Football is a complex sport with an ever-changing set of rules, strategies, and techniques. With its complexity comes a variety of terms and jargon that can be confusing to those who don’t play the game or have a strong understanding of the game. One such term is “TOT”, which stands for “tackle on tackle” and is used to describe a defensive formation. In this article, we’ll discuss what TOT means on defense and how it can be used to the team’s advantage.
Understanding TOT
TOT is a defensive formation in which two defensive tackles line up directly in front of the offensive line. The two defensive tackles are typically the biggest players on the field and are responsible for taking on blockers and stopping the run. The goal of the TOT formation is to create a wall of defenders that can clog up the running lanes and force the offense to throw the ball. This formation can also be used to disguise the team’s defensive intentions and prevent the offense from knowing what type of defense they are running.
Benefits of TOT
Using the TOT formation can be beneficial for a team in a variety of ways. First, it can help to slow down the opposing team’s running game. With two defensive tackles in the middle of the line, it can be difficult for the offense to create running lanes. This can force the offense to become one-dimensional and rely on the passing game.
Secondly, the TOT formation can be used to disguise the team’s defensive intentions. By having two defensive tackles in the middle of the line, the defense can show a variety of looks and keep the offense guessing. This can be beneficial for a team if they want to keep their opponents off balance and make them uncomfortable.
Finally, having two defensive tackles in the middle of the line can help to free up other defenders. With two big defenders occupying the middle of the line, it can open up opportunities for other players to make plays. This can be especially beneficial for teams that run a 3-4 defense, where the linebackers are the primary playmakers.
Drawbacks of TOT
While the TOT formation can be beneficial for a team, it can also come with some drawbacks. First, it can leave the team vulnerable to big plays. With two defensive tackles in the middle of the line, they are not able to get to the outside and stop the run. This can lead to big plays for the offense, as the defense is unable to get to the sideline and make a tackle.
Second, the TOT formation can be difficult to maintain. With two defensive tackles in the middle of the line, the defense must ensure that both players are able to stay in their lanes and not get pushed around by the offense. This can be difficult for a team to maintain, as the offensive line can often overpower the two defensive tackles.
Finally, the TOT formation can be difficult to disguise. With two defensive tackles in the middle of the line, it can be difficult for the defense to show a variety of looks and keep the offense guessing. This can make it difficult for the defense to keep the offense off balance and make them uncomfortable.
Conclusion
The TOT formation is a defensive formation that can be beneficial for a team in a variety of ways. It can slow down the opposing team’s running game, disguise the team’s defensive intentions, and free up other defenders to make plays. However, it can also leave the team vulnerable to big plays, be difficult to maintain, and difficult to disguise. The TOT formation can be a useful tool for a team, but it should be used with caution.