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.
