nose tackle
Center's direct opponent
A nose tackle is a defensive lineman in American football who lines up directly opposite the center, at the "nose" of the offensive formation.
The position appears in 3-4 defensive schemes, where the nose tackle's primary job is to occupy blockers and clog running lanes rather than rush the passer.
Nose tackles are typically the largest, most powerful players on the field: He's built like a classic nose tackle—340 pounds of immovable mass.
- linebackerSecond-level defensive position
- explosivenessTendency to erupt violently
- strengthPower to exert force
- offensive lineFootball's protective forward squad
- blitzingAggressive defensive charge
leverage · stunting · pass rush · agility · footwork · reaction time · double team · endurance · scrimmage line · goal line stand · guard · shoulder pads · balance · helmet · fullback · red zone · cleats · playbook
- defendersdefender, guard, protector, guardian, keeper
- football positionsquarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, linebacker
- Defensive Linedefensive end, edge rusher, Mean Joe Greene
- team rolesteam lead, captain, healer, goalkeeper, vice captain
- pass rusherspass rusher, edge rusher, edge, defensive end
nose tacklecenter
Middle of anything
offensive guard · offensive tackle · quarterback · pivot · snapper
nose tacklewide receiver
Offensive pass-catching position
cornerback · punt returner · slot receiver · free safety · placekicker
nose, tackle, noses, nosed, nosing, nosy, nasal, tackles, tackled