Expert: John Miller - 10/13/2007

Question
QUESTION: Where/are there times and situations in which the Chicago Bears put ten people in the box in games?

ANSWER: The 46 was not named for 10 in the box; 46 was the number of Doug Plank, a safety that was brought up as the 8th guy in the box. Also the corners would play on the line on the receivers, so essentially there were 10 players in position to rush/blitz and the trick was to figure out which ones would be coming. Eventually zone blocking schemes were developed which negated the 46 advantage; I don't think anyone still uses it although bringing a safety up in the box is still used periodically by the Bears and others.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'm sorry I should have ask amore detailed question.  Here is the skinny a buddy of mine doubted my knowledge of the 46 bear defense which lead up to us debating whether or not 10 defensive players could be in the box (which is typically from tackle to tackle) at any given time. So my question is have the Bears or any nfl team showed or used fronts in which 10 defensive players where in the box?

Answer
I don't know for sure, but I think goal line defenses sometimes have 10 in tight and on the line, and certainly special teams kick defense (field goal and extra point defense) usually has all 11 on the line and tight; it wouldn't technically be between the tackles, however, so I guess it depends on how you define "the box." Sorry I can't give a more definitive answer; interesting question. Thanks.
Incidentally, my previous answer was wrong, in that I just read that the Baltimore Ravens are using the 46 defense occasionally this year.