<P> Defensive end (DE) is a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football . </P> <P> This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations over the years have substantially changed how the position is played . </P> <P> Early formations, with six - and seven - man lines, used the end as a containment player, whose job was first to prevent an "end run" around his position, then secondarily to force plays inside . </P> <P> When most teams adopted a five - man line, two different styles of end play developed: "crashing" ends, who rushed into the backfield to disrupt plays, and "stand - up" or "waiting" ends, who played the more traditional containment style . Some teams would use both styles of end play, depending on game situations . </P>

Where does the left defensive end line up