3 : Defense And Reaching Second Level ✦ Verified Source

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

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. 3 : Defense and Reaching Second Level

To prevent the offense from reaching and neutralizing the second level, defenses focus on two main tactics: Linebackers must "scrape" laterally

When coaches talk about a defense's ability to "reach the second level," they are usually describing the chess match between offensive blockers and the defensive front. they will eventually wear down