Two-level defense

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In American football, a two-level defense is an organization with only two layers of defense instead of the customary three layers.

[edit] Overview

In a usual three-level defense, there are three layers: the forcing unit (consisting mainly of linemen but possibly also including shooting linebackers and defensive backs), the underneath coverage (usually consisting of linebackers but possibly including other players, especially in the case of a zone blitz), and the contain unit (mostly defensive backs). A two-level defense does away with the contain unit in favor of increased pressure on the offense. Two-level defenses will often use one deep safety (as deep as 28 yards at the snap!) to enforce an end line on the offense, but the Bear 4-6 is a two level defense with contain handled solely by the single coverage skills of the cornerbacks. The "Bear" can also function as a three-level defense, and indeed concealment of the defensive structure is a key to making this defense work.

The two-level was invented to combat the Run and Shoot Offense in the 1980s, but has stayed in use due to its adaptability in combating all types of offenses. The defense of spread formations remains a strong suit of this model.

Coach John M. Thomson is the main innovator of the 5-5-1 two-level model that is the most commonly seen version of this extremely rare defense. In 1988, Coach Thomson wrote "Football Defense of the Future" in collaboration with Coach Bill Arnsparger. The book is matched in its excellence only by its rarity - coaches looking for a copy generally have to resort to interlibrary loan. This defense's most prominent current practitioner is Coach Richard Lex.