Defensive line players, as well as offensive line players, can be described as the “meat and potatoes” positions in the NFL. They put their hands in the dirt and fight in the trenches. Then, they hopefully are able to help players coming off the edge to rush the quarterback, whether its a defensive end or edge player. The question is: What’s the difference between a defensive end and an edge? That is the very question we are tackling today on this edition of Seahawks Football 101. Let’s dive in and use
some Seattle Seahawks examples along the way!
Edge players: DeMarcus Lawrence/Uchenna Nwosu
The edge position is a hybrid position, where it can be either a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. It is a bit like the nickel position for the front seven. Their main goal is to generate quarterback pressure, sacks, and stopping the outside run no matter their official position. Their primary goal, though, is to be a pass rusher and apply pressure to the quarterback. The current Seahawks tandem DeMarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu are two of the better examples of this hybrid position on the front seven position for the Super Bowl champions.
Defensive End Players: Michael Bennett/Mike Morris
The defensive end position is a traditional defensive lineman who lines up on the line of scrimmage next to defensive tackles and across from the offensive lineman. Their main duties are a mix of heavy run defense (aka “setting the edge”) with crashing the pocket through the offensive line. They also try to absorb the initial blocks to free up the linebackers to go after the quarterback.
It all depends on whether it is a 3-4 scheme (three defensive lineman and four linebackers) or a 4-3 scheme (four defensive lineman and three linebackers). If it is a 3-4 scheme, their job is to block the opposing lineman to allow the linebackers to pressure the quarterback. If it is a 4-3 scheme, the defensive end is the primary pass rusher. Michael Bennett and Mike Morris are examples of defensive ends for the Seahawks.
The two positions are similar. While a defensive end can be an edge, not all edges are defensive ends. The Seahawks have had a lot of great run defenders and pocket infiltrators. Who are some of your favorites? Who is on your Mount Rushmore of Seahawks defensive ends? Discuss in the comments, and Go Hawks!
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