LordOfEntropy

Good article, covers the basics of defensive line play. It's worth a read, even if it's just to brush up.

-LoE

FOX Sports on MSN - NFL - Defensive Line Basics: Mind the Gap

A 3-technique tackle, therefore, is one who usually lines up between the guard and tackle, with all privileges, rights, and responsibilities associated with the position. Each technique comes with a set of reads and keys, specific to the defensive system, the offensive formation, and the down-and-distance situation. In most systems, on most plays, a tackle lined up in 3-technique is supposed to shoot the gap immediately; in a 4-technique, one step to the right or left, his job might be to bottle up the offensive tackle so a linebacker can shoot the gap. In the 2-gap, tackles are often told to "draw responsibility" from two blockers, the football equivalent of "eating space" in basketball.

Why is there so much emphasis on 3-technique tackles lately? Basically, there are two types of tackles. There's the Ted Washington type, who weighs 320 pounds before a meal and is known for his size and power, not his quickness (though many of these players are pretty quick). Then there are players like the Kevin Williams and Rod Coleman: 290-pounders who are quick enough to shoot a gap or execute a stunt. These latter players are 3-technique tackles. The Washington-types aren't called 0-technique or 1-technique tackles because they already have a better name: nose tackles.

The 3-technique tackle is in short supply because few players leave college with the right mix of strength, explosiveness, technique, and durability. Systems like Tony Dungy's rely heavily on 3-technique tackles to disrupt the interior of the offensive line. For most defensive coordinators, heaven is a 3-technique tackle who is in the backfield on every play, a 0-technique tackle who requires two blockers and controls two gaps, and a pass rushing end (7,8,or 9 technique) who also requires a double team on every play.

can anyone help me id this tune? it goes thwap thwap boom tch boom tch boom tch.

Qui a laissez sortir les chiens!

LordOfEntropy

Actually, no disrespect or anything, but it is possible to have a nose tackle in a 4-3.

Please don't take me wrong, I'm not trying to stir up anything. I just wanted to point out that 4-3 or 3-4 is irrelevant where NT is concerned.

Euphoria

LOOK AT THE ROSTER... they aren't listed as a NT. Get over yourselves already.

LordOfEntropy

By that same logic, someone who's listed as DL never plays tackle or end.

Nose tackle depends on positioning, and has associated resonsibilities. Think about it. Where does the NT play? A defensive tackle playing the 0 or 1 gap is a nose tackle, along with the responsibilities associated with that positioning -- for that play. The position and responsibility could change the next play.

So yes, the New Orleans Saints have nose tackles, it has nothing to do with whether we're a 4-3 or a 3-4. But there's no need to be rude here Euph.

can anyone help me id this tune? it goes thwap thwap boom tch boom tch boom tch.

Qui a laissez sortir les chiens!

Euphoria

Whatever position you are assigned on the roster is your position.

Depending on the play you may be assinged to line up in a different 'area'. You can line up as a NT but you'd still be a DT based on your roster assignment and the base Defense.

-You can have MM go stand next to the LB's, that doesn't make him the LB he's still the CB.

-You can have FS go stand on the line just outside of Grant does that make the FS now the DE, NO makes him a blitzing FS.

papz

Definition

The nose tackle is a defensive alignment position for a defensive lineman in American and Canadian football. The nose tackle aligns across the line of scrimmage from the offense's center before the play begins.


4-3
In a traditional 4-3 defensive set, known as a two-gap defensive set, the nose tackle (NT) is one of two defensive tackles, usually on the weak side of the offensive line. His job is to take up the center and weak-side or pulling guard so that the smaller 'rush' end has a 1-on-1 matchup with the offense's blindside tackle. The second defensive tackle sometimes referred to as an 'under tackle', takes up the strongside guard and the strongside end takes up the strongside offensive tackle. A 1-gap scheme relies on an athletic defensive line rather than a large one and does not include a nose tackle. More modern, cover 2 schemes include either four smaller, athletic linemen, like Tony Dungy's scheme, developed in Tampa Bay; or two small, athletic ends and two nose tackles, like the scheme used by the Baltimore Ravens during their 2000 championship season.


3-4
In a 3-4 defensive scheme, the nose tackle is the sole defensive tackle, lining up directly opposite the center in the "0" position. Like the traditional 4-3, the nose tackle must occupy the center and one guard, however in the 3-4 it is typically the strongside guard. One defensive end then matches up with both the strongside tackle and tight end, while the other occupies the weakside guard and tackle. This leaves the outside linebackers free to pass-rush, creating the 3-4 scheme's distinctive pressure on the passing game.


I'm sure this clarifies everything.

Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.

hagan714

Thanks papz I had the DT and the NT switched around.

LordOfEntropy

Was typing this, responding to Euph, but I see Papz has already chimed in..... thanks Papz.

-LoE

Yes, and no. Yes to the point that a NT is a DT. But it's also true that any DT lining in the the 0 or 1gap is a nose tackle -- at that moment, on that play, the DT is a NT. We often have a NT in our formations. I've seen Hollis Thomas lined up as a NT. Brian Young does too sometimes.

Don't read too much into what's listed on a roster as a players official position. That's why I brought up the example of DL. What's the position of an DL-man? Obviously it means the player has no specific spot, that he rotates between different responsibilities. But he could be an end on one play, a 3-technique tackle on another play, or a nose tackle on another. It's all about responsibilities.

None of this would have come up if you hadn't said "there's no such thing NT on a 4-3" defense. I just wanted to clarify that 4-3 or 3-4 has nothing to do with it.

can anyone help me id this tune? it goes thwap thwap boom tch boom tch boom tch.

Qui a laissez sortir les chiens!

Euphoria

Its just a matter of nit picking.

Its real simple... follow along now. I am looking at the roster and our so call NT listed at the begining of this post is wrong. They are DT's according to the roster. Go find me an NFL team that plays a base 4-3 with a NT on it. Don't post again until you find one.

I guess if MM lines up over center he is a NT to huh, no he's a freakin CB.

papz

Wow... umm... nothing to see here. I encourage everyone to just move along.