Sports Offense and Defense

I just noticed that when I say "offense" or "defense" in the context of sports, I put the stress on the first syllable, but normally I place the stress on the second syllable. Why is this?

Yep, I've noticed that too. I don't know how it originated though.

Hmm, I do the same thing. In the context of sports one might also make a distinction between the two: "to go on the of-FENSE", but "The OF-fence is trying to pass". That is, it'd be only stressed on the first syllable when used to refer to the team itself.

- Kef

Hmm, I think you're right about that distinction.