What does the defense do?

• A. Score touchdowns.
• B. Kick field goals.
• C. Attempt to prevent scoring opportunities by tackling the offense short of the first down or causing turnovers.
• D. Punt.

Answer: (C)

Defenses are there to stop the offense from scoring. The key way they do that is by ending drives before the offense can reach a score or first down, and by creating turnovers to gain back the ball. Tackling the ball carrier short of the first down slows a drive and can force a punt or turnover, while interceptions and fumbles immediately swing possession to the defense. This combination of stopping progress and forcing giveaways directly reduces the opponent’s scoring opportunities.

Scoring touchdowns is what the offense tries to do, not the defense. Kicking field goals is also an offensive/kicking play, and punts are initiated by the team with the ball on fourth down, not the defense.