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.

Defensive tackles (often called "space eaters") take on double teams. Their job isn't necessarily to make the tackle, but to keep offensive linemen busy so they cannot "climb" to the linebackers.

In football terminology, the refers to the area roughly 5–10 yards past the line of scrimmage, primarily occupied by the linebackers . First Level: The defensive line (Tackles and Ends). Second Level: Linebackers. Third Level: The secondary (Cornerbacks and Safeties). 2. The Offensive Objective

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