Dime defense

This formation is used to prevent the offense from completing a medium- to long-range pass play.

This may be because the offense's running game is inefficient, time is an issue, or they need a long pass for a first down.

It is also used against teams whose pass-to-run ratio predominantly favors pass.

[2] The defense gets its name because a dime, worth ten cents, is the next step up in United States coin currency from a nickel, which is worth 5 cents.

[citation needed] There are also "quarter" and "half-dollar" formations, each protecting against progressively deeper and more likely pass attempts.

The Adams State Grizzlies in a dime defense against the Texas A&M–Commerce Lions in 2015
A dime defense (4 cornerbacks ), lined up against 4 wide receivers on offense. A conventional dime formation would have 4 linemen and only one linebacker.