Quote:

I see no problem with verbifying this noun...




According to Calvin and Hobbes, the verb form of verb is "verb", as in "I like to verb words." (Said by Calvin.) Therefore, the correct useage would be "I see no problem with verbing this noun..." Let us not compound the solecism!


Back to the original question, I would say that the correct expression would simply have been "...defending against..." The defensive player is not in support of the play (defending it), he is against the play (defending against it). Besides, I think it sounds more correct.