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2 Technique Defensive Lineman
2 technique is an alignment and technique designation for an interior defensive lineman on the line of scrimmage that is positioned head up over an offensive guard. In most defensive schemes, the 2 technique defender is responsible for controlling both the A Gap and B Gap – making him a two-gap player. The 2 technique defensive lineman can expect a double team, with help coming from either the center or offensive tackle, or possibly a trap block from a pulling offensive lineman or tight end, or even a fullback. The 2 technique defensive lineman must remain stout at the point of attack against the run, and, if not double-teamed, beat the one-on-one block and make plays in the backfield.
In this picture the 2 technique defensive lineman is lined up over the right guard:
In this video example, the New England Patriots execute a one-back power run against the Indianapolis Colts, in which the center and left guard work the angle block:
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Center Ryan Wendell (#62) fills the place of the pulling right guard by blocking down against the the back-side defensive end Arthur Jones (#97) who is aligned in 2 technique, over the right guard. Although unable to stay low through the drive, the blocker does enough to impede the lateral progress of the defender.
With the center taking on the 2 technique, left guard Dan Connolly (#63) must down block the 1 technique nose tackle Josh Chapman (#96). The blocker displays good helmet placement, keeping his head up through contact, and places his outside arm/hand on the defenders outside shoulder to gain control. Connolly finishes the block to the ground
Here, UCLA‘s Kenny Clark is aligned in 2 technique across from the left guard:
Virginia sets up a running back screen to the left, and Clark chases down this play from behind:
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(Note: Myles Jack is in the black box, Clark is in the white box in the video)
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Brian Filipiak and Mark Schofield wrote this entry. Follow Brian on Twitter @Brian_Filipiak. Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkSchofield.
All video and images courtesy NFL Game Pass.