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MAKE UP SPEED
Defensive back's ability to reach full speed when turning and pursuing a receiver who's past him, a.k.a. recovery speed.
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MAN-OFF COVERAGE
Man-on-man pass coverage when a defender is backed off the line of scrimmage, as opposed to tight bump-and-run coverage.
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MAULER
Highly aggressive and powerful offensive lineman who dishes out punishment while blocking.
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MAX PROTECT
A modification used on pass plays (usually combined with a shotgun formation) which keeps the tight end and both backs in behind the line of scrimmage to pass protect rather than run a pass route. This is used in obvious blitzing situations to give the quarterback "maximum protection" in the pocket. Although good for holding off a blitz, it leaves the quarterback with only two receivers to throw to (and therefore only two players for the secondary to defend). Some of the logic behind this play might stem from a player's supposed lack of defensibility: when a receiver (such as Randy Moss) or quarterback-receiver duo (such as the historic Joe Montana-and-Jerry Rice) is of the caliber that a completion is likely even when the receiver is closely guarded by defenders. Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs is known for having used a two tight end formation to protect his QB from the nearly unstoppable blitzer Lawrence Taylor.[
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MIKE (MLB)
The middle linebacker in 4-3 formation. In the 3-4 formation Mike is the Interior Linebacker(ILB) that play in the strong side of the formation. Mike has the responsibility to defend the interior gaps and the Curl Zone. Mike is the leader of the defense and has to be as bright as Quarterback because often he calls the audibles on defense.
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MIRROR
Shadow; stay in front of.
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MIRROR AND SLIDE
Describes a lineman's ability to read the defender's pass-rush moves and execute proper counter-strategies. The "slide" refers to a tackle's ability to step smoothly back into proper position to set a pocket for the QB.
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MO
Also known as Jack. The Interior Linebacker (ILB), 3-4 formation, that plays in the weak side of the formation.
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MOTOR
Player's intensity and drive.
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MOVE TIGHT END
Small tight end who's most effective when going in motion and blocking defenders on the perimeter. Similar to an H-back.
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MUDDER
Player who can perform well on a bad field or in poor weather.
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