What is the difference between cornerback and defensive back?

Answer by  danny25 (83)

Defensive back is a term that refers to both corners and safeties. Many players play both positions, which usually gets them referred to as defensive backs. Safety is a slightly more dangerous position than cornerback, because safeties get hit more and are around the football more.

Answer by  scyllatwo (226)

Defensive back is the name of that particular position behind the linebackers. Defensive backs are then divided into cornerbacks and safeties. The cornerback is a set position on either side of the defensive backfield. The safeties are allowed to roam wherever the ball goes. I would say the defensive back is the less dangerous of the two.

Answer by  Mario31 (136)

Cornerbacks are Defensive Backs. A Defensive Back is any position played around the outside or in the back field. The positions are Cornerbacks, Safeties. Corners are usually using their feet most of the time to cover receivers, they don't engage in as many hits as other defensive positions.

Answer by  Kamalani (128)

A defensive back is any defensive player in the back field, the safeties (free and strong) and corner backs. Corner backs tend to be assigned players to cover; ie, wide receivers. CB start out towards the center of the field and react to the play, they are a last defense.

Answer by  John (9008)

Defensive back is a broader term. All cornerbacks are defensive backs, but so are the two safeties. All football positions carry risk, but these are not unusually risky.

Answer by  Marcus71 (12)

Defensive back is simply a category that includes cornerback, strong safety and free safety. Strong safeties usually do more hitting than free safeties and cornerbacks.

Answer by  3edad (219)

Defensive back is a term given to position defensive players who line up behind the linebackers. These positions are typically cornerbacks and safety. Sometimes teams will use a nickelback position which is another name for an extra defensive back. In short, a cornerback is a type of defensive back.