Cowboys on the Chalkboard: The 1-Technique DT

The Cowboys need a new 1-technique DT. Here is an explanation of what the 1-technique defensive tackle is and the role the position fills on the defense.

Not all Cowboys defensive linemen are created equally. This is especially true regarding Rod Marinelli’s defensive tackles. On one side, is the 3-technique DT. We’ll summarize that next week. Today we’ll look at his linemate, the 1-technique DT.

Frankly, the Kiffin/Marinelli 4-3 defense has been in place for a few years now and most people seem to have a decent grasp on the DT differences by now. But as a reminder and/or reference point, we will rehash the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of them again.

The 1-technique DT is easily taken for granted but extremely important to the success of those around him. Think of him as the Ringo Star of the defensive line. He isn’t going to pile up the gaudy stats or make many of the exciting plays but his blue-collar work ethic allows those around him to excel and that’s why he’s key to any Marinelli defense.

The term “1-technique” refers to where the defensive lineman lines up in relation to the offensive lineman in front of him. When a DT lines up in the 1-technique, he lines up over the shoulder of the center.

If he lines up directly over center he’d be in the zero-technique (aka NT) and if he lines up on the inside shoulder of the guard, he’d be in the 3-technique. For a more detailed look at all of the defensive line techniques check out the related story below.

The 1-technique defensive tackle in Marinelli’s defense has multiple roles and responsibilities. Rod Marinelli is known to run a 1-gap attacking defense. By lining up predominantly in a single high safety formation, he has just enough players to cover one gap each when in attack mode (front seven players plus the in-the-box safety)

The attacking nature of his 1-gap scheme is why he calls his linemen “rushmen”. Because they are expected to rush through their respective gaps and make plays in the backfield regardless of run or pass.

But as with nearly all schemes, the assignments change snap to snap in order to keep offenses on their toes. The premiere playmaking positions on the line (3-technique and right defensive end) usually always play with 1-gap responsibilities. They get the big plays and the stats that go with them.

The 1-technique DT (and sometimes the LDE) aren’t quite so lucky. They often get tasked with a 2-gap assignment where they must read and react to the offense in front of them.

The 1-technique often finds himself with A-Gap responsibilities on both sides of the center. As a result, he cannot shoot the gap or he runs the risk of leaving a running lane wide open. He must wait and “bench press”, so to speak, the center in front of him – keeping control of both gaps and reacting when the running back commits.

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In this role the 1-technique is largely responsible for taking on 2 blockers, the center and the guard. With 5 offensive linemen and 4 defensive linemen, someone has to get double-teamed, right?

Keeping the double-team engaged is also important since opposing guards have been known to disengage and block linebackers on the second level. This is the difference between a 3-yard run and a 15-yard run.

"Show me a playmaking MLB and I’ll show you a rock-solid 1-technique DT in front of him."

Even in passing situations, the 1 tech is often asked to hold ground and push the pocket rather than break free to rush the passer with abandon like many of his linemates can do. Holding and pushing the pocket during a pass-play discourages the QB from scampering up the middle for positive yards. It also forces the QB to throw over or around him.

In other words, even when he’s not doing something – he’s doing something.

While the other defensive linemen are trying to shed their blocks and get up-field, the 1-tech is often trying to do the opposite and hold his blockers while controlling his gaps. Because of this, the 1-tech is the most likely D-lineman to get called for holding.

The prototypical 1 technique DT is stout and powerful with a low center of gravity. Think 6’0” – 6’3” range between 300-350 lbs. with a low center of gravity enabling him to play low and maintain leverage against double-teams. Many refer to them as “bubble-butts”

Quickness off the snap is especially important for Rod Marinelli’s 1-tech DTs because, unlike other coaches, he will occasionally send them bursting through the gap to rush the passer.