User:Eithersummer/sandbox/edgerusher

A 4-3 defensive scheme, with four defensive linemen at the front and three linebackers behind them. The leftmost and rightmost defensive linemen are labeled "defensive end".

A 3-4 defensive scheme, with three defensive linemen at the front and four linebackers behind them. The leftmost and rightmost linebackers are labeled "outside linebacker".

In the 4-3 defense above, the defensive ends ("DE") are the edge rushers. In the 3-4 defense below, the outside linebackers ("OLB") are the edge rushers.

In American football, the edge rusher or edge is a defensive player who lines up near the edge of the offensive line and is primarily tasked with rushing towards the quarterback or other ball carrier. Depending on the defensive scheme employed, edge rushers may either be defensive ends or outside linebackers.

Terminology and responsibilities

History

Examples of edge rushers

T.J. Watt, an outside linebacker

Deacon Jones of the San Diego Chargers looking to his right

Deacon Jones, a defensive end

Julius Peppers, who played both as a defensive end and linebacker

Terminology and responsibilities

History

References