<P> Generally, the primary responsibilities for both outside linebackers are to stop the run and rush the quarterback in passing situations, in which they line in front of the tackles like true defensive ends . The outside linebackers in a 3--4 defense are players who are very skilled at rushing the quarterback and they would be playing defensive end in a 4--3 defense . When it comes to the inside linebackers, one is generally a run - stuffing player who is better able to handle offensive linemen and stop running backs when the offense features a running play, while the other is often a smaller, faster player who excels in pass coverage . However, the smaller or cover LB should also be able to scrape and plug running lanes decently . </P> <P> The design concept of the 3--4 defense is to confuse the offensive line in their blocking assignments, particularly in pass blocking, and to create a more complex read for the quarterback . Many 3--4 defenses have the ability to quickly hybrid into a 4--3 on the field . </P> <P> In the 46 defense there are four linemen, three linebackers and a safety who is moved up behind the line of scrimmage . Thus, it appears as if there are 4 linebackers, but it is really 3 linebackers with one safety playing up with the other linebackers . </P> <P> Three of the defensive linemen are over both of the offensive guards and the center, thereby making it difficult to double team any one of the three interior defensive linemen . This can also take away the ability of the offense to pull the guards on a running play, because this would leave one of the defenders unblocked, or, at best, give another lineman a very difficult block to make on one of the defenders . The safety, like the linebacker, can blitz, play man - on - man, play zone, or drop back into deep coverage like a normal safety would do . The 46 is used in heavy run situations to stop the run, when a team wants to bring lots of pressure, or merely to confuse the quarterback and offensive line . </P>

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