General
prevent defense
What does prevent defense mean?
A conservative defensive alignment that drops defenders deep to prevent long completions, conceding short gains, usually used to protect a late lead.
"They went into a prevent defense and nearly let the other team back in."
Origin
American football; the scheme's purpose is to 'prevent' the big play.
Frequently asked questions
What is a prevent defense?
It's a conservative scheme that drops defenders deep to stop long completions, giving up short gains to protect a lead late in a game.
Why do fans criticize the prevent defense?
Because it eases the pass rush and coverage, it often lets a trailing offense move the ball easily, hence the saying that it 'prevents you from winning.'
When is the prevent defense used?
Typically at the end of a half or game when the defense holds a lead and just wants to keep the ball in front of them and burn the clock.
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