If we agree that notion to be essentially true for most seasons.... then it is the defensive line that is such a key to those championships. 
The defensive line is the key to shut down a team's running game, forcing them into a one dimensional offence. The defensive line is also the key to shutting down an opposition's passing offence. Pressure kills! It can make a great quarterback look ordinary and a good quarterback looks awful!! A lot of focus on the pass rush is always focused on the defensive end position and in particular the rush end position. These players most often lead their team in quarterback sacks and therefore get more attention from both the fans and the press. However, it's at the defensive tackle position, that a championship team is built from. A championship defense first has to shut down the run against a balanced offence.... and the run gets shutdown best by the defensive tackle position and not the defensive end or linebacker position.
A championship team also needs inside penetration and pressure from the defensive tackle position on the quarterback. It can't do it from just defensive end pressure alone. If not a quarterback can sit in the pocket all day and the offence can double a rush end with a running back. However, having four players, two defensive tackles and two defensive ends that can play the run effectively, while also consistently pressuring the quarterback, provides all kinds of opportunities for a defense to create turnovers.
Pressure hurts a quarterback's decision making process, forces an oppostiion offence away from the things they like to do most, creates errant passes that can be picked off, and forces hurried throws that tend to be telegraphed.
Our Leos defensive line has been anchored in the past by Brent Johnson and Ty Williams. Last season we added Hunt to the mix and he's been a tremendous addition. This season we brought in Cameron Wake and he is presently leading the league in sacks and has twice as many tackles as his predecessor. Ricky Foley backs up at defensive end and while his game reps have been limited he has looked impressive during his brief stints. Matt Kirk backs up at tackle....he's light for a defensive tackle but he has always played well when he's been needed.
Let's have a closer look at defensive line play!!
DEFENSIVE LINE TECHNIQUES
In the last few years, it has become more common to refer to some defensive linemen as a 3 Technique tackle. However, the question that begs is "What is a 3 Technique tackle? It means a defensive tackle that lines up on the outside shoulder of the guard, in the guard/tackle gap. However, it requires a more detailed look.
The “techniqueâ€
