Defensive Schemes
Defensive Schemes Explained
See how fronts, philosophies, and personnel groupings shape your defense. Understand how each scheme impacts play-calling, player development, and roster building.
All Defensive Schemes
See how fronts, philosophies, and personnel groupings shape your defense.
3-4 • Speed rush with coverage support
3-4 Storm
Speed up front and coverage in the middle, the 3-4 Storm defense is geared towards applying pressure to the quarterback...
- Key archetypes
- Speed Rusher, Run Stopper, Pass Coverage, Zone, Run Support
- Example teams
- None
3-4 • Flexible 3-4 with linebacker versatility
3-4 Under
The 3-4 Under adds even more flexibility with linebackers that can line up on the defensive line. Using bigger...
- Key archetypes
- Run Stopper, Power Rusher, Field General, Pass Coverage, Man, Hybrid, Run Support
- Example teams
- None
4-3 • Cover 3 zone with aggressive safeties
4-3 Cover 3
A 4-3 Cover 3 defense focuses on forcing methodical offensive drives. Pass rushing upfront, coverage in the middle, and...
- Key archetypes
- Speed Rusher, Power Rusher, Pass Coverage, Run Stopper, Zone, Hybrid
- Example teams
- None
4-3 • Cover 4 with split-field capabilities
4-3 Quarters
Quarters, also known as Cover 4, is a scheme that puts four defenders deep, but allows for opportunities to split the...
- Key archetypes
- Run Stopper, Speed Rusher, Power Rusher, Pass Coverage, Zone, Hybrid
- Example teams
- None
4-3 • Flexible 4-3 front with hybrid capabilities
4-3 Under
The 4-3 Under defensive scheme allows for more flexibility than the base 4-3, as it can change to a 3-4 or 5-2. It...
- Key archetypes
- Speed Rusher, Power Rusher, Run Stopper, Field General, Man, Zone
- Example teams
- None
46 • Loaded box with aggressive blitzing
46 Defense
The 46 Defense features 8 players in the box, and a weak side defensive line shift. Designed to confuse blocking...
- Key archetypes
- Run Stopper, Power Rusher, Man, Run Support, Hybrid
- Example teams
- None
3-4 • Three linemen, four linebackers with versatile blitzing
Base 3-4
The base 3-4 defense utilizes bigger DL to eat up blockers, allowing four LBs to attack from multiple angles. The 3-4...
- Key archetypes
- Power Rusher, Run Stopper, Field General, Pass Coverage, Man, Zone, Run Support
- Example teams
- Ravens, Saints, Seahawks, Steelers, Vikings, Broncos, Buccaneers, Chargers, Eagles, Patriots, Rams
4-3 • Four linemen, three linebackers with balanced pressure
Base 4-3
The 4-3 defensive scheme is a defensive formation with 4 defensive linemen and 3 linebackers, ideal for generating a...
- Key archetypes
- Power Rusher, Speed Rusher, Run Stopper, Field General, Pass Coverage, Man, Zone, Run Support
- Example teams
- Texans, Titans, Bears, Bengals, Browns, Chiefs, Commanders, Cowboys, Falcons, 49ers, Giants, Jaguars, Jets, Lions, Raiders
3-4 • Unpredictable fronts with disguise concepts
Disguise 3-4
As offensive production is at an all-time high, defenses need to be unpredictable to succeed. This defense draws...
- Key archetypes
- Power Rusher, Run Stopper, Pass Coverage, Man, Hybrid
- Example teams
- None
2 • Zone coverage with deep-dropping MLB
Tampa 2
The Tampa 2 formation is similar to the base 4-3, as the defensive line is expected to pressure the QB without help...
- Key archetypes
- Power Rusher, Speed Rusher, Pass Coverage, Zone
- Example teams
- None