The loss of the ball by one team to the other team. This is usually the result of a fumble or an interception.

Point After Touchdown. See try.

A type of Nickel formation with 2 linemen (2 DEs or 1 DE & 1 DT), 4 linebackers (2 ILBs & 2OLBs), and 5 defensive backs (3 CBs, 1 FS & 1 SS). More common among teams with 3-4 base defenses [..]

A variation of the Nickel formation with 3 linemen (2 DE & 1 DT), 3 linebackers (2 OLB & 1 MLB), and 5 defensive backs (3 CB, 1 SS & 1 FS). Often called a 3-3 stack. Also called the ”Rule [..]

A defensive formation with 3 linemen and 4 linebackers. A professional derivative in the 1970s of the earlier Oklahoma or 50 defense, which had 5 linemen and 2 linebackers. The 3-4 outside linebackers [..]

A defensive formation with 4 linemen and 3 linebackers. Several variations are employed. First used by coach Joe Kuharich and Tom Landry.

Illegal participation (name so derived from the fact that 4+4+4=12 men on the field; each team is limited to 11). Coined by coach and color commentator John Madden. (However, this formation is legal i [..]

(pronounced forty-six defense) A formation of the 4-3 defense (four linemen and three linebackers) in which three defensive backs (the two cornerbacks and the strong safety) crowd the line of scrimmag [..]

A once popular college defense with 5 defensive linemen and 2 linebackers. Also known as the ”Oklahoma Defense,” it is structurally very similar to the 3-4. In the 50-defense, the team uses a nose tac [..]

An offensive philosophy designed to appear as if all 11 players are eligible receivers. The offense exploits a loophole in the American football rulebook to technically make the formation a scrimmage [..]