46 Bear Defense
46 Bear Defensive Alignment - The graphic below demonstrates a typical 46 Bear
alignment. The 46 Bear consists of four defensive linemen, three linebackers, two
corner backs a free safety and a strong safety. This alignment is an 8 man in the box
look
alignment. The 46 Bear consists of four defensive linemen, three linebackers, two
corner backs a free safety and a strong safety. This alignment is an 8 man in the box
look
46 Bear Philosophy - The 46 Bear defense was designed by Buddy Ryan of the
Chicago Bears back in the early 80's. The 46 refers to the jersey number of Doug
Plank who played safety. This defense is basically an 8 men in the box defense with
the defensive linemen positioned toward the weak side of the offense. The left
defensive end and the two defensive tackles are aligned head-up on the offensive
guards and center, with the right defensive end aligned to the outside of the left
offensive tackle. This alignment creates a problem for the offensive line in that the
center and two guards have to commit to the man over them which limits their ability
to trap and pull and the left tackle is left on an island to block a speedy end. The WILL
and SAM linebackers are both aligned on the strong side of the formation where they
act as pseudo defensive linemen. The strong safety comes up and acts as a fourth
linebacker. The 46 is a rarity anymore due to the emergence and popularity of west
coast and spread offenses.
Chicago Bears back in the early 80's. The 46 refers to the jersey number of Doug
Plank who played safety. This defense is basically an 8 men in the box defense with
the defensive linemen positioned toward the weak side of the offense. The left
defensive end and the two defensive tackles are aligned head-up on the offensive
guards and center, with the right defensive end aligned to the outside of the left
offensive tackle. This alignment creates a problem for the offensive line in that the
center and two guards have to commit to the man over them which limits their ability
to trap and pull and the left tackle is left on an island to block a speedy end. The WILL
and SAM linebackers are both aligned on the strong side of the formation where they
act as pseudo defensive linemen. The strong safety comes up and acts as a fourth
linebacker. The 46 is a rarity anymore due to the emergence and popularity of west
coast and spread offenses.
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CB
FS
CB
WiLL
SAM
SS
MIKE