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A typical defensive set will have four DBs -- two cornerbacks and two safeties.
The cornerbacks position themselves at the line of scrimmage, directly opposite the wide receivers. They attempt to disrupt the receivers' routes and defend against short passes.
The safeties are positioned 10 to 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage, toward the center of the field. They provide deep coverage against receivers who slip by the cornerbacks and linebackers.
If the defense expects a pass, they may replace one or two of the linebackers with additional defensive backs. The fifth DB is called the nickel back, and the sixth is called the dime back.