The box is the area on the defensive side of the ball close to the line of scrimmage directly across from the offensive line.

Credit: BTN

The box is usually about as wide as a tight end would be and about as deep as five yards.  The number of defenders in the box is typically an indicator of how committed the defense is to stopping the run on that play.  Many offenses count the numbers in the box and make calls based on whether those numbers are favorable for running or not.

Gridiron Glossary is a resource for football terms that are often used by commentators, coaches and players but rarely defined.  If there is a term you have questions about or a definition you don’t agree with, let me know at billy@thirddowndraw.com.