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3-4
The 3-4 defensive set consists of one tackle, two ends, two outside linebackers, two inside linebackers, two corners, and two safeties. Teams with several dominant linemen to go along with fast, athletic linebackers typically find success with this formation. With less bulk up front, the linebackers play a key role in this set.
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4-3
The 4-3 defensive set consists of two tackles, two ends, two outside linebackers, one inside linebacker, two corners, and two safeties. Slightly better against the run than the 3-4 with the added tackle, this set is slightly weaker over the middle and on the edges.
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4-4
The 4-4 defensive set consists of two tackles, two ends, two outside linebackers, two inside linebackers, two corners, and one safety. With up to eight men in the box, this set is hard on the running game and short passes. If the quarterback has time to throw, he can exploit this defense with some deep passes.
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5-2
The 5-2 defensive set consists of three tackles, two ends, two outside linebackers, two corners, and two safeties. Running between the tackles is hard work against this defense, but short to mid-range passes across the middle become a lot easier.
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Nickel
A Nickel defense consists of two tackles, two ends, two outside linebackers, three corners, and two safeties. Fairly soft against the run, the nickel defense is hard to throw against with five defensive backs leaving little room for the receivers to find openings.
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Dime
A Dime defense consists of one tackle, two ends, two outside linebackers, four corners, and two safeties. Extremely difficult to pass against, but extremely easy to run against. This defense is playing the pass all the way.
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