On offense, players can be divided into 3 parts. A normal complement of defensive backs includes two cornerbacks and two safeties, though specialty defensive backs (nickelbacks and dime backs) can be brought in in place of linebackers and defensive linemen, when there is a need to cover additional pass receivers. During normal play, offensive linemen do not handle the ball (aside from the snap from center), unless the ball is fumbled by a ball carrier, a pass is deflected, or when a player who is normally an offensive lineman takes a different position on the field. Defensive backs also act as the last line of defense on running plays and need to be able to make open field tackles, especially when the ball carrier has gotten past the other defenders. "global warming" Within these three separate "platoons", various specific positions exist depending on what each player's main job is. Either way, versatility, and speed are critical traits for a good Sam Linebacker. For many years, the standard set consisted of the quarterback, two running backs (a tailback/halfback and a fullback), two wide receivers (a flanker and a split end) and a tight end. Thus, a 3–4 defense consists of three defensive linemen (usually a nose tackle and two defensive ends), four linebackers, and four defensive backs (two cornerbacks, a strong safety, and a free safety). Additionally, there are two receivers, one on each end of the line of scrimmage, who line up outside of the interior linemen. He also has pass coverage responsibilities which vary from covering the tight end, or the back out of the backfield, to dropping to the deep hook/curl zone. ,random If it's a pass read, the Sam will cover his assigned man, or drop into zone coverage. The World's most comprehensive professionally edited abbreviations and acronyms database All trademarks/service marks referenced on this site are properties of their respective owners. Unlike the offensive team, the rules of the sport do not restrict the defensive team into certain positions. The specific role that a player takes on the field is called their position.Under the modern rules of American football, teams are allowed unlimited free substitutions; that is, teams may change any number of … Within these strictures, however, creative coaches have developed a wide array of offensive formations to take advantage of different player skills and game situations. Acronym Finder, All Rights Reserved. Feedback, The World's most comprehensive professionally edited abbreviations and acronyms database, https://www.acronymfinder.com/Right-Outside-Linebacker-(Football)-(ROLB).html, Robert Owen Learning Academy (Leominster, Herefordshire, England, UK), Rollende Landstrasse (German railway transport line carrying vehicles on wheels), Ross Lake National Recreation Area (US National Park Service), Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Roland Air Defense System (German armed forces), Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard, Reconfigurable On-Line ATE Information Distribution System, Revised Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire, Research on Language and Computation (journal), River of Life Christian Church (Santa Clara, CAand Dekalb, IL), Romanian League in Defense of Animals (Romania), Ranolazine Open Label Experience (medication testing program). The objective of the defensive team is to prevent the other team from scoring, and win possession of the ball for their side.