Cornerback
defensive position in American and Canadian football, covering receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles
This article uses too much jargon, which needs explaining or simplifying. (September 2012) |
A cornerback is a position on defense in American football. Corners can rush the passer, intercept balls, tackle, and deflect passes. Their main job is to stop the opponent's receivers from making a catch. Cornerbacks usually line up on the edges, or sides, of the defensive line opposite their opponent's receivers. In zone defense, corners are assigned to a specific area of the field, in which they cannot let anyone make a catch. In man defense, corners cover one player and try to stop them from catching a ball.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha covers Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Michael Jenkins on November 2, 2008 in a National Football League game.
