The 6-technique: Pros and cons

What is it, and would it work for the Giants?

The New York Giants are in their offseason, which means broader, more evergreen content for the NFL world. I love to step back during the offseason and review football trends, such as how the chess match of defensive vs. offensive coordinators has manifested in recent NFL memory.

We have discussed defensive line techniques often over the years. Here’s a brief illustration of those techniques:

The letters are the GAPs, and the numbers are the techniques. In this article, I want to focus on the 6-technique lined up directly over the tight end.

A 6-technique lines directly over the tight end instead of shaded to the inside over the tackle’s outside shoulder (5-technique) or outside wide of the tight end (WIDE-9). The utilization of the 6-technique helps defenses control gaps in the run game.

Pros of the 6-technique

The 6-technique forces tight ends to block a defender—who is typically comparable in size or bigger—straight up, eliminating an advantageous angle. Depending on the defender’s technique and execution, this could force rushing attacks to spill or be boxed inside. The utilization of the 6-technique leads to better overall edge containment.

Offenses that run heavy wide or stretch zone (49ers, Rams, Dolphins, etc.) see many 6-techniques, one of the many reasons why blocking tight ends is crucial in those respective offenses. We’ve seen more 6-technique usage in the last decade or so due to the proliferation of the wide zone scheme.

An offense that tends to run strong-side (tight end side) has to deal with that containment when a 6-technique is present. The 6-technique can also help with containing mobile quarterbacks who tend to run.

6-techniques also give the front a lot of versatility. They can easily drop into coverage off simulated pressures, slant inside or outside, and operate games/twists/stunts that confuse the protection and set up a mismatch with a bigger defensive lineman against the tight end (T/E Twist).

The 6-technique also offers an obstacle for tight ends attempting to run routes, and it can be a nuisance for heavy boot-action offenses who roll to the strong side. Disruption of timing can make a massive difference, and 6-techniques jam/follow tight ends off the line, which could caused indecision and force a negative offensive play.

Cons of the 6-technique

The 6-technique is better used against the run, and it limits the pass-rushers’ angle to the pocket. Depending on the front, the 6-technique is easily engaged by the tight end and the tackle could be a reinforcement, giving the defender little space to operate when trying to sack the quarterback. It’s also easy for combo blocks with the tackle, depending on the defensive front employed.

Final thoughts

Teams use the 6-technique to defeat wide zone rushing teams and 12 personnel packages, primarily on early or rushing downs. Base 3-4 teams like the Ravens, Steelers, and Patriots are some teams who use them more frequently than others, but it’s also game plan specific. Kayvon Thibodeaux and Chauncey Golston are two players who come to mind that may best fit this assignment in Shane Bowen’s defense.