2-DL Pass Defense Rule Change

[Charlie-49ers]

Following are the new 2-DL pass defense provisions applicable for the 2049 season.

1) For pass defenses only, the Defensive Linemen (DL) may line up on the LOS anywhere from the Center out towards the field numbers (not touching) and must be inside (not touching) five yards of the LOS. As such, they do not have to be in a three-point stance. Near, at or inside the Offensive Tackles and within three yards of the LOS they will be in a 3-point stance automatically.
2) Below pertains to the maximum allowable 2-DL pass defensive plays per category:
a. 50% for Pass Short (PS) and Pass Medium (PM);
b. 75% for Pass Long (PL); and
c. 100% for Pass Razzle-Dazzle (PD).
3) Player position requirements
a. DLs may be in run, pass rush, or read;
b. LBs and DBs defending the LOS must be in run, pass rush, or blitz.
c. LBs/DBs defending the LOS MAY NOT be in read, zone, or man coverage. They must be actively rushing the QB or defending the run.

This ensures that 2 DL defenses maintain a minimum LOS presence and prevents more than “8-man coverage” pass defenses.

[Dean-Atlanta]

With these changes, maybe it is more worth developing new 2-DL defensive plays, especially in PL and PRD. But 50 percent in PS and PM, we could use some fresh new plays in those categories too.

Anyone want to invite Rob to come back?

[Mitch-Dolphins]

Hmmm... I wonder how long it will take coaches to realize they can call 2-DL plays on nearly every 3rd down situation now...

[Dean-Atlanta]

Be careful, Mitch, reminding us of that might cause a few to have a stroke...

[Larry - Ravens]

Can the 2 DL be any combination of DE's & DT's?

[Mitch-Dolphins]

Can the 2 DL be any combination of DE's & DT's?

D03: DL Requirements

1. The DLs cannot overload one side of the line; that is, at least one DL must be on either side of the Center. You are not allowed to overload your defenders to one side of the ball. Having 3 DLs and 2 LBs on one side of the center is not realistic.
 DT1 must be treated as the nose tackle and always be closest to the Center; DE1 must be on the left side of the QB and Center and the furthest DL out. DE2 must be on the right side of the QB and center and the furthest DE out. The following are allowed (in brief, interior DLs must be DTs):
 3-man: DE1-DT1- (any) DL;
 4 man: DE1-DT2 (or any other than DT1)-DT1-DE2;
 5 man: DE1-DT2 (or any other DT than DT1)-DT1-DT3 (or any other DT)-DE2;
 6 man: DE1-DL (or any other than DT1)-DT (any)-DT1-DT (any)-DE2;

 Plays with no DEs are allowed. If the Play has no DE, DT1 must be treated as the nose tackle and always be closest to the Center. In 2-man lines, any DL or combination is allowed in pass defenses. Two-man defensive lines are NOT allowed for run defenses.
 In brief, if you have three or more DLs in a play, all interior DLs must be DTs.

[Larry - Ravens]

Can the 2 DL be any combination of DE's & DT's?

D03: DL Requirements

1. The DLs cannot overload one side of the line; that is, at least one DL must be on either side of the Center. You are not allowed to overload your defenders to one side of the ball. Having 3 DLs and 2 LBs on one side of the center is not realistic.
 DT1 must be treated as the nose tackle and always be closest to the Center; DE1 must be on the left side of the QB and Center and the furthest DL out. DE2 must be on the right side of the QB and center and the furthest DE out. The following are allowed (in brief, interior DLs must be DTs):
 3-man: DE1-DT1- (any) DL;
 4 man: DE1-DT2 (or any other than DT1)-DT1-DE2;
 5 man: DE1-DT2 (or any other DT than DT1)-DT1-DT3 (or any other DT)-DE2;
 6 man: DE1-DL (or any other than DT1)-DT (any)-DT1-DT (any)-DE2;

 Plays with no DEs are allowed. If the Play has no DE, DT1 must be treated as the nose tackle and always be closest to the Center. In 2-man lines, any DL or combination is allowed in pass defenses. Two-man defensive lines are NOT allowed for run defenses.
 In brief, if you have three or more DLs in a play, all interior DLs must be DTs.

Thanks!