Your new DT. He can play 4/5 tech DE, 1/0 NT, or 3 tech DT.
Lets take a look at his work against an extremely potent Stanford Offense that averages over 200 yards rushing, 6 YPC and over 2 TDs per game.
Notice how often they play 2 down lineman? The primary reason that they can do this with success is because the amount of attention Vea demands and his ability to still win despite it.
Play 1: 4 tech heads up over RT (2 gapping) against play-action pass. Quick fake lead and ball is out as soon as QB's back foot hits. Watch Vea engage the RT, diagnose, toss him to the ground like meat, then get after the QB. If the ball isn't out immediately, this is a pressure at the very least.
Play 2: 4 tech heads up over RT (2 gapping) against a Lead Counter his way. Takes on the RT, the backside puller actually ends up doubling Vea. He maintains his ground, sheds the RT and makes the play.
Play 3: 3 tech between RG and RT (probably 2 gapping given their set-up) against a Shotgun Counter his way. The RG and RT double him and they get nothing (RG then peels for LB). With a bit of a hump move he gets his left arm free while still anchoring against the RT effort to move him. Makes the play.
Play 4: 2 tech heads up on RG (2 gapping) against Shotgun pass. Vea actually has 3 guys allocated against him here. RG and RT double him right off the bat (RG then peels for blitz). Notice the Center is pulled to help there too! Initial double team stalled him out and Vea doesn't end up getting anything here. Possibly some fatigue as well (which will invariably be a factor with a man this size).
Play 5: 0 tech heads up on C (2 gapping) against Shotgun pass. Vea gets a good initial rush A gap between C and RG. RG helps Center. Vea ends up going Spin move off that help. Center does a good job staying with it. Vea gets nothing here.
Play 6: 2 tech heads up on RG (2 gapping) against Shotgun Counter away from him. RG tries to cut him. Vea keeps his feet, but its enough disruption to keep him from chasing down the play.
Play 7: 1 tech blah blah blah. This is just a Stunt vs a pass. Executed well and, predictably, it draws a lot of attention as he crosses the Center's face. The Center ends up chasing him and he occupies both C and LG.
Play 8: 2 tech heads up on RG (2 gapping) against Lead Man Off RG/RT (B gap - see Fullback lead there). Vea has that gap and the A gap opposite side of the RG. He anchors, controls the RG so he has both gaps covered with an easy shed. This forces the RB to bounce the ball all the way to the B gap on the other side of the LoS. This is dominate 2 gap play where you don't end up getting anything on the stat sheet.
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Alright, that is enough for tonight. I'll cover more tomorrow.
As should be plain to see in this tape and breakdown, Washington plays a very unique defense (a lot of 2 DL) predicated upon a pair of DTs who will constantly win/not lose against double teams. They've been so successful the last few years in large part because of Vea's ability here.
For us he will be playing a lot of 0 and 1 technique in normal 43 Under (doing a lot of what he did at Washington). Also, he will definitely be playing some 3 technique and 1 gapping and surely a fair amount of of 4 and 5 tech DE in 34 looks and in our Big Nickel packages with McCoy playing the opposite side DE.
