-tackling-metrics-chiefs-dominate-broncos-crack-top-three-lions-pace-nfc
  49. https://www.pff.com/news/pro-pff-signature-statistics-a-glossary
  50. https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/stats/combine/20-yard-shuttle.php
  51. https://oddspedia.com/insights/american-football/how-tall-is-the-average-nfl-player-average-height-nfl-players
  52. https://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/inside-the-game-how-players-do-film-study-20309663
  53. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1427449-a-former-players-perspective-on-film-study-and-preparing-for-a-nfl-game
  54. https://www.nfl.com/news/six-stretches-to-get-nfl-caliber-agility-0ap2000000250545
  55. https://www.nfl.com/news/core-training-the-secret-weapon-in-sports-performance-0ap3000000411365
  56. https://www.gripboost.com/blogs/news/best-football-secondary-drills
  57. https://blogs.usafootball.com/blog/2602/11-simple-exercises-that-transform-athletes-into-lockdown-defensive-backs
  58. https://www.scienceforsport.com/how-tennis-ball-drills-can-help-develop-hand-eye-coordination/
  59. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/page/HotReadx161222/nfl-how-jugs-machine-changed-football-2016
  60. https://gorout.com/7-on-7-football/
  61. https://footballdrillsbook.com/7-on-7-drill/
  62. https://www.5starfootballpackage.com/fb-blogs/defensive-back-off-season-workout
  63. https://simplifaster.com/articles/nfl-combine-training-steps-jordan-bush/
  64. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story?id=24400842
  65. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2013/09/05/ecc27a1a-11d9-11e3-85b6-d27422650fd5_story.html
  66. https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/game-changers-42
  67. https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/game-changers-83
  68. https://operations.nfl.com/inside-football-ops/players-legends/evolution-of-the-nfl-player/the-reintegration-of-the-nfl/
  69. https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/nfl-how-1978-rule-alterations-changed-game
  70. https://bucswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/buccaneers/2024/09/21/tony-dungy-sets-the-record-straight-on-the-tampa-2-defense/75323165007/
  71. https://www.bucsnation.com/2010/5/12/1466315/tampa-2-defense-explained
  72. https://www.profootballhof.com/players/deion-sanders/
  73. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/def_int_year_by_year.htm
  74. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27262590/how-notorious-night-owl-ed-reed-became-nfl-feared-ball-hawk
  75. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/team/history/hall-of-fame/ed-reed
  76. https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-cornerback-rankings-final-sauce-gardner-retains-his-place-as-the-no-1-cornerback-in-the-nfl
  77. https://www.matchquarters.com/p/technique-analysis-sauce-gardner-new-york-jets
  78. https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-all-decade-top-101-best-nfl-players-2010s
  79. https://operations.nfl.com/gameday/analytics/stats-articles/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
Contribute something
User Avatar
No comments yet.