Arizona Draft 2006

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"One", "Two" & "Three Techniques Explained
 "Never be afraid to admit you don't know something."(Someone in my life said it - I don't remember who, but it's served me in good sense).

Some of the new hot buzz words used by scouts during the past couple of drafts (perhaps supplanting such standbys as "Looks like Tarzan; plays like Jane", "All Pro from the neck down" and "High Ceiling/Low Floor") have to do with 1, 2 & 3 Techniques used by defensive tackles. We asked "Hardy Brown" to explain each and he was gracious enough to do precisely that:

One -Technique (designed to penetrate, control a gap):
DT shading the shoulder of the center TO the strength of the formation. Kendrick Clancy, Langston Moore and Gabe Watson play this in our 4-3 Under scheme. The so-called Nose Tackle or Cocked-DT position in our defense.

Two -Technique (designed to control gaps to either side of the offensive-lineman):
DT lined head up on either guard, moving with him, playing either side. We do not teach this technique.

Three -Technique (designed to penetrate, control a gap):
DT shading the outside shoulder of the weakside guard. Darnell Dockett, Jonathan Lewis and, at times, Langston Moore (swing-man) in our 4-3 Under scheme. The so-called Under Tackle in our defense.

Next time you see or hear the experts toss around terms like: "He's a 3-Technique tackle" you'll know what they're referring to.