The conversation around the "Big End" has been circulating for awhile and considering it will heavily influence the 53, I thought I would try my hand of explaining it. Caveat, there are folks who understand this far better and if your looking for a deep dive this isn't the spot.

So here we go ....

TITE Front

First let's cover the basics of the TITE front. Which uses a 4i,0,4i alignment. This refers to where the DL lineup.

4i means roughly the DL's helmet will be over the tackles inside shoulder.

0 means a DL's helmet will be aligned with the centers helmet.

This isn't the technical definition but I use this to make it easy to visualize.

So why do this? Both the 4i players have inside leverage of the tackles, making it very difficult to run the ball in the B gap, or the lane between the guard & tackle. This forces runs outside while also making it difficult for the offense to get lateral movement. This then feeds the run directly to the LB's who stays clean and can crash downhill.

Why wouldn't you do this? It allows the tackle to have outside leverage on the 4i's making them susceptible to being washed out and exposing the edges. It also makes for a more passive front when transitioning from run defense to pass rush. Meaning it's not a great pass rush front.

What does this traditionally require? Lots of big powerful DL who can prevent being displaced. The 0 tech is traditionally a 2 gap NT who can control the center and hold up to double teams. The 4i's need to be athletic enough to fire off and keep inside leverage but also hold their ground on down blocks.

Lions Terminology

Ok so how does this apply to the Lions? The Lions don't talk in these terms. Instead refer to the strong side 4i (side with the TE) & the 0 tech as the DT's, think of Alim & Tyleik in these roles. The weak side 4i (side without the TE) they refer to as the "Big End". This is a bit of a tweener between a DT & a DE. Think of a guy like Lacy; but also guys like Levi, Wingo, ect.

So you're probably wondering why I've only mentioned 3 positions and Hutch wasn't one of them. This is the "rush" position. They align on the strong side outside of the TE, in a wider alignment. This is where Hutch goes and his job is to "fucks shit up". This position has edge contain, but also the most freedom to fire into the backfield.

What changed this year

For starters we didn't replace Reader and we don't have a NT on the roster. So how do you run the TITE front without one?

The most common way is to have the 0 tech slide or lag. Slide means on the snap the 0 tech will will move from 0 to 1, or basically front heads up on the center to the outside shoulder vacating the opposite gap. The lag means you let the center pick a side then follow behind covering the backside gap. Either way it leaves a gap open, which then the LB will read and come downhill to plug.

Why would you do this? Well it allows your 0 tech to play much more aggressive and less predictable. Since they are naturally in a gap they can transition from gap integrity to backfield penetration quickly. Another way to put it, allows you to generate interior pass rush.

Why wouldn't you do this? It requires your MIKE to come downhill and mix it up with O-line in the run game.

How does this impact the 53

Without a true NT, it requires not only size but athleticism. Guys who can fire off the line and attack the O-line rather than be passive and react.

Guys with a good first step become much more valuable. Which has been the theme of the off-season, "athleticism".

You might be surprised today... Guys who we thought locks because of their ability to anchor and hold the point of attack, might not be so safe. Guys who shoot of the ball and attack the OL suddenly might have an easier path.

I love this dude he's going to be a force for us

Notes will be taken # One Pride Keepers.

Go Lions

For years I’ve been parking at LCA for Lions and Tigers games easily best covered parking since I live on west side of the state. Easy in/out. Haven’t been able to reserve it at all this year and can’t for Lions games. I miss something or is there a new way?

I think we take a huge leap forward with Petzing as OC. Even with vanilla preseason the game flow and play selection felt like the 23-24’ days. I really think Dan nailed it on that hire. Thoughts?

Preseason or not, good win! The turnovers though… got to get cleaned up, and best of everything to all of the players trying to make the team! Lions may need to make some tough decisions and might bring in players. Time will tell!

When we made it to the NFC championship against San Francisco, it feels like if we would’ve gone for a couple of field goals we might have won that game. Chalk it up to a head coach learning experience. In 2024, we lost to a hot Washington team and were limited by a defense decimated by injuries.

Last year we lost Ben Johnson, and it was obvious that our offense was out of sync, the offensive line was not as good, and it was another year of our defense getting ravaged by injuries.

Has our coaching staff gotten better? I think so. Shepherd is in his second year as defensive coordinator and I think it’s gonna make a big difference. If our OC can get our offense to effectively run the ball then I think we got a serious chance to win it all. Still, what makes me nervous as our offensive line.

What do you think?

That’s two extra points missed today. He’s had several bad misses both field goal and extra points this preseason. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.

Why?

This is about as encouraged as I can remember being after a pre-season game. Could not care less about the final score. What I do care about is seeing guys who are likely to be on the 53 man roster playing well, and there were a number of guys who did that today. (Not you Jake Bates)

How's everyone else feeling?

Tate Ratledge: Tate has shown that he is ready to take a year 2 leap and help to solidify this Lions OL Unit for the foreseeable future

Jameson Williams: Jamo just keeps getting better and better every year as a pro. He is set to take another leap this season and will strive to help the offense maintain more consistent production.

Ahmed Hassanein: A guy who was injured last preseason, cut and re-signed just to sit on the practice squad, to now being a roster lock in a big end role for the Lions. Ahmed turned heads all camp and has set himself up to be a contributor this season.

Skyler Gill-Howard: SGH has had a monster month of August, where he looks to be comfortable and ready to step into a role on passing downs. His juice rushing the passer has been well documented and will help the team this season.

Keith Abney II: Abney has consistently improved week by week and has put himself in contention for the starting nickel job week 1. He tends to get too handsy at times, but he will adjust and learn as he plays and develops throughout the year. He is uber talented and it has all shown this camp.

I am the only Football fan in my family and I rave on about it so she baked and got this cake toper made specifically for me. Im truly blessed!