One of the major needs entering the offseason for the Indianapolis Colts came at the three-technique defensive tackle position. While many believed the Colts to address it during the draft, they did so well before-hand by acquiring DeForest Buckner from the San Francisco 49ers.
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The three-technique is an important position on defense, especially for the Colts. We’ve heard general manager Chris Ballard gush about getting production from the position he dubs as the “engine of the defense.”
In a conference call with the media on Wednesday, Buckner discussed why he believes the three-technique is vital to a defense’s success.
“I mean the 3-tech position is obviously a very important part of this defense, especially in the run game – holding up on those double teams, keeping your linebackers clean being able to run free and make more tackles obviously on the field,” Buckner said.
Buckner’s presence alone will draw attention from opposing offensive lines. There will be several times per game he will see double teams from the interior and his ability to hold that will free up the gaps for the linebackers and any twisting edge rushers.
Just as it is an important position against the run, Buckner feels it is equally vital in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
“Also in the pass game, I mean you get some one-on-one opportunities so you can really take advantage of that,” Buckner said. “So when you really have a dominant 3-technique that can split double teams in the run game or even when you get that slide in the pass game and split double teams – be effective in both aspects of the game, I mean it is a game-changer for the defense as a whole.”
Buckner has the talent to be considered in the top-three among interior defensive linemen. His 19.5 sacks over the last two seasons are fourth among interior defensive linemen. He’s also just hitting the prime of his career at age 26.
“Everybody benefits – the rest of the d-line benefits, the back end benefits from it and obviously the team does,” Buckner said. “So obviously it is a big role, a lot of responsibility but just like any other position on the defense. It is definitely one of the key positions on D.”
The Colts spent big for the three-technique and should be rewarded with plentiful production both against the run and the pass from one of the most important positions on defense.
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