defensive line play.

Question
I have always wondered the different numbering of a defensive lineman.  One technique, four technique, four I, 7 technique....can you tell me more about defensive line play and what all those techniques mean?

Answer
John, this is my standard answer on defensive fronts and techniques:

John, defensive lineman have their responsibilities described by a technique and a gap assignment.  The technique refers to how you line up on the opposing lineman, and the gap is space between the offensive lineman.

Look at this text diagram:

...RDE.........RDT...........LDT......LDE <---D line
987....654.....321.....0....123.....456.....789 <===Technique
.TE......OT......OG......C....OG.....OT.......TE  <---O Line
.......C........B.........A......A........B.......C <====Gaps*


There are two basic personnel packages in the NFL: the 3-4 and 4-3 defense (although the "46" package has come back now with Baltimore).

The 3-4 is a base personnel package ?3 lineman and four linebackers. The 4-3 is four down linman and three linebackers: a middle linebacker (MLB), weak and strong side LBs (WSLB and SSLB).  

From there though, you talk about a technique (where you line up) and gap assignment.

The techiques refer to being lined up directly against the lineman, or their inside or outside shoulder.   So a "5" technique is being lined up directly on the offensive tackle (OT) - a "6" technique is the OT's outside shoulder, "4" the OT's inside shoulder.

Gaps are "A" (between C and OG), "B" (between OG and OT," or "C" (between OT and TE).  

So a NT in a 3-4 playing a "0" technique with gap assignments to both "A" gaps - he is playing "0" techniqe, "A" gap assignemnt.

A RDE lined up just inside the TE's shoulder is playing "7" technique, assigned to shoot the "C" gap, etc.

Does this answer your question?


*www.fantasyfootball.com "NFL Terminology" section.