In American football, a spy is a defensive player assigned to cover the opposing team's quarterback man-to-man.
This strategy is generally used against "dual-threat" quarterbacks who are capable of rushing when passing plays break down. The defensive player floats near the line of scrimmage, following the quarterback's movements.[1]
Spies are also sometimes known as "keys".[2] Generally, spies are linebackers.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Spying the Quarterback". Sporting Charts. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
- ^ "Football Outsiders Glossary: General Football Terms". Football Outsiders. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
- ^ Theismann, Joe (2003). The Complete Idiot's Guide to Football. Penguin. p. 179. ISBN 0786548363.
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