The Wide Front (Double 3-Techs)
A few thoughts on running Double 3's
Sometimes it can be beneficial to space things out a little bit.
The Wide Front (aka Outlaw, Double 3’s, etc.) can create a number of opportunities on the defensive side of the ball. As with any Front, there are also some potential challenges to consider.
What is the Wide Front?
For the purpose of this article, the Wide Front will include any front that has a 3-Technique (outside shade of the Guard) to both the Field and Boundary side. Often this means there will be two Linebackers responsible for the two A Gaps.
Standard Run Fits
When it comes to the basics of a Run Fit in the Wide Front, each defender is responsible for the Gap they are aligned in.
Challenge #1 = The Bubble
This Front creates a bit of a “Bubble”, or soft spot, for the Defence. The Bubble appears on the interior of the Front where there is a large space between the two interior Defensive Linemen.
The challenge here lies in the fact that the Offence has the opportunity to create some space in the Run Game by attacking this Bubble. The Defence will want to have a good plan when it comes to protecting this soft spot in the Front.
3-Tech Cross Face
One option for protecting this Bubble is to have one (or both) of your interior Defensive Linemen “Cross Face” at the Snap. This simple Gap Exchange between the DL and the LB can help protect the Bubble in the long run.
Challenge #2 = LB Pass Drops
The basic concept of the Wide Front states that both of your Linebackers will be A-Gap Players. This can pull them away from their pass responsibilities. As I’m about to detail below, the Wide Front can be great on Passing Downs, so you might not always want your LBs to be firmly planted in the A Gaps.
One option here is to loosen up your LBs away from their Gap Responsibilities and bring them closer to their Pass Drops. Again, some Cross Face action on the line can help protect this.
Stunting
One of the main benefits of running this Front is the ability to run multiple Pass Rush Stunts. The structure of this Front allows you to run Tackle/End games on one or BOTH sides of the line. Often the Centre must help on one side or the other, so your chances for success are increased.
Final Thoughts
The Wide Front can serve as a nice addition to a defensive playbook. It creates some unique angles for your opponents to consider in the run game, and it opens up some options when it comes to Line Stunts. If you are able to control a few of the potential challenges (Bubble, LB Drops), this Front can have some benefits.
Take care,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
IG: @jonsvecx
Twitter: @jonsvecx
What I really like out of this front is to have the 2 LBs "mug" up to the line. Creating a 6 man pressure look. If you show that you can bring both of them occasionally as well as drop one or both out, it creates a head ache for protection schemes.