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posted: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 | Feedback | Print Entry
filed under: Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts
The Super Bowl will feature two defenses that run the ever-popular "Tampa 2" scheme, so let's look at why so many teams are using this as their base defense and what type of players are needed at each position in order to make it work correctly.
Teams are using the Tampa 2 as their base package because it is easy to teach. When run correctly it reduces big plays with two deep safeties and forces quarterbacks to be patient and precise to mount long drives down the field. With the shortage of excellent starting quarterbacks in the league right now this is an excellent strategy, as subpar and inexperienced signal callers will grow impatient, try to do too much and force throws they shouldn't.
As for the personnel needed to run the scheme in an ideal situation, here's a brief overview of what Tampa 2 teams are looking for.
Nose Tackle: The traditional powerful interior run defender, the nose tackle takes up a lot of space in the middle of the field and demands double-team blocking. He will line up on the weak shoulder of the center and if he can force the center and guard to double him, the linebackers will be able to run more freely and make plays. The Vikings' Pat Williams is a perfect example of someone who excels in this role and was a major reason why Minnesota was so phenomenal against the run this year. The nose tackle in the Tampa 2 doesn't always offer a lot as a pass rusher, but he makes everyone around him better. On occasion, a defense will find two explosive 3-technique tackles and use them both instead of the powerful run stuffer, but true 3-techniques are very tough to find.
3-technique under tackle: This is the player who makes the entire defense work and is by far the most difficult defender to acquire. These guys usually line up on the outside shoulder of the strongside guard. They must be extremely explosive difference-makers in the middle who demand double-teams in the run game and can dominate up the middle as a pass rusher. Warren Sapp and Tommie Harris are perfect examples, but upfield guys like that certainly do not grow on trees.
Defensive ends: Tampa 2 defenses rely on their front four to generate a pass rush, so their defensive ends absolutely must be top-notch pass rushers. Dwight Freeney and Simeon Rice are fine examples of edge speed rushers who wreak havoc in the passing game. They must be extremely explosive and athletic with the ability to swarm to the ball and make plays in the run game on the opposite side of the field. Pure Cover 2 teams must dedicate high draft picks and/or free agent dollars to ensure that they have difference-makers on the edge.
Strongside outside linebacker: This player will usually line up over the tight end and is a bigger, more physical defender who can take on tight end blocks and be stout against strongside runs. Of the linebacker positions, this guy is probably the least athletic and although Tampa 2 schemes usually do not blitz a whole lot, the ability to rush the passer off the edge is certainly an added advantage at this spot.
Middle linebacker: What is unique about the Tampa 2 is that the middle linebacker is asked to be able to run deep downfield between the safeties in pass coverage and patrol the deep middle of the field. Therefore, this player must be very fluid with great speed. He also has to be an aggressive downhill run defender and someone with exceptional overall range and instincts. Tampa 2 middle linebackers really don't get any better than Brian Urlacher, as he is the rare bird excels in all facets. The middle linebacker needs to be a supreme playmaker.
Weakside outside linebacker: This is a free-flowing, run-and-hit linebacker position and absolutely must be an exceptional athlete and playmaker who excels in space. Derrick Brooks has been the prototype for years now, as he is quick to diagnose and equally effective against the run or pass. This player can be somewhat undersized, as they should be protected by their fellow front seven defenders. Size can be compromised for pure speed and quickness. Without a top playmaker on the weakside like Brooks or Lance Briggs, this defense just doesn't produce like it is designed. The Lions drafted Ernie Sims very high in last year's draft to be just this type of player in Rod Marinelli's defense.
Safeties: Like in most defenses, the strong safety is going to be the more physical of the two safety positions with the ability to move down into the box (think Bob Sanders) and play the run near the line of scrimmage. The free safety will be more of a pass defender who excels in space and covers a lot of ground. In the Cover 2, both players absolutely have to be able to handle their respective deep half of the field and they are usually the last line of defense, so it is imperative that they are very sound tacklers.
Cornerbacks: Cover 2 cornerbacks usually align close to the line of scrimmage and are bigger, more physical players who must help against outside running plays. They can compromise a little speed for strength and size. Usually, these corners will cover opposing wide receivers for the first 12 yards or so and then release them to the safeties over the top. Cover 2 cornerbacks usually don't end up deep down field and must be able to break on the ball quickly with the ability to switch off from their wide receiver to a running back out in the flat. Ronde Barber is nearly a perfect example of what these teams are looking for at cornerback. .
LINK
filed under: Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts
The Super Bowl will feature two defenses that run the ever-popular "Tampa 2" scheme, so let's look at why so many teams are using this as their base defense and what type of players are needed at each position in order to make it work correctly.
Teams are using the Tampa 2 as their base package because it is easy to teach. When run correctly it reduces big plays with two deep safeties and forces quarterbacks to be patient and precise to mount long drives down the field. With the shortage of excellent starting quarterbacks in the league right now this is an excellent strategy, as subpar and inexperienced signal callers will grow impatient, try to do too much and force throws they shouldn't.
As for the personnel needed to run the scheme in an ideal situation, here's a brief overview of what Tampa 2 teams are looking for.
Nose Tackle: The traditional powerful interior run defender, the nose tackle takes up a lot of space in the middle of the field and demands double-team blocking. He will line up on the weak shoulder of the center and if he can force the center and guard to double him, the linebackers will be able to run more freely and make plays. The Vikings' Pat Williams is a perfect example of someone who excels in this role and was a major reason why Minnesota was so phenomenal against the run this year. The nose tackle in the Tampa 2 doesn't always offer a lot as a pass rusher, but he makes everyone around him better. On occasion, a defense will find two explosive 3-technique tackles and use them both instead of the powerful run stuffer, but true 3-techniques are very tough to find.
3-technique under tackle: This is the player who makes the entire defense work and is by far the most difficult defender to acquire. These guys usually line up on the outside shoulder of the strongside guard. They must be extremely explosive difference-makers in the middle who demand double-teams in the run game and can dominate up the middle as a pass rusher. Warren Sapp and Tommie Harris are perfect examples, but upfield guys like that certainly do not grow on trees.
Defensive ends: Tampa 2 defenses rely on their front four to generate a pass rush, so their defensive ends absolutely must be top-notch pass rushers. Dwight Freeney and Simeon Rice are fine examples of edge speed rushers who wreak havoc in the passing game. They must be extremely explosive and athletic with the ability to swarm to the ball and make plays in the run game on the opposite side of the field. Pure Cover 2 teams must dedicate high draft picks and/or free agent dollars to ensure that they have difference-makers on the edge.
Strongside outside linebacker: This player will usually line up over the tight end and is a bigger, more physical defender who can take on tight end blocks and be stout against strongside runs. Of the linebacker positions, this guy is probably the least athletic and although Tampa 2 schemes usually do not blitz a whole lot, the ability to rush the passer off the edge is certainly an added advantage at this spot.
Middle linebacker: What is unique about the Tampa 2 is that the middle linebacker is asked to be able to run deep downfield between the safeties in pass coverage and patrol the deep middle of the field. Therefore, this player must be very fluid with great speed. He also has to be an aggressive downhill run defender and someone with exceptional overall range and instincts. Tampa 2 middle linebackers really don't get any better than Brian Urlacher, as he is the rare bird excels in all facets. The middle linebacker needs to be a supreme playmaker.
Weakside outside linebacker: This is a free-flowing, run-and-hit linebacker position and absolutely must be an exceptional athlete and playmaker who excels in space. Derrick Brooks has been the prototype for years now, as he is quick to diagnose and equally effective against the run or pass. This player can be somewhat undersized, as they should be protected by their fellow front seven defenders. Size can be compromised for pure speed and quickness. Without a top playmaker on the weakside like Brooks or Lance Briggs, this defense just doesn't produce like it is designed. The Lions drafted Ernie Sims very high in last year's draft to be just this type of player in Rod Marinelli's defense.
Safeties: Like in most defenses, the strong safety is going to be the more physical of the two safety positions with the ability to move down into the box (think Bob Sanders) and play the run near the line of scrimmage. The free safety will be more of a pass defender who excels in space and covers a lot of ground. In the Cover 2, both players absolutely have to be able to handle their respective deep half of the field and they are usually the last line of defense, so it is imperative that they are very sound tacklers.
Cornerbacks: Cover 2 cornerbacks usually align close to the line of scrimmage and are bigger, more physical players who must help against outside running plays. They can compromise a little speed for strength and size. Usually, these corners will cover opposing wide receivers for the first 12 yards or so and then release them to the safeties over the top. Cover 2 cornerbacks usually don't end up deep down field and must be able to break on the ball quickly with the ability to switch off from their wide receiver to a running back out in the flat. Ronde Barber is nearly a perfect example of what these teams are looking for at cornerback. .
LINK
