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.
Spies are also sometimes known as "keys". Generally, spies are linebackers.
References
- "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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