Questions about the 3-4 defense (1 Viewer)

[hacman]

Questions for those who are familiar with the 3-4, I’ve read that the 49ers will employ a 3-4 defense that will run both one-gap and two-gap, but with more emphasis on the one-gap. I’ve inferred that the one-gap version is more of an attacking defense where ‘backers will have to take on more blockers and the two-gap is more read and react, is that correct?

Of the teams that run the 3-4, which are primarily one-gap and which are two-gap? Are there certain characteristics personnel departments look for in evaluating d-lineman or linebackers, in other words how does a one-gap d-lineman look and play different than a two-gap d-lineman in a 3-4?

 

[Warpig]

I'm still learning this stuff myself (coach pop warner). But if I'm not mistaken, I believe the one-gap is a DT or DE that has the responsibility of just one gap...the A, B, C gap, etc. The two-gap player has the responsibility of both gaps. For example, if the DT is head up on the center, he is responsible for both gaps on either side of the center.

The whole premise is to have every gap accounted for. So if a DT is a one-gapper, then a LB will be responsible for the other gap or sometimes a safety will be responsible for a gap.

I think this is correct.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Questions for those who are familiar with the 3-4, I’ve read that the 49ers will employ a 3-4 defense that will run both one-gap and two-gap, but with more emphasis on the one-gap. I’ve inferred that the one-gap version is more of an attacking defense where ‘backers will have to take on more blockers and the two-gap is more read and react, is that correct?Of the teams that run the 3-4, which are primarily one-gap and which are two-gap? Are there certain characteristics personnel departments look for in evaluating d-lineman or linebackers, in other words how does a one-gap d-lineman look and play different than a two-gap d-lineman in a 3-4?

Nearly all of today's 3-4 teams have at least one end shaded off an OT (ie aligned helmet to shoulder rather than helmet to helmet) in a one gap alignment. The Steelers and the Belichick hybrid teams play a lot of two gap technique across the line. The Chargers and now the Cowboys (who were strictly two gap with Parcells) are nearly always in a one-gap technique on one side of the line. Mike Nolan learned most of his 3-4 concepts under Wade Phillips in Denver in the early 1990s and will probably fall into the one-gap side of the group.You're correct that one-gap linemen are aggressive, penetrating players and two-gap linemen are hold the point of attack then close the appropriate gap players. Like the 3-4 teams who use some one-gap technique with their ends, there are 4-3 teams who want their DTs to function like two-gap players.Because the one gap linemen are penetrating players, they need to be quick off the ball and able to shed blocks easily rather than just holding the point of attack like their two gap counterparts. The two gap player is almost always referred to as the NT -- some are quicker and can handle a penetrating style (Casey Hampton, Jamal Williams) but all have to have enough base strength, size, and understanding of how to use their hands and leverage to anchor the point of attack. Visually, think of Warren Sapp as the prototype one-gap interior line player and Ted Washington as a good example of a plugging two-gap player. Luis Castillo and Ty Warren are good examples of current 3-4 ends who are better suited as one gap players. Your Niners should have two good ones with Bryant Young and Ray McDonald. And Mike Nolan will do much better with Aubrayo Franklin rotating in at NT than he would have with the players he had in 2005 and 2006.I'm planning on putting together a detailed article on today's 3-4 schemes as FBG content this summer. Check it out if you're interested.

 

[WhoDat]

Jene Bramel...IDP Answer Man.

 

[Warpig]

I think one of the most dominating two-gap guys was Gilbert Brown in the mid to late 90's for the Packers. Huge, fat guy that made it very difficult to run up the middle.

 

[hacman]

Great stuff guys. I love this place.

 

[Workhorse]

Vince Wilfork is a very successful two-gap NT for the Patriots right now.

 

[WhoDat]

I think one of the most dominating two-gap guys was Gilbert Brown in the mid to late 90's for the Packers. Huge, fat guy that made it very difficult to run up the middle.

Speaking of Gilbert Brown being huge...The Packers were playing the Saints in New Orleans. It was an obvious dog and the TV crew was total D list talent. R. Cross and some guy I cannot remember had the call. I am going to try and capture what Cross said about G. Brown on live TV..."G. Brown has the most expansive rectum in football."Gold. Pure gold.

 

[chris1969]

If you need a visual....

2 Gap = William "refrigerator" Perry

1 Gap = Michael Dean Perry

0 Gap = Matthew Perry

 

[lord_helmet]

I'm planning on putting together a detailed article on today's 3-4 schemes as FBG content this summer. Check it out if you're interested.

Identifying the next Castillo or Warren can make a difference in deep leagues, but how important is the play of the NT for these 3-4 ends ? Do we only go after those who are supported by pro bowl caliber DTs, or is the scheme the all important factor ?I will make sure to read that article

 

[redman]

Jene Bramel...IDP Answer Man.

And he did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I'm planning on putting together a detailed article on today's 3-4 schemes as FBG content this summer. Check it out if you're interested.

Identifying the next Castillo or Warren can make a difference in deep leagues, but how important is the play of the NT for these 3-4 ends ? Do we only go after those who are supported by pro bowl caliber DTs, or is the scheme the all important factor ?I will make sure to read that article

The NT will make some difference if he can consistently pull a guard toward him, which saves both the open end and an ILB from a potential blocker. I think the caliber of pass rushing OLB to the same side as a given DE is the more important factor, though. Having Shawne Merriman off his outside shoulder likely does more for Castillo than Jamal Williams. While most are pegging Marcus Spears as the primary DE beneficiary from the change in 3-4 philosophy in Dallas this year, his ceiling will be higher if Demarcus Ware rushes from his side.Regardless, if you're looking for boxscore value, any DE in question needs to have some pass rush skill. Chris Canty probably isn't going to be a six-eight sack guy no matter what; neither will Igor Olshansky or Kimo von Oelhoffen.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

For those wanting visuals and to learn things like the "3-technique", check this out:

Defense Info

("3 technique" starts by counting the OL shoulders from the ball. The shoulder of the center is "1", either way. The "3" is lining up on the outside shoulder (away from ball / center / QB) of the guard).

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Jene Bramel...IDP Answer Man.

And he did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Jene Bremel =