DeAngelo Hall and the 4 Biggest Defensive Gamblers in the NFL

The job of a defensive player in the National Football League is a fairly simple one in theory. Stop the offensive team from scoring, either by halting their forward progress and forcing and a punt or by simply taking the ball away from them with a big play or interception.'

For some players, the former means of playing defense is either just too boring or not as likely to get their faces on television, and some NFL defenders have developed quite the reputation for foregoing the easy play in an attempt to make the highlight reel.

1. DeAngelo Hall: CB, Washington Redskins

Cornerback DeAngelo Hall of the Washington Redskins has had a long and storied career in the National Football league, but he inspires little fear in opposing signal-callers, due in no small part to his penchant for gambling on takeaways as opposed to blanketing receivers.

2. Dwight Freeney: DE Indianapolis Colts

For many years Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney has been one of the more feared pass rushers in the NFL, but the next time he tackles a running back will be because the ball carrier ran right into him.

3. Champ Bailey: CB, Denver Broncos

Champ Bailey may well find himself enshrined in Canton one day, but there's no denying that the 13th-year veteran cornerback for the Denver Broncos has lost a step and has always been susceptible to play fakes, where his zeal for making the big play could be turned against him.

4. Cliff Avril: DE, Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril is an important part of the Lions fearsome pass rush—with six sacks entering Week 10—but his 18 total tackles for the season suggests running backs are just pesky players that run by him as Avril is barreling towards the quarterback.