The 46 defense is an American football defensive formation. The formation comprises four down linemen, three linebackers, and four defensive backs. The 46 defense was originally developed and popularized by Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, who later became head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals. Today the scheme is currently used on a regular basis by the New York Jets head coach and defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, son of Buddy Ryan.
The name “46″ originally came from the jersey number of Doug Plank, who was a starting safety for the Bears when Ryan developed the defense, and typically played in that formation as a surrogate linebacker. (definition “courtesy” of Wikipedia)
Yours truly turned 46 today, and I find myself of late feeling more connected to the Chicago Bears of old, and other last century phenomenon.
I’ve always considered myself a kid at heart. I remember having a talk with boss/mentor “Coach Steph” half a lifetime ago when she was not that much older than me, and asking her when she stopped feeling like a kid. Her answer? “You don’t, really”. Good answer/good mantra for life, in some respects.
But, you see, you can’t only play the game on offense, because to do so at this age would indeed offend. Even the great ones step away from the game and move on to “grown up careers”.
So, while I wish to and plan to remain a kid at heart, with all of the bad jokes, puns, and analogies thereto appertaining, I have to learn to play a little defense, and the schematics that go with it. You see, if I don’t, I will find myself “getting offended” as old men often do, and I need to provide myself the structure to stay in the game and come out a winner. One can only score so many points in a career.
Enough for the stretched analogies and ramblings for today. Today is my birthday, and I feel like dancing. Let’s celebrate. How about joining me for a little “Super Bowl Shuffle”, courtesy of “da Bears”…?
