Glossary

Defensive end / edge (DE, EDGE)

DefensePositionDEEDGEOLB

What it is

The outside defensive linemen and stand-up rushers, who set the edge against the run and rush the passer.

Why it matters

The edge player carries the two responsibilities most likely to conflict: he must not let the ball outside him, and he must get to the quarterback. Those are opposite instructions on any given snap, and a defense that never tells him which one wins produces either a lost contain or a nonexistent rush. He is usually the EMLOS, which makes him the reference point for the whole option game.

Also called

Programs call this DE, EDGE, rusher, the end or outside backer. The Coach answers to any of them.

Related

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