Is Edge and Defensive End the same position?

[FreakTalksAboutSU]

If so, when did that terminology change? If not what's the delineated between the two? Is an edge a crappy run stopper while a DE is more balanced? I've never understood why Edge has become so common when 20 years ago I dont think the term existed

Sorry if its a dumb Q. It's one of those weird questions I've always had but never bothered to ask

 

[CuseCrew08]

Edge in theory has the ability to drop into coverage depending on the call. A traditional DE just rushes the passer.

I find that most edge guys in the NFL just rush the passer...

 

[upperdeck]

in the NFL they tend to set up the edge guys really wide making it even harder on the tackles to pass block.

 

[steve deberg]

If so, when did that terminology change? If not what's the delineated between the two? Is an edge a crappy run stopper while a DE is more balanced? I've never understood why Edge has become so common when 20 years ago I dont think the term existed

Sorry if its a dumb Q. It's one of those weird questions I've always had but never bothered to ask

I think the catalyst to start defining players as "Edge" was how players were compensated under the NFL Franchise Tag.

When a player is tagged, their guaranteed one year salary is based on the average salary of the five highest paid players at their position.

3-4 OLBs and 4-3 DEs could both be premiere pass rushers, but the average DE salary was much higher than the average LB salary - so 3-4 OLBs who were franchise tagged got the short end of the stick.

I believe it was about 10 years ago with Khalil Mack when the term "Edge" became an official position - essentially just meaning "pass rusher."

 

[OttoinGrotto]

All I know is you have to set the edge.

You just hafta.

 

[Cuse1992]

Edge = Freeney ?
DE = Burnett? Jones??

 

[ImperialOrange]

A valid question and one I'd not fully considered prior.

In my mind it's always been SDE (Strong side de) vs WDE (weak side de). SDE lines up field side, usually over the TE, and sets the edge on run plays. WDE is usually you speed rusher providing backside pursuit (that's what she said) and only deals with an OT from the 5 gap

 

[David321]

Speaking of..