Defensive line
The defensive line is part of the defense in American football and usually consists of three to five players. A distinction is made between the defensive ends (DE) , which are positioned on the outside of the defensive line, and the defensive tackles (DT) , which are on the inside.
Defensive tackle
In formations with an uneven number of defensive tackles, the middle one is often referred to as the nose tackle (NT) , as it is then centered across from the opposing center and thus the offensive line . In the past, the nose tackle was also known as the nose guard or middle guard . Depending on their position within the defensive line, the players are called the left ( left ) or right ( right ) defensive tackle (LDT / RDT).
Defensive end
The defensive end is the name given to the players who are positioned at the end of the defensive line. The addition left ( left ) or right ( right ) defensive end (LDE / RDE) is also used for them. The term end is no longer used today. In the early years of American football, it referred to the players who were positioned at the end of the defensive line or at the end of the offensive line (today wide receiver ).
Athletics of the players
Tackles and ends also differ in their physique, as the ends have to be faster and more agile. They should prevent running plays over the outside, but also put the quarterback (QB) under pressure. The defensive tackles are heavier because strength is more important than agility. Your job is to prevent runs through the middle and also to put pressure on the quarterback.