A conservative defensive approach usually adopted when protecting a large lead late in games. Defense will guard against long pass plays by having more defensive backs retreat into coverage. This allows the offense to complete time-consuming short passes but not costly big gains or scores.
A special case of playing off in which the objective is to not give up a large score. This may entail giving up smaller scores in order to reduce the risk of a large score. Typically employed when protecting a large lead late in the game. Compare with cautious offense, playing on, playing off, desperation defense and desperation offense
a defensive strategy that utilizes deep zone coverage in order to prevent a big pass play from happening downfield, usually at the expense of giving up yards at shorter distances. Often used against hail mary plays, or at the end of the game when the defending team is protecting a lead. Disparaged by many fans. John Madden, legendary player, coach, and commentator, has been quoted as saying, "The only thing a prevent defense prevents is a win."
A type of defensive strategy which is employed to protect a lead late in the game. In this type of defense, the defense forces the offense to make short inconsequential gains as opposed to giving up long, quick scoring plays.
A defensive formation where the team on defense is simply trying to prevent giving up a long, quick play for a touchdown and keep the clock running by leaving defenders deep and along the sidelines to keep the ball carrier in bounds. Offenses can gain yardage up the middle of the field, but that will come at the cost of time off the clock.