3 : Defense And Reaching Second Level Review

Linebackers must "scrape" laterally. This involves reading the play and moving horizontally to avoid the climbing blockers, keeping themselves "clean" to make a play on the ball carrier. 4. Why It Matters

To prevent the offense from reaching and neutralizing the second level, defenses focus on two main tactics: 3 : Defense and Reaching Second Level

A defense that protects its second level is usually elite against the run. If linebackers are forced to fight off 300-pound linemen all game, they will eventually wear down, leading to "explosive" run plays where the back reaches the safety (third level) untouched. Linebackers must "scrape" laterally

Here is an informative breakdown of what this feature entails: 1. Defining the "Second Level" they will eventually wear down