The foundation

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The spaces between offensive linemen are gaps. A front places defensive linemen and linebackers so each gap can be controlled. Moving a defender from one shoulder to another can change which blocker gets help and which linebacker stays clean.

See it in context

  1. An even four-down front balances two tackles and two ends across the offensive line.
  2. A Bear front covers the center and both guards, making interior double teams and blocker releases difficult.