Visually, the 5-2 looks almost exactly like the 3-4. It has three defensive linemen, and four linebackers, with two of those linebackers lined up on the line of scrimmage. It even features a nose tackle in a 1 technique tilted towards the offence’s strength.
Table of Contents
What does a 5-2 defense look like?
Visually, the 5-2 looks almost exactly like the 3-4. It has three defensive linemen, and four linebackers, with two of those linebackers lined up on the line of scrimmage. It even features a nose tackle in a 1 technique tilted towards the offence’s strength.

Can you have 5 defensive linemen?
Positional Alignments & Responsibilities There are five defensive linemen (3 defensive tackles, 2 defensive ends) aligned directly across from each of the five offensive linemen. These players are often referred to as “down” lineman because they are positioned in a forward-leaning squat with one hand on the ground.
Is Cover 2 the best defense?
Cover two is an effective coverage because you can assign five defenders to play the underneath zones. This makes the offense have to execute at an extremely high level to be effective. The defense is not allowing much space or easy throws. The vulnerability of cover two is that you only have two deep defenders.
Where do tackles line up?

Tackle. A standard football offense has two tackles on the offensive line. One lines up to the left of the left guard (and is known as the “left tackle”), and the other lines up to the right of the right guard (and is known as the “right tackle”). Tackles are typically the largest players on the field.
Who invented the 5 2 defense?
Earle (Greasy) Neale
Historically, there are two significant variations of the 5–2 defense in professional and college football. The first is the defense created by Earle (Greasy) Neale.
What’s the best defensive formation?
4-3 Defense The 4-3 is a very popular defensive formation in the NFL. It uses four defensive linemen, three linebackers, two cornerbacks, and two safeties. Additional cornerbacks may replace the linebackers in passing situations (see dime and nickel defenses below).
How do you beat Read 2 coverage?
How to Run 2-Read Coverage
- Cornerback: Align 7×2 inside leverage of the #1 receiver. Some 2-read packages align tighter and use outside leverage.
- Safety: Align 10×2 inside leverage of the #2 receiver. Use deeper or together alignments based on situation.
- Linebacker: Align based on the front.
What positions are defensive lineman?
The defensive line is made up of the defensive tackles (DT) and defensive ends (DE). Usually, there are three or four players on the defensive line, one or two defensive tackles and two defensive ends. Then, there are linebackers.
What position is Aaron Donald?
Defensive tackleAaron Donald / Position