Quote:You could be. Because you are. But it's OK. Now you get to learn something.

 

Traditional 4-3 lineup has a NT and DT next to each other. The 3 tech and 1 tech positions. Each one actually having different responsibilities.

What you suggest would be having 2 3 tech DTs inside... which is usually some form of pass rush package. (we had it with Marks and Jackson inside, also ran it with Ryan Davis as an inside rush tech with Marks)

You almost always want a NT for "running" downs.

 

but all that tech talk is about WHERE the lineman lines up... 

 

He isnt necessarily wrong and you arent necessarily right or vice versa. It just isnt as black and white as we would like to make it.

 

Sometimes players get a designation as a defensive tackle, some get the nose tackle label, but like you were saying it really is all about gap responsibility. 

 

Generally though, in a "nose tackle" you are looking for a space eater, that is playing either the 0 or 1 gaps, and can hold his ground. 

 

In the modern NFL though, you have players that arent the normal physical prototype NT's playing the positions. Teams are putting faster guys in there to apply pressure and then they send a linebacker to fill the spot. 

 

It is pretty complicated but in the grand scheme of things Nose tackles jobs are to hold the point, take up space, and allow the pass rushers room to work on passing downs, on running downs theyre generally supposed to just be a wall haha.

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