Defensive tackle

Defensive tackle (DT) is a position on the defensive line in American and Canadian football. The defensive tackle(s) lines up toward the center of the field, and is flanked by the defensive ends. With the defensive ends, they comprise the defensive line. Defensive tackles are typically the largest and strongest of the defensive players. The defensive tackle typically lines up opposite outside shoulder of the offensive guards. Depending on a team'... more

Defensive tackle (DT) is a position on the defensive line in American and Canadian football. The defensive tackle(s) lines up toward the center of the field, and is flanked by the defensive ends. With the defensive ends, they comprise the defensive line. Defensive tackles are typically the largest and strongest of the defensive players. The defensive tackle typically lines up opposite outside shoulder of the offensive guards. Depending on a team's individual defensive scheme, a defensive tackle may be called upon to fill several different roles. These roles may include merely holding the point of attack by refusing to be moved, which also prevents offensive lineman from being able to get to the linebackers and successfully block them on running plays, or penetrating a certain gap between offensive linemen to break up a play in the opponent's backfield. The former is often referred to as "two gap" play, the latter as "one gap" play. Historically, one gap play was more frequently the... less