My main job is to plug the holes and make sure there is nowhere for them to go. I have the other hand free to punch the nose guard as soon as he comes off the ball. With the snap comes the first collision. Helmet to helmet. Facemask to facemask.
Ground is lost and won back as the combatants try to gain leverage on each other.
The defense has different ways of gauging success. While the center must absolutely block his man out of the play, nose guards don't have to make the play to consider it a victory. Monroe, who lines straight over the center, often gets tangled up in double teams, while Noel slants in one direction to attempt to wedge between the center and guard. If he makes the play, fine. If not, he's likely occupying two blockers.