Regardless of the defensive scheme, something all teams covet at this spot is length. On obvious passing downs, they can sub in sleeker, faster plays to rush the passer while still having speed at the second level that can cover. He wants enormous, clogging defensive linemen that have the power to push back the line of scrimmage, but are still athletic enough to chase plays down and offer something as a pass rusher.Īs opposed to having defensive linemen at the 3 and 5 penetrate and cause problems in the backfield (which was Pettine’s goal), Horton seems to want a wall of powerful players that can collapse and clog the opposing line, allowing their linebackers to fly around and make plays relatively unencumbered. Horton has emphasized big guys who can run, which he had in both Arizona and Tennessee. The Browns simply do not have anyone on that level and it’s a holding them back from making big strides defensively.
It’s easy to see how massive of an impact these players have for their respective defenses both in shutting down the running game but also generating a pass rush. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Fletcher Cox (though Philly is changing to a 4-3 and moving him inside) are some of the best in the business. Sometimes, they move around, either head up over the tackle or further outside if needed, but that’s the general idea. The 5-technique end plays lined up on the other side of the nose with his head lined up over the outside shoulder of the tackle. The Browns, be it with Pettine’s scheme or Horton’s, featured a true nose head up over the center and a defensive tackle, typically playing the 3 between the guard and tackle. Related Story: Cleveland Browns News and Notesįirst, it’s important to understand what the 5-technique defensive end is and does.