Role of DTs

Coltzilla explains the role of the DTs

Part of the reason for this importance, outside of the improvements already discussed, is that the Colts defensive scheme requires two different kinds of players with different responsibilities to function as intended.  In the Colts scheme, defensive line coach John Teerlinck trains all of his defensive linemen to play the run on the way to the quarterback.  This penetrating style of run defense increases the likelihood that opponents’ running backs will have to bounce outside, move laterally, or get stopped in the hole.

In a defense predicated first on speed, the more disruption that occurs behind the line, against the run or the pass, the more likely it becomes that the Colts speedy defenders to produce tackles for a loss, deflect passes, pressure the quarterback, or generate sacks.  One way the defensive tackles are designed to aid in getting pressure is by fielding one defensive tackle with “nose tackle” responsibilities and another “under tackle” whose primary responsibility is to slide off of blocks and get penetration.