One Gap vs. Two Gap?

[Bengalbob]

I hear the terms one-gap and two-gap defense all the time, and have made a little effort to understand the difference. What do the Bengals consider themselves, a one or a two gap defense? Obviouisly, depending on which you run there are implications on the type of athlete you need/draft.

[The_Next_Big_Thing]

We aren't a one gap or a two gap defense. We are a huge gaping whole defense.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

We aren't a one gap or a two gap defense. We are a huge gaping whole defense.

Well, that's a one gap I guess, it's just that the gap spreads from DE to DE.

[andybren]

My hunch is that most of our d-line would be considered 1-gap players. And that Marvin would probably like to get a bulky, 2-gap, runstopper.

If only to give all the 3-4 fanatics on this board a chubby.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

My hunch is that most of our d-line would be considered 1-gap players. And that Marvin would probably like to get a bulky, 2-gap, runstopper.

If only to give all the 3-4 fanatics on this board a chubby.

If Sam Adams gives you a chubby you really need to re-evaluate your life.

[Bengalbob]

My hunch is that most of our d-line would be considered 1-gap players. And that Marvin would probably like to get a bulky, 2-gap, runstopper.

If only to give all the 3-4 fanatics on this board a chubby.

But, from the little I've read you have to either run a one-gap defense or a two-gap defense and you build your schemes and talent around the choice you make. Having a mix of one and two gap oriented players wouldn't make sense, would it?

[andybren]

But, from the little I've read you have to either run a one-gap defense or a two-gap defense and you build your schemes and talent around the choice you make. Having a mix of one and two gap oriented players wouldn't make sense, would it?

As long as it's coordinated properly. I remember reading an article about the Bucs defense that said most of their d-line played 1-gap while 1 particular player (can't remember who it was) played 2-gap, because it played to his strengths.

It stands to reason that you can have some players penetrating (1-gap) while other hold the line (2-gap).

But then if you've got a 2-gap guy picking the same gap that his 1-gap teammate is lined up in, it could be a mess.

Luckily we have Marvin to figure this sort of thing out.

[ArmyBengal]

Does any of that sound Greek to anyone else ???

WHODEY !!!

[schweinhart]

I'd settle for another hold-a-damn-gap Dt vs. the run like Shaun Smith and a get-through-the-damn-gap DT in pass rush like John McCargo.

[Dadraftnick]

Everytime asked Marvin always says they are staying 4-3 base D.

The 1 gap refers mainly to the responsibility of the D linemen used mainly in the 4-3

In theory the one gap allows the D-Lineman to play faster, instead of tying up the blocker up trying to see which way the play is going the D-line man can play straight to his gap.

Also the Bengals dont have good enough D-lineman to play two gap its especially hard to find a good NT

[andybren]

Does any of that sound Greek to anyone else ???

1-gap defenders line up on the gap between 2 o-linemen. They tend to be smaller and quicker, with the intention of penetrating the line.

2-gap defenders line up directly opposite an o-lineman, so they can choose to attack the gap on either side of the player. As in, 2 gaps. Since they engage the o-lineman directly, they tend to be bigger runstoppers who hold the line, rather than penetrating it.

4-3 teams usually play 1-gap. 3-4 teams usually play 2-gap.

[ArmyBengal]

Does any of that sound Greek to anyone else ???

1-gap defenders line up on the gap between 2 o-linemen. They tend to be smaller and quicker, with the intention of penetrating the line.

2-gap defenders line up directly opposite an o-lineman, so they can choose to attack the gap on either side of the player. As in, 2 gaps. Since they engage the o-lineman directly, they tend to be bigger runstoppers who hold the line, rather than penetrating it.

4-3 teams usually play 1-gap. 3-4 teams usually play 2-gap.

Thanks for that further explanation... I feel smarter already !!!

WHODEY !!!