Defensive line
What is defensive line in football?
The defensive line is the first line of defense. It consists of the big influential players who can stop the linemen covering the runners or the ball carriers themselves in the run or pass plays correspondingly. The positions here depend on the used pattern.
Despite the names 4-3 or 3-4 defense, there are always five linemen ahead. But the center and guard stand far from the legal line of scrimmage. The main roles are defensive tackles and ends. DTs cover the inside part of the field while the ends counteract the runners and sometimes tight ends. DE is responsible for the pressure on the quarterback.
The 3-4 defense supposes three tackles. Two defensive tackles play in usual places while the nose tackle appears in the center of the line. They work to block the offensive tackles and running back, trying to use these routes to advance the ball.