The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

[Sven Draconian]

This thread will venture into the dark, scary side of football (and my specialty), the defense. Defense, and more specifically, the 4-3 defense is my favorite subject to talk about. While my next thread was going to be the defensive line compliment to my blocking thread, that would have been annoyingly incomplete. Defensive line play is counter-intuitive without the entire context of the defense. The beauty of defense is that, regardless of alignment, the “machinery” of run defense remains the same.


To begin with I need to make an important point (and one that is sure to be ignored later on). Alignment is not a defense. Alignment is not a defense. Alignment is not a defense. An annoying reality of watching a football game (and, playing video games) is naming a defense based on lineman and linebackers. 4-3, 3-4, 4-2, 3-3. To the purpose of this thread, those distinctions are meaningless. Here is an example.

................R...................$
.....................LB.........LB..........
CB........LB....DT.......N.........DT....LB....... CB
WR...........T....G....C....G....T....TE.......... .......
...........................Q...................... .....WR
...............FB....................HB

This is a "3-4" defense? Why. Because there are 4 players called LB. Note, however, that both DTs and the NT are aligned in a "shade" (IE, not head up the offensive lineman). This will become signficant in a moment. (This is often called an Eagle Front by 3-4 teams, and is used quite a bit by Rex Ryan and Dick Lebeau).

................R...................$
.....................LB.........LB..........
CB........DE....DT.......N.........DE....LB....... CB
WR...........T....G....C....G....T....TE.......... .......
...........................Q...................... .....WR
...............FB....................HB

This is a 4-3 defense. Why? Because there are 4 players labeled as lineman, and 3 as linebackers. (This is the basic "Tampa 2" alignment as made famous by Monte Kiffin, also used heavily by Pete Caroll at USC).

................R...................$
.....................LB.........LB..........
CB........DE....DT.......N.........DT....SS......C B
WR...........T....G....C....G....T....TE.......... .......
...........................Q...................... .....WR
...............FB....................HB

Now this is a 4-2-5 look (made famous by Va. Tech and TCU).



There is no difference between the alignments. The alignment above (Called an Eagle front, or the more modern name, the Under front) is the most common alignment to a 21 personel offense (2 backs, 1 TE).

The point that is being made by this is that, for the purpose of this thread (and Maden gaming) I'll categorize defensive fronts into two types: Gap control and slant/angle. What is the difference?

In a gap control defense the defensive players are aligned in a shaded alignment (that is, on a shoulder or in a gap) of the offensive lineman. Their goal is to maintain that relative position (that is, their position in relation to the offensive lineman). By doing this, they control the "gap" they are aligned in.

A slant/angle defense slants into a gap (or, a single player will attempt to control two gaps).

This thread will be used to explain and discuss a gap control defense. Why gap control, two simple reasons? 1) I know this style of the defense the best and it is far and away the most common defense in the NFL and NCAA.

[havokeff]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

Beautiful. Preach on. Educate these heathens about the glorious ways of our Lord, Defense.

[Sven Draconian]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

What does Jimmy Johnson have to do with this dumb thread anyway

Funny you should ask. Before he was acting like a moron for more money than I'm likely to see in my life he was busy inventing the wishbone-killer, the 4-3 defense. While I wasn't in any of the meetings while it was being developed, so I'm not sure if he was doing his hair or diagraming, since he was the head coach he gets the credit (funny world eh?). His defense, named the Miami 4-3 (since he made it famous while coaching at Da U) was to force the ball wide and let the fast guys chase it down.

While the Wishbone was eating the 3-4 alive (I mean, the Okie 5-2 for anyone who really cares )with the FB inside on the option runs, Johnson and Co. designed a defense to take away the inside run, force the QB to pitch it wide and then use the freakish speed he had to chase down the running back.

Ok Sven, thanks for the history lesson, but how does it work.

First, a diagram:

......................F.................$......... ........
CB.............LB.............LB.................. LB...........CB
................DE...........N..........DT........ ....DE
WR...........(c)..T..(b).G.(a).C.(a)..G.(b)..T..(c).TE (d)
...........................Q..................
...........................F................
....................HB........HB.........

The premise is simple: There are 7 gaps(3 on the left, 4 on the right). There are 7 defensive players. As long as you have one player in each gap, they can't run anywhere. (Thus, gap control)

The issue now becomes, how do you make sure that everybody is covering the right gap. You can't just blitz every gap every play (those Linebackers have to cover the pass as well).

Block Down, Step Down

This is the first important "feature" of the defense. What the wishbone (and, the "Power" running game of today) wants to do is run the ball somewhere between the "b" gap and the "c" gap. The wishbone did this by "reading" the end and linebacker. The power running game sends players to block the end and linebacker. Whichever the method, the offense wants to seal the DT and MLB inside, kickout the DE and send a lead blocker and the ball carrier in that hole.

The gap-control defense, obviously, wants to prevent this. How?

To block these plays the offense will utillize down blocks (IE, they are blocking down the line, to the inside). The guard will block to his inside. The tackle will block to his inside. The TE will block to his inside.

The guard is going to try and block the LB (weakside, stacked over the DE). The tackle is going to block the DT. The TE is going to block the MLB.

However, instead of allowing the offensive lineman to create a seam by down blocking, the defensive lineman will move with the offensive lineman.

The guard will block down. Instead of standing in place (and create a seam between the guard and himself) the DT will step with the guard. The guard blocks down the line, the tackle steps down the line.

The tackle is going to block down on that DT. Easy block. He's already blocking himself.

The TE is going to block down, going for the TE. The DE isn't going to stand there and create a seam, he's going to step down with the TE.

So lets look at our diagram again. The DT starts the play in the "B' gap. The DE starts it in the "d" gap.

......................F.................$......... ........
CB.............LB.............LB.................. LB...........CB
................DE...........N..........DT........ ....DE
WR...........(c)..T..(b).G.(a).C.(a)..G.(b)..T..(c).TE (d)
...........................Q..................
...........................F................
....................HB........HB.........

The guard is blocking down.

......................F.................$......... ........
CB.............LB...G..........LB..................LB...........CB
................DE...........N..........DT........ ....DE
WR...........(c)..T..(b).G.(a).C.(a)...(b)..T..(c).TE (d)
...........................Q..................
...........................F................
....................HB........HB.........

The DT isn't just going to stand in the "b" gap, he'll step down (untill he runs into the center).

......................F.................$......... ........
CB.............LB....G.........LB................. .LB...........CB
................DE...........N...DT...................DE
WR...........(c)..T..(b).G.(a).C.(a)...(b)..T..(c).TE (d)
...........................Q..................
...........................F................
....................HB........HB.........

Now, he's in the "a" gap.

......................F.................$......... ........
CB.............LB....G.........LB..TE............. ...LB...........CB
................DE...........N...DT...................DE
WR...........(c)..T..(b).G.(a).C.(a)...T(b)....(c). (d)
...........................Q..................
...........................F................
....................HB........HB.........

The tackle is blocking him (and moving inside). The TE is also blocking down. Look at that huge void between the Tackle and our DE. That would be a huge run, if the DE didn't step down with it.

......................F.................$......... ........
CB.............LB....G.........LB...TE............ ...LB...........CB
................DE...........N...DT.....DE..............
WR...........(c)..T..(b).G.(a).C.(a)...T(b)....(c). (d)
...........................Q..................
...........................F................
....................HB........HB.........

So, now instead of our DT and DE standing in the "b" and "d" gaps as they were in the start of the play, they are now occupying the "a" gap and the "b" gap. Why? Through, block down, step down.

Ray-Ray

Let's look at our first diagram one more time.

......................F.................$......... ........
CB.............LB.............LB.................. LB...........CB
................DE...........N..........DT........ ....DE
WR...........(c)..T..(b).G.(a).C.(a)..G.(b)..T..(c).TE (d)
...........................Q..................
...........................F................
....................HB........HB.........

Look at the middle linebacker. He's standing over the "a" gap. But, now that gap is occupied with a DT.

......................F.................$......... ........
CB.............LB....G.........LB...TE............ ...LB...........CB
................DE...........N...DT.....DE........ ......
WR...........(c)..T..(b).G.(a).C.(a)...T(b)....(c). (d)
...........................Q..................
...........................F................
....................HB........HB.........

Think back to the basic premise of the defense. 7 gaps, and 7 defenders. Our MLB (say, Ray Lewis for Miami) isn't going to bash his head into an occupied gap. He's going to run sideways until he finds an unoccupied gap. (obviously, beating the TE's block along the way, but that is for another post).

......................F.................$......... ........
CB.............LB....G............TE.........LB......LB...........CB
................DE...........N...DT.....DE........ ......
WR...........(c)..T..(b).G.(a).C.(a)...T(b)....(c). (d)
...........................Q..................
...........................F................
....................HB........HB.........

Eureka! Since his original gap "a" was closed, and it's neighbor "b" was closed too, he went all the way to the "c" gap. So, when our running back tries to run into "c" gap that is closed too.

So, he'll try and go wider, into the "d" gap. But, there's another LB standing there. Ok, get really wide. But now there is a CB standing there. Trapped like a rat.

Through the process of "Block down/Step down" and Linebacker scrapping, the defense has occupied the 4 playside gaps without creating a single crack for the ball carrier. Either the ball carrier barrels into a defensive player, or he tries to go wide into the waiting arms of our corner (and safety).

[DerkontheOS]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

I feel like buying you a beer...Bravo sir, Devs need to see this.

[ch46647]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

Amazing post!

Someone please make sure to send this to Ian on his Twitter.

[LBzrule]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

Amazing post!

Someone please make sure to send this to Ian on his Twitter.

They've probably seen it already.

Great stuff Sven. Gap control is one of the reasons why in Madden, I simply re-blitz all of my DL straight down and slide them to where I want them to control the gaps. I don't like all of this micro-management because you can get caught. It's one of the reasons why 3-4 Over is one of the better run defending sets in Madden - you don't have to move the line. Just reblitz everyone. They are already lined up in shade.

I like the way you described "Ray Ray". Slide until there is an open window. Madden does not do a great job at that. The one thing I really HATE about the game is when player another person, they can be all out of position and still make plays against the run and the pass. EA needs to do a better job of presenting football as a very technical game that requires guys to be at certain places and fulfill particular assignments and if they are not there or if they just overrun something in the slightest, something bad, CAN and SHOULD happen.

I've been preaching gap control defense since CD last year. It will do no good for us if the OL is addressed and basic gap control on defense is not.

[nuckles2k2]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

They've probably seen it already.

Great stuff Sven. Gap control is one of the reasons why in Madden, I simply re-blitz all of my DL straight down and slide them to where I want them to control the gaps. I don't like all of this micro-management because you can get caught. It's one of the reasons why 3-4 Over is one of the better run defending sets in Madden - you don't have to move the line. Just reblitz everyone. They are already lined up in shade.

I like the way you described "Ray Ray". Slide until there is an open window. Madden does not do a great job at that. The one thing I really HATE about the game is when player another person, they can be all out of position and still make plays against the run and the pass. EA needs to do a better job of presenting football as a very technical game that requires guys to be at certain places and fulfill particular assignments and if they are not there or if they just overrun something in the slightest, something bad, CAN and SHOULD happen.

I've been preaching gap control defense since CD last year. It will do no good for us if the OL is addressed and basic gap control on defense is not.

You have no idea how badly I want this.

[TheShizNo1]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

Great post man!

[LBzrule]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

You have no idea how badly I want this.

I see huge complaints if they did it. The biggest one would be EA has taken control out of the users hands. However, it just gets pretty stupid to see guys bring their Safety down on the 2nd level of the defense and still get back and defend a streak on the perimeter. It's just dumb.

[TheShizNo1]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

What do you mean by reblitz LB?

[LBzrule]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

What do you mean by reblitz LB?

Hot Blitz. A + Down on the R stick. Reblitz your DL because the default does not have gap control in mind. So you have to do the best you can and re-blitz them to charge straight ahead and then shift them to where you want them to attack. This is why if you have a good NT in 3-4 and do this, your NT will own the run game. Actually if you have anyone good over Center or shading the Center in 3-4 or 4-3 and re-blitz them to man that gap they will almost always win because most of the Centers in the game are weak. I just hate all the micromanaging you have to do.

[TheShizNo1]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

Hmmm....ill have to look into this.

[sportyguyfl31]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

Great post, and youre spot on correct LBz.

That's why Kris Jenkins was such an anchor for me.

No football game has ever gotten this right..APF made the best stab at it, but you still cant really see it consistantly, unless you manually control the MLB.

IN APF you can key the guard, and flow. If you have a stud DT or even better, 2..you can run free, and pursue sideline to sideline to sideline. If you call a gap stunt, you'll see the DL's run their stunts, and you flow with the play. You dont have to make every single play yourself. You can play your gap/assignment.

In Madden, you have to GO, because there isnt any real gap control. The user has to be good at taking away the running angles by himself, because he cant trust the rest of the front seven to control the LOS and react.

[CreatineKasey]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

So, this is the kind of defense that would have DL running with the stretch play down the field horizontally to keep the gaps plugged I think? Pittsburgh does that really well in real life.

Can you expound on how some defenses use DL to control 2 gaps with one player? Is it something where you go head up on the center and just control him so well that you either double the NG and give up the A gap or don't go there at all?

Right now what's inherent in Madden is only the "penetration" attitude on defense I think? I'm just asking for contrast... and to kind of bring light to everyone why what we have right now isn't acceptable for a football sim.

If you had to implement both styles into one defense (which I'm sure is the case in real life depending on the play) could you implement it simply through playart or would you need to have a toggle or something to "switch schemes" from gap to penetration? It'd be pretty easy to implement by having just a button to push to swap the mindset for a play.

I'm obviously no expert on gap control schemes on defense, but I think some of these questions may help round out your argument for average readers like me as to why this would be so great to have in the game.

As far as re-blitzing goes, I almost always have to re-blitz my OLB's because in so many plays they crash in to the OT and can easily get hooked by a TE or blocked head up by the OT. Once they are blitzed straight down, they play their gap much better and contain the formation properly (I think).

Nice write-up!

[LBzrule]

Re: The gap control defense, or, an Ode to Jimmy Johnson

It would be great and the best thing they can do to get a jump start is separate run behavior from coverage behavior. Until they do that, nothing like this is possible.