Great stuff from Pete Carroll and the Seahawks coaching staff.
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Seattle Seahawk Tackling Teach Tape
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Attacking Quarters Coverage with a Zone Run/Post RPO
This concept is a Run Pass Option (RPO) play that combines outside zone blocking with a post route.
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Here the concept is being run from 11 personnel and is attacking the weak side of a 4-2-5 quarters coverage defense. The OL and Y are blocking outside zone (stretch) with even numbers (6 vs 6).
The Defense has the advantage of being +1 as soon as the WS reads the TE is blocking and gets into a run fit. This concept is designed to read the weak safety. The QB will shuffle while meshing with the RB. The QB's vision is on the WS.
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If the QB reads the WS coming downhill into the run game, the QB will pull back and throw the skinny post. The post is leaning his outside shoulder on the corner before breaking the route deep and skinny. The goal is for the WR to win the 1 on 1 against the corner who has no post help.
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If the QB reads the WS not committing downhill to defend the run, the ball is handed off on the outside zone.
This type of run pass option is safe way to take a shot. The play has a chance to be a homerun post or an efficient run.
Here the concept is being run from 11 personnel and is attacking the weak side of a 4-2-5 quarters coverage defense. The OL and Y are blocking outside zone (stretch) with even numbers (6 vs 6).
The Defense has the advantage of being +1 as soon as the WS reads the TE is blocking and gets into a run fit. This concept is designed to read the weak safety. The QB will shuffle while meshing with the RB. The QB's vision is on the WS.
If the QB reads the WS coming downhill into the run game, the QB will pull back and throw the skinny post. The post is leaning his outside shoulder on the corner before breaking the route deep and skinny. The goal is for the WR to win the 1 on 1 against the corner who has no post help.
If the QB reads the WS not committing downhill to defend the run, the ball is handed off on the outside zone.
This type of run pass option is safe way to take a shot. The play has a chance to be a homerun post or an efficient run.
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2015 Seattle Seahawk Tackling Teach Tape
Here is the 2015 update of the Seahawk Tackling Teach Tape. It has some difference and updates from the 2014 version.
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2015 Seattle Seahawk Tackling Teach Tape
The previous post video has been blocked. Here is the same video directly from the Seahawks.
http://www.seahawks.com/video/2015/06/11/2015-seahawks-tackling
http://www.seahawks.com/video/2015/06/11/2015-seahawks-tackling
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Evaluating Red Zone Productivity
Interesting article by Barry Hoover about evaluating offensive efficiency in the red zone.
http://afcaweekly.com/2015/07/red-zone-average-a-better-way-to-measure-red-zone-effectiveness/
This type of statistical tool is good for self-scouting your offense or evaluating your defense against opposing teams. Coach Hoover is also the author of the Coach Hoover website.
http://afcaweekly.com/2015/07/red-zone-average-a-better-way-to-measure-red-zone-effectiveness/
This type of statistical tool is good for self-scouting your offense or evaluating your defense against opposing teams. Coach Hoover is also the author of the Coach Hoover website.
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4-2-5 Overload Zone Blitz
This post is a follow up to the Simple Adjustable 4-2-5 Zone Blitz post. This blitz is designed to overload the pass protection to the field. The coverage is the same fire zone concept used in the Boss blitz from the previous post.
The Coverage:
Corners – Tight 1/3 Technique
FS – Spin down to the Seam
Mike – 3RH
Will – Seam
WS – Middle 1/3
The coverage does not need to be checked vs. a 3x1 formation. The Mike does need to widen his alignment. The Will can cheat his alignment closer to the box.
The Rush:
Call DE – Wide Ghost Alignment, Daylight rusher
DT – 4i, Daylight rusher
Nose – Zero, Wiper technique
Away DE – 5 Technique, Contain
SS – Show Alignment with blitz demeanor, Contain
Daylight Rush Technique:
Get off the ball on straight line track to the QB. If there is daylight, stay on your track. If the daylight is gone work a move to the inside to find new daylight.
If the OL inside (here the OG) blocks down there is daylight. Stay on your track.
If the guard sets wide there is daylight. Stay on your track.
If the guard sets on your track, work an inside pass rush move to find new daylight
Wiper Technique:
First step at 45 degrees. Attack edge of OL then work to opposite side of OL. Side to side action like a windshield wiper.
Attacking Protection:
When the offense is using a slide protection to the field.
This is the protection we are hoping to see. The width of the SS, DE, and DT force the offensive linemen to set deep and to block in open space.
Here the OT sets to the SS and the OG sets to the DE. The wiper technique by the Nose is designed to create hesitation by the Center. The DT has daylight and stays on his track. The Center has a very difficult task to set late to a DT on a straight line run to the QB.
Here the OT sets to the SS and the OG sets the DT. The End has daylight and will stay on this track. The DT does not have daylight and will work a move to the inside. The End should get a straight line run to the QB.
Here the OT sets to the DE and the OG sets to the DT. The SS should have the straight line run to the QB. Both the DE and DT have a blocker on their track. Both will work an inside move to find new daylight.
Here the Center is aggressively sliding and ignoring the Nose on the wiper. The Nose will stay on his initial path. This will take him as far from the OG as possible. This block is very difficult for the guard.
When the RB is aligned to the field the Nose will change his technique from wiper to a normal slant to the away A gap. We are expecting the slide of the OL is going to the boundary in this situation. The OT has the DE man to man, the OG has the DT, and the Center has the Nose. The OG and OT to the right are sliding. We want the Nose to slant instead of wiper to create space for the DT and DE to the blitz. Both the daylight rushers have a blocker on their track. Both will work a move to the inside to find new daylight. We expect our DL to win these 1 on 1 matchups in open space.
Change Up:
Our changeup is to switch the job of the DE to contain and allow the SS to be a daylight rusher. The SS will align with inside foot back. His 1st step is with his inside foot up the field. His 2nd step is with is outside foot up the field. The SS should plant on the 2nd step and get on his track.
When we call this blitz we allow the SS to call the rush at the LOS. The SS will tell the DE who has contain with a "You" or "Me" call.
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First Game of the Season
The season is almost here. A thought for defenses:
"It is the first game and you are nervous. It is ok to be nervous. Nerves mean you care. You are nervous because you want to do well. You are nervous because you want all your hard work to pay off. You are nervous because you don’t want to let your teammates down. Those are all noble reasons to be nervous. When human beings are in stressful situations one of two instincts takes over: fight or flight. Tonight when the nerves and stress build up: will you fight or will you run? If you are a guy who wants to fight, great. Buckle up and go out hit ‘em every play. If you feel like running, that’s ok too. Run to the ball. When you get there you will know what to do."
Good luck to everyone. Enjoy every minute of the 2015 season. May your team stay healthy, may your defense shed, pursue, and tackle, and may the sacks be plentiful. Amen.
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Diguising Blitzes in the 3-3 Stack
The season is rolling along and the tried and true blitzes that were installed in pre-season camp have by now been called multiple times. Every opponent has several films and has developed a scouting report on a defense's most common pressures. How can a defense get continued production from the same blitzes it has been running all season? One solution is using tags words to disguise blitzes and create confusion for the offense's blocking schemes. Tag words allow the defense to continue running the blitzes it executes well, while creating new looks and challenges for the offense.
Here is a sample blitz from the 3-3 Stack. The blitz is an America's Blitz concept with 3 under 3 deep fire zone coverage behind it.
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The blitz is SMACK - Sam & Mike, End to A Gap. The goal of the blitz name to tell the rushers where they need to go.
The Rush:
Blitz DE: Long Stick to A Gap
Nose: Away A
Away DE: Contain
Sam: Contain Blitz
Mike: Scrape Blitz the B Gap
TAGS :
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Bluff tells the non-blitzing LB (here the Will) to show a blitz in the B gap. The call would be Bluff Smack.
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Con tells the non-blitzing LB (again the Will) to show a Contain Blitz . The call would be Con Smack.
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Fool tells the linebackers to show 2 blitzers opposite the called blitz. The Mike and Will in this example are the Fool linebackers. The Mike bails out during the cadence and executes the Smack blitz. The Will drops into coverage from the L.O.S. The call would be Fool Smack
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In tells the DE's to align inside (here in 4i's). In also tells up the stack LB's (Mike & Will) to walk up to the L.O.S. The DL and LB's run Smack from the IN alignment. The call would be In Smack.
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Big tells the LB's to bump their alignments to the blitz. Big can help improve the blitzer's angles. Big can also cause blocking scheme headaches for the offense. If they are preparing for a defense to stay stacked and now the defense is bumping to a non-stacked alignment, can they handle it? The call would be Big Smack.
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Smoke can also be tagged with Alpha, Bravo, or Charlie. The tags tell the 1st blitzer where to show a blitz.
Alpha - Show A gap blitz
Bravo - Show B gap blitz
Charlie - Show Contain blitz
Here is Alpha Smoke. The 1st blitzer (here the Sam) shows in the A gap. The Sam and Mike execute a Smoke.
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Monster can be tagged just like Smack and Smoke. The differences happen on Alpha, Bravo, or Charlie. The Mike is the 1st blitzer and shows on Monster. For example an Alpha Monster call tells the Mike to show in the A gap then execute the Monster.
Having a system of tags for your blitz package can create greater versatility without installing new blitzes. Versatility can come in handy as the season goes along and opposing offense's know more about a defense. Tags also come in handy in the post-season when a defense may have to play a team for a 2nd time.
Here is a sample blitz from the 3-3 Stack. The blitz is an America's Blitz concept with 3 under 3 deep fire zone coverage behind it.
The blitz is SMACK - Sam & Mike, End to A Gap. The goal of the blitz name to tell the rushers where they need to go.
The Rush:
Blitz DE: Long Stick to A Gap
Nose: Away A
Away DE: Contain
Sam: Contain Blitz
Mike: Scrape Blitz the B Gap
BLUFF
CON
Con tells the non-blitzing LB (again the Will) to show a Contain Blitz . The call would be Con Smack.
FOOL
Fool tells the linebackers to show 2 blitzers opposite the called blitz. The Mike and Will in this example are the Fool linebackers. The Mike bails out during the cadence and executes the Smack blitz. The Will drops into coverage from the L.O.S. The call would be Fool Smack
IN
In tells the DE's to align inside (here in 4i's). In also tells up the stack LB's (Mike & Will) to walk up to the L.O.S. The DL and LB's run Smack from the IN alignment. The call would be In Smack.
BIG
Big tells the LB's to bump their alignments to the blitz. Big can help improve the blitzer's angles. Big can also cause blocking scheme headaches for the offense. If they are preparing for a defense to stay stacked and now the defense is bumping to a non-stacked alignment, can they handle it? The call would be Big Smack.
Another blitz in the package is SMOKE - Sam & Mike blitz (Sam is 1st/Mike is 2nd), DE is Outside
Smoke can be tagged using the same naming system. Here is Bluff Smoke.
Here is Fool Smoke.
Smoke can also be tagged with Alpha, Bravo, or Charlie. The tags tell the 1st blitzer where to show a blitz.
Alpha - Show A gap blitz
Bravo - Show B gap blitz
Charlie - Show Contain blitz
Here is Alpha Smoke. The 1st blitzer (here the Sam) shows in the A gap. The Sam and Mike execute a Smoke.
Here is Bravo Smoke. The Sam is aligned showing blitz in the B gap.
Finally, here is Charlie Smoke. The Sam shows a contain blitz then executes a Smoke.
Another blitz in the package is MONSTER - Mike & Sam blitz (Mike 1st/Sam 2nd), End Outside
Monster can be tagged just like Smack and Smoke. The differences happen on Alpha, Bravo, or Charlie. The Mike is the 1st blitzer and shows on Monster. For example an Alpha Monster call tells the Mike to show in the A gap then execute the Monster.
Having a system of tags for your blitz package can create greater versatility without installing new blitzes. Versatility can come in handy as the season goes along and opposing offense's know more about a defense. Tags also come in handy in the post-season when a defense may have to play a team for a 2nd time.
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4-2-5 Basics: Run Fits vs. 2 Back Formations
People often ask me about how we fit the run in the 4-2-5. They say things like:
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In this example the defense bumps the linebackers (Mike & Will) strong and bumps the WS into the box in the roll of the third linebacker. Against a strong or weak flow running play the Mike, Will, and WS fit the run like a Sam, Mike, and Will in a traditional 4-3 defense would fit.
Versus a strong flow run
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Versus a weak flow run
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Versus a weak flow run
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Versus a weak flow run
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Here is a standard Iso or Lead play from a 21 personnel Pro I formation. If the defense chooses to fit this play like a traditional 4-4 defense, it can become a stress play.
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In this scenario the Mike LB fit the FB on the outside half. If the inside linebackers are expected to bracket the fullback, the Will has a difficult job. The Will needs to align wide enough to keep leverage on the guard in case the offense is running an outside flow run weak, like outside zone. This prevents the Will from cheating his alignment too far inside. The result is the Center and Guard can scoop the Nose up the Will, potentially cutting the Will off from his bracket responsibility.
One alternative solution is to have the Mike spill the fullback.
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The Will LB's job is easier because he doesn't have to bracket the FB with the Mike. The new challenge is if the Mike is fitting inside of the fullback's block, who is fitting outside? The offense has a good angle to use the TE to block the SS from folding into the box. That leaves the FS. The FS can make the tackle but not without issues. The RB vs. FS may be a bad match up. The FS may have to make an open field tackle vs. a full speed RB. Requiring the FS to be hyper aggressive to fit the run also opens up play action risks.
Neither fitting the Mike inside nor outside of the fullback may be optimal for the defense.
Some coaches may say:
"The DT needs to squeeze the guard's block and reduce the A gap."
"The Nose needs to control the scoop block, keeping the offensive lineman on the line of scrimmage longer. That buys time for the Will."
"The Mike needs to be violent and jam the fullback back in the hole."
"The Will needs to read his key and be quick to attack the ISO."
These are all true. The issue is that may be easier said then done. Especially when playing good teams. If you want to compete for conference and post-season titles you are going to have to play and beat good teams. What is the solution when their fullback is better than your Mike? What if the guard is getting movement on the DT consistently? Being able to change how the defense fits the run can help give the defense solutions to these problems.
Here the defense bumped the linebackers strong and is using the WS as the third LB.
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"4-2-5 is just a 4-4 with DB's at OLB, so you just fit the run like a 4-4?"or
"4-2-5 is just a 4-3 using nickle sub personnel on every play, so you fit like the 4-3?"
My answer is "Yes" to both. Part of the reason the 4-2-5 is popular is that it can fit the run like a 4-4 or like 4-3. Teams can tailor the fits to their needs. Take for example a basic two back 21 personnel pro formation.
The defense can align and fit the run like a 4-4. The SS and WS play force while the four down linemen and two inside linebackers account for all the interior gaps.
OR
The defense can choose to fit the run like a 4-3 with a safety filling the roll of the third linebacker.
Versus a strong flow run
Versus a weak flow run
The defense can alternatively choose to bump the SS into the box and the linebackers weak. The SS, Mike, and Will then fill the roll of the three linebackers.
Versus a strong flow run
Versus a weak flow run
Lastly, the defense can drop the FS down into the box to fill the third linebacker roll.
Versus a strong flow run
Versus a weak flow run
How can a defense use this multiplicity?
Take for example:
Here is a standard Iso or Lead play from a 21 personnel Pro I formation. If the defense chooses to fit this play like a traditional 4-4 defense, it can become a stress play.
In this scenario the Mike LB fit the FB on the outside half. If the inside linebackers are expected to bracket the fullback, the Will has a difficult job. The Will needs to align wide enough to keep leverage on the guard in case the offense is running an outside flow run weak, like outside zone. This prevents the Will from cheating his alignment too far inside. The result is the Center and Guard can scoop the Nose up the Will, potentially cutting the Will off from his bracket responsibility.
One alternative solution is to have the Mike spill the fullback.
The Will LB's job is easier because he doesn't have to bracket the FB with the Mike. The new challenge is if the Mike is fitting inside of the fullback's block, who is fitting outside? The offense has a good angle to use the TE to block the SS from folding into the box. That leaves the FS. The FS can make the tackle but not without issues. The RB vs. FS may be a bad match up. The FS may have to make an open field tackle vs. a full speed RB. Requiring the FS to be hyper aggressive to fit the run also opens up play action risks.
Neither fitting the Mike inside nor outside of the fullback may be optimal for the defense.
Some coaches may say:
"The DT needs to squeeze the guard's block and reduce the A gap."
"The Nose needs to control the scoop block, keeping the offensive lineman on the line of scrimmage longer. That buys time for the Will."
"The Mike needs to be violent and jam the fullback back in the hole."
"The Will needs to read his key and be quick to attack the ISO."
These are all true. The issue is that may be easier said then done. Especially when playing good teams. If you want to compete for conference and post-season titles you are going to have to play and beat good teams. What is the solution when their fullback is better than your Mike? What if the guard is getting movement on the DT consistently? Being able to change how the defense fits the run can help give the defense solutions to these problems.
Here the defense bumped the linebackers strong and is using the WS as the third LB.
With the Will bumped over the Center the Mike and Will have much easier time bracketing the fullback's block. The offense does not have an easy angle to block the Mike or Will.
More examples:
When the offense is using an offset fullback or an unbalanced set, the defense can sure up run fits by bumping to a 4-3 run fit.
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Having the linebackers bumped can help get players to the point of attack. The offense most likely wants to run toward the offset fullback. It makes sense to get extra defenders where the offense wants to run the ball.
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Here is an unbalanced formation. The offense most likely wants to run toward the unbalanced side. Being able to bump to a 4-3 run fit can help the defense remain gap sound even against the extra gaps created by the unbalanced formation. TCU coach Gary Patterson wrote about the concept of bumping in the 4-2-5 in his article for Nike Coach of the Year. On pages 6,7,8 of the article Coach Patterson explains TCU's slide and scoot concepts.
There are other times when the defense wants to fit like a 4-4.
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Here the defense is in a 4-3 run fit. If the offense is running a read power to the weak side the defense may have difficulty. The WS has a poor angle to force the wide path of the lead blocker. If the End steps down with the down block of the OT, the Will LB ends up in a 1 on 1 foot race with the RB. This may be a bad match up.
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If the defense is fitting the run like a 4-4, the angles are much easier for the defense. The WS has a natural force leverage from width on the lead blocker. The Will LB can much more easily scrape over the top of the DE and pursue the RB.
The 4-2-5 has the added advantage of disguise. On any play the LB's could bump during the cadence. Any of the three safeties could move into the roll of the third linebacker. The defense can also show a 4-3 fit and bump back into a 4-4 run fit. The result is offenses being force to constantly identify, communicate, and react to a defense changing it's run fits.
The versatility and flexibility are major contributing factors in the success and popularity of the 4-2-5. I'm going to continue the Basics of the 4-2-5 series this off-season as I have time. If there is anything you would like to see, drop a comment or send me an e-mail.
More examples:
When the offense is using an offset fullback or an unbalanced set, the defense can sure up run fits by bumping to a 4-3 run fit.
Having the linebackers bumped can help get players to the point of attack. The offense most likely wants to run toward the offset fullback. It makes sense to get extra defenders where the offense wants to run the ball.
Here is an unbalanced formation. The offense most likely wants to run toward the unbalanced side. Being able to bump to a 4-3 run fit can help the defense remain gap sound even against the extra gaps created by the unbalanced formation. TCU coach Gary Patterson wrote about the concept of bumping in the 4-2-5 in his article for Nike Coach of the Year. On pages 6,7,8 of the article Coach Patterson explains TCU's slide and scoot concepts.
There are other times when the defense wants to fit like a 4-4.
Here the defense is in a 4-3 run fit. If the offense is running a read power to the weak side the defense may have difficulty. The WS has a poor angle to force the wide path of the lead blocker. If the End steps down with the down block of the OT, the Will LB ends up in a 1 on 1 foot race with the RB. This may be a bad match up.
If the defense is fitting the run like a 4-4, the angles are much easier for the defense. The WS has a natural force leverage from width on the lead blocker. The Will LB can much more easily scrape over the top of the DE and pursue the RB.
The 4-2-5 has the added advantage of disguise. On any play the LB's could bump during the cadence. Any of the three safeties could move into the roll of the third linebacker. The defense can also show a 4-3 fit and bump back into a 4-4 run fit. The result is offenses being force to constantly identify, communicate, and react to a defense changing it's run fits.
The versatility and flexibility are major contributing factors in the success and popularity of the 4-2-5. I'm going to continue the Basics of the 4-2-5 series this off-season as I have time. If there is anything you would like to see, drop a comment or send me an e-mail.
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Remembering Deacon Jones
Happy Birthday to NFL Hall of Famer Deacon Jones! The man who coined the the term "sack" the QB and one of the all-time great defensive ends. Jones passed away in 2013 would have been 77 today.
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Blitzing an OLB in the 3-4
Blitzing one OLB is often a staple call for a 3-4 defense. Take for example:
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Against the run the DL plays a 2 gap technique.
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In the Alabama system the LB sets the pressure with a Ralph/Larry call. The DL play the Base front vs. the run which uses 2 gap technique.
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Slanting the DL:
Some teams choose not to play a 2 gap defensive line technique and instead slant the DL to a 1 gap technique.
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The front starts in a base 3-4 look and stems during the QB's cadence to a 4 man line alignment. The end result is the reduced front.
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Stemming forces the offense to react to the new alignments during the cadence.
All of these concepts can be accomplished while blitzing the Jack OLB as well.
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A defense can elect to have any or all of these concepts is their playbook. Having more than one option can help the defense deal with some problem areas.
For example:
Slanting can be very effective. However, there are times when slanting the DL can be a challenge.
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Against a gap scheme run play like power slanting can create issues. The DL in this example is slanting where the OL is down blocking. The DL may be athletic and powerful enough to avoid being washed by the down blocks. However the DL may get washed creating big seams for the RB to run through.
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Another challenge when slanting is being able to deal with an OL that reduces their splits. In this example the OL is running outside zone with 6 inch splits. The issue is there is little to no space for the DL to slant to. Again an athletic and powerful DL can redirect off the zoning OL and make plays. However sometimes the DL is reached badly due to the tight splits and the defense has gap control issues.
In both of these situations being able to mix in 2 gap, sink, and stem concepts allows the defense to keep making a base call without slanting. Having all the options available can help the defense have a multiple plan and make in game adjustments based on what the offense wants to run.
Another reason to consider having multiple ways to execute a basic blitz is due to variations in defensive personnel. On non-scholarship rosters the defense may have a wide variance in skill and talents among the DL. The majority of the DL may be athletic slanter types. But if you have 300 lb Nose who can't slant you are going to find a way to get that kid on the field. One solution might be to mix and match techniques.
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Here the DE's are athletic players who can slant. The Nose is big and not a slanter. On the call the Nose stems pre-snap and plays the A gap without slanting. If the backup nose is an athletic slanter he can slant like normal but the big Nose will stem. Having versatility in a call's technique allows the defense to put players in position to succeed and allows the defense to play the most talented players.
Indian/Outlaw:
Another choice the defense has to make is how the blitzer will play a TE. Again looking at Wade Phillips defense the blitzer can blitz inside or outside the TE using an Indian or Outlaw concept.
Indian
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On the indian technique the blitzer (Sam) plays inside the TE into the C gap. The ILB (Mike) plays over the top of the Sam to the gap on flow to the TE.
Outlaw
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On the Outlaw technique the blitzer (Sam) plays the D gap and the ILB (Mike) plays the C gap on flow to the TE.
While the concept of blitzing an OLB in the 3-4 is simple there are multiple choices the defense can make to help make a basic call more versatile.
Here is a basic pressure with the defense sending the Sam OLB and rushing the 3 down linemen to create a 4 man line concept from a 3 down line personnel. The defense has several options about how to execute this call.
Two Gap DL:
One option for the defense is to have the 3 DL play a 2 gap technique. The LB makes a Right/Left call to tell the DL where the blitz is going. Here is a Left call.
Against the run the DL plays a 2 gap technique.
Against the pass the DL will work to pass rush lanes based on the Right/Left call. In this example the blitzer is coming from the left. The left DE will work an inside pass rush lane vs. the pass. The DE has a 2 way go vs. the guard. The Nose will work to the inside rush lane opposite the call. The Right DE will work to contain. You can see this style of pressure in the 2008 Nick Saban Alabama Playbook.
Slanting the DL:
Some teams choose not to play a 2 gap defensive line technique and instead slant the DL to a 1 gap technique.
Here vs. the run the DE to the blitz slants to the B gap, the Nose slants to the away A gap, and the DE away from the blitz slants to the C gap.
Against the pass the slant technique plays exactly like the 2 gap technique.
You can see this slant style of 1 gap technique in the playbook of Wade Phillips.
Reduce the Blitz to a 4 man Line:
The defense can also elect to reduce the blitz to where they will be going and align in a 4 man line look.
Against the run the front plays exactly like it did when the DL slanted. The difference is the DL is aligned where they are going and play directly into their gaps.
The pass rush lanes remain the same.
This concept is also in the defensive playbook of Wade Phillips.
Stemming to a reduced front:
The defense can also choose to stem the DL from the base alignment to a reduced (Sink) alignment pre-snap.
Stemming forces the offense to react to the new alignments during the cadence.
All of these concepts can be accomplished while blitzing the Jack OLB as well.
A defense can elect to have any or all of these concepts is their playbook. Having more than one option can help the defense deal with some problem areas.
For example:
Slanting can be very effective. However, there are times when slanting the DL can be a challenge.
Another challenge when slanting is being able to deal with an OL that reduces their splits. In this example the OL is running outside zone with 6 inch splits. The issue is there is little to no space for the DL to slant to. Again an athletic and powerful DL can redirect off the zoning OL and make plays. However sometimes the DL is reached badly due to the tight splits and the defense has gap control issues.
In both of these situations being able to mix in 2 gap, sink, and stem concepts allows the defense to keep making a base call without slanting. Having all the options available can help the defense have a multiple plan and make in game adjustments based on what the offense wants to run.
Another reason to consider having multiple ways to execute a basic blitz is due to variations in defensive personnel. On non-scholarship rosters the defense may have a wide variance in skill and talents among the DL. The majority of the DL may be athletic slanter types. But if you have 300 lb Nose who can't slant you are going to find a way to get that kid on the field. One solution might be to mix and match techniques.
Here the DE's are athletic players who can slant. The Nose is big and not a slanter. On the call the Nose stems pre-snap and plays the A gap without slanting. If the backup nose is an athletic slanter he can slant like normal but the big Nose will stem. Having versatility in a call's technique allows the defense to put players in position to succeed and allows the defense to play the most talented players.
Indian/Outlaw:
Another choice the defense has to make is how the blitzer will play a TE. Again looking at Wade Phillips defense the blitzer can blitz inside or outside the TE using an Indian or Outlaw concept.
Indian
On the indian technique the blitzer (Sam) plays inside the TE into the C gap. The ILB (Mike) plays over the top of the Sam to the gap on flow to the TE.
Outlaw
While the concept of blitzing an OLB in the 3-4 is simple there are multiple choices the defense can make to help make a basic call more versatile.
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New Years Resolutions
I want to wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2016. I have three goals for Blitzology.com in the coming year.
#1. My first goal is to write 100 posts this year. That is more than double what I wrote in 2015. Hopefully I am able to make this happen.
#2 I want more guest authors to share their knowledge and schemes. If you are interested in writing something to be posted on Blitzology shoot me an e-mail at blitzologyblog@gmail.com.
#3 Integrate more video into the website.
Brian
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Link Blitz
Good post by Alex Kirby about watching film.
http://lifeafterfootballblog.com/how-i-watch-football-film/
Info and Coaching Points about coaching a 2 gap nose in odd front defense.
http://brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2015/12/coaching-2-gap-nose.html#more
Nice breakdown of a 6 man cover zero blitz from the Dallas Cowboys. As always a really good write up from Coach Light. Gotta love a 4 from a side blitz with cover zero behind it.
http://jameslightfootball.com/2016/01/06/dallas-cowboys-dogs-c-blitz/#more-6556
Article about Don Brown the former Boston College and new Michigan Defensive Coordinator. There is some video of Boston College football clinic from 2014 with video cutups.
http://breakdownsports.blogspot.com/2015/12/don-brown-coach-primer-michigan-defensive-coordinator.html
Good article about evaluating your pass protection execution by Keith Grabowski. These same evaluations can be inverted to help evaluate your defense's pass rush.
http://usafootball.com/blogs/fundamentals-and-performance/post/11144/build-a-plan-to-improve-pass-protection-for-next-year-by-conducting-this-postseason-analysis
http://lifeafterfootballblog.com/how-i-watch-football-film/
Info and Coaching Points about coaching a 2 gap nose in odd front defense.
http://brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2015/12/coaching-2-gap-nose.html#more
Nice breakdown of a 6 man cover zero blitz from the Dallas Cowboys. As always a really good write up from Coach Light. Gotta love a 4 from a side blitz with cover zero behind it.
http://jameslightfootball.com/2016/01/06/dallas-cowboys-dogs-c-blitz/#more-6556
Article about Don Brown the former Boston College and new Michigan Defensive Coordinator. There is some video of Boston College football clinic from 2014 with video cutups.
http://breakdownsports.blogspot.com/2015/12/don-brown-coach-primer-michigan-defensive-coordinator.html
Good article about evaluating your pass protection execution by Keith Grabowski. These same evaluations can be inverted to help evaluate your defense's pass rush.
http://usafootball.com/blogs/fundamentals-and-performance/post/11144/build-a-plan-to-improve-pass-protection-for-next-year-by-conducting-this-postseason-analysis
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Hybridizing 3-3 Stack Defense with 4 Man front Concepts
Here is a standard 3-3 stack defensive alignment.
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To complement the base three man line concept the defense can walk up a linebacker to create a four man front concept.
SOUTH
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On a South call the Sam walks up on the line of scrimmage. The End reduces to a 3 technique (could also be a 4i). The Nose aligns in shade (could also be a 2i). The Mike and Will bump their alignments.
WEST
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West is like South except the Will is the walked up linebacker and the front is bumped to the Will.
It is easy enough to have words to change player's alignments. The challenge is creating continuity between the teaching and execution of the base stack front and the complimentary South and West fronts.
Take for example a zone read run.
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The offense is zoning to the defense's right and reading the left defensive end.
Here are the defense's run fits from the base stack front.
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Left DE - Gap exchange with Sam, Control the B gap from behind the LOS chase the Dive
Nose - 2 gap, fall back into the backside A gap
Right DE - Control C Gap
Sam - Gap exchange with DE, Scrape over top for QB
Mike - Play flow to open A gap
Will - Fill B gap
Now look at how that base teaching matches up when the defense aligns in the South front.
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Left DE - Control the B gap
Nose - Control the A gap
Right DE - Control C Gap
Sam - Control C gap, play for QB
Mike - Play flow to open A gap
Will - Fill B gap
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To complement the base three man line concept the defense can walk up a linebacker to create a four man front concept.
SOUTH
WEST
It is easy enough to have words to change player's alignments. The challenge is creating continuity between the teaching and execution of the base stack front and the complimentary South and West fronts.
Take for example a zone read run.
The offense is zoning to the defense's right and reading the left defensive end.
Here are the defense's run fits from the base stack front.
Nose - 2 gap, fall back into the backside A gap
Right DE - Control C Gap
Sam - Gap exchange with DE, Scrape over top for QB
Mike - Play flow to open A gap
Will - Fill B gap
Now look at how that base teaching matches up when the defense aligns in the South front.
Nose - Control the A gap
Right DE - Control C Gap
Sam - Control C gap, play for QB
Mike - Play flow to open A gap
Will - Fill B gap
The major differences are the DE and Nose are lined up and controlling the gap they are aligned in at the snap. The Sam is still playing for the QB, the difference is only his alignment.
Looking again at the base stack front fits.
Here the zone is being run at the Sam while the Will is now to the side being read. The Will and right DE play the scrape exchange and the Sam and Mike fill their gaps.
The fits change very little if the same run is called vs. the South front.
Left DE - Control the B gap
Nose - Control the A gap
Right DE - Gap exchange with Will, Control the B gap from behind the LOS chase the Dive
Sam - Control C gap
Mike - Play flow to open A gap
Will - Gap exchange with DE, Scrape over top for QB
The defense again keeps the run fit virtually the same for the LB and DL. The adjustments are the alignments. The other major change is the reduced DE is fitting the B gap and the Sam is fitting the C gap which is a role reversal from the base stack run fit. However, it is common sense for defenders to understand their new run fit is to control the gap they are aligned in pre-snap.
Using the South and West fronts can also create versatility for the pressure package.
MONSTER
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Monster - Mike (1st) & Sam (2nd) with DE outside
DE's - Contain
Nose - A gap away from blitz
Mike - B gap (1st)
Sam - A gap (2nd)
Will - Coverage
This same blitz can be translated to the the West front.
WEST MONSTER
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DE's - Contain
Nose - A gap away from blitz
Mike - B gap (1st)
Sam - A gap (2nd)
Will - Coverage
The differences are again the alignments. The right DE needs to work to contain through the B gap. The Will drops into coverage from the LOS. One advantage of using the West front for pressure is the ability of the defense to drop a LB, not a DL, into coverage. The Will already knows how to execute the pass drops so there is little new teaching.
The defense also has flexibility to run concepts found in 4 man front defenses.
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Here the defense aligns in the South front and runs TCU's Blue coverage. Blue is a 2 read concept. If this type of coverage is being taught it can also be run from the base 3 man line stack alignment. The versatility doesn't stop there. Elements of this coverage can be used in the pressure package.
WEST MONSTER
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Nose - Control the A gap
Right DE - Gap exchange with Will, Control the B gap from behind the LOS chase the Dive
Sam - Control C gap
Mike - Play flow to open A gap
Will - Gap exchange with DE, Scrape over top for QB
The defense again keeps the run fit virtually the same for the LB and DL. The adjustments are the alignments. The other major change is the reduced DE is fitting the B gap and the Sam is fitting the C gap which is a role reversal from the base stack run fit. However, it is common sense for defenders to understand their new run fit is to control the gap they are aligned in pre-snap.
Using the South and West fronts can also create versatility for the pressure package.
MONSTER
DE's - Contain
Nose - A gap away from blitz
Mike - B gap (1st)
Sam - A gap (2nd)
Will - Coverage
This same blitz can be translated to the the West front.
WEST MONSTER
Nose - A gap away from blitz
Mike - B gap (1st)
Sam - A gap (2nd)
Will - Coverage
The differences are again the alignments. The right DE needs to work to contain through the B gap. The Will drops into coverage from the LOS. One advantage of using the West front for pressure is the ability of the defense to drop a LB, not a DL, into coverage. The Will already knows how to execute the pass drops so there is little new teaching.
The defense also has flexibility to run concepts found in 4 man front defenses.
Here the defense aligns in the South front and runs TCU's Blue coverage. Blue is a 2 read concept. If this type of coverage is being taught it can also be run from the base 3 man line stack alignment. The versatility doesn't stop there. Elements of this coverage can be used in the pressure package.
WEST MONSTER
The blitz is Monster from the West front. Against 2x2 the coverage is a Blue (2 read) coverage concept.
vs. 3x1 the coverage is 3
If the defense is already teaching cover 3 and Blue these types of pressure coverages have a low investment cost. The players dropping in coverage are LB and DB. When the defense uses South/West to drop a player from the LOS it is a LB who practices the coverage every day.
Concepts like South and West allow a 3-3 stack team to morph into a 4 man front. The best part is there is limited new teaching for the DL and LB.
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Link Blitz
Awesome share from Coach Brophy. This is video of new Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz talking about the Wide 9 Front in his 4-3 defensive concept and his pass rush philosophy.
http://brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2016/01/jim-schwartz-pressure-philosophy.html
More Info about Coach Schwartz and the defensive schemes he will bring to Philly from Coach Light.
http://jameslightfootball.com/2016/01/23/jim-schwartz-attack-4-3-defense-cool-clinic-notes/#more-7325
Article about how writing notes by hand makes you smarter.
http://www.businessinsider.com/handwriting-helps-you-learn-2014-12
Good stuff from Chris Brown of Smart Football talking about innovation and evolution of football.
http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/01/20/super-bowl-100-football-strategy
http://brophyfootball.blogspot.com/2016/01/jim-schwartz-pressure-philosophy.html
More Info about Coach Schwartz and the defensive schemes he will bring to Philly from Coach Light.
http://jameslightfootball.com/2016/01/23/jim-schwartz-attack-4-3-defense-cool-clinic-notes/#more-7325
Article about how writing notes by hand makes you smarter.
http://www.businessinsider.com/handwriting-helps-you-learn-2014-12
Good stuff from Chris Brown of Smart Football talking about innovation and evolution of football.
http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/01/20/super-bowl-100-football-strategy
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Super Bowl Preview: Carolina Panther Defense's Zone Dogs
The Carolina Panther's defense under Defensive Coordinator Sean McDermott is a unit that typically creates a pass rush with their four defensive linemen. When the Panthers do send extra rushers it is most often a zone dog (rushing 5 and backing it up with zone coverage). Here are a few examples of zone dogs the Panthers have dialed up this season.
VS. the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game
Here the Panthers aligned in a sub Nickel package. The front creates a pseudo 3-4 alignment by using a DE as a 2 point stance "LB" walked up over the guard. By covering both guards the Panthers force the Cardinal's 5 offensive linemen to account for the 5 immediate interior gap threats (DE, DE, Nose, LB, T). The RB is left to account for the blitzing LB while the blitzing Nickel is unblocked.
The coverage is a 2 read coverage. The LB and DE are buzzing through the seams. The Corners and Safeties are playing match up zone reading the release of the receivers.
VS. the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving
Again the Panthers are in a Nickel personnel. Here they show their double A gap blitz look. The rush is a simple design that allows the 5 rushers to get 1 on 1 rush opportunities. The coverage is a 3 under 3 deep zone concept. The Safety who gets the interception is able play from his seam across the formation to cover the crossing route. This is possible because the primary threat to his seam (RB) stays in to block in the pass protection. The RB is forced to block the A gap blitzing LB. This occurs because the Center is forced to initially pass set the the walked up A gap LB who ultimately drops into coverage. On paper the offense should be able to block the 5 rushers with the 5 OL. In reality the offense is forced to use the RB in protection and commit 6 to block the 5 rushers. Walking up the double A gap blitz look creates this subtle but effective manipulation of the pass protection scheme. Additionally the Corner is playing an aggressive match-up 1/3 which allows the Safety to play from the seam across the formation without needing to expand to help the Corner with the #1 WR to the weak side.
VS. the Seattle Seahawks
Once again the Panthers are in Nickel personnel. The DE that drops into coverage plays from a 2 point stance. The dropping LB initially shows in the A gap to help attract the attention of the OL. The dog is a overload in the weak side B gap which creates a 2 on 1 vs. the RB in protection. The coverage is a 3 under 3 deep concept with the Safety playing an outside 1/3 to replace the blitzing Corner.
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Super Bowl Preview: Carolina Panther Defense's Man Free Coverage
This post focuses on the Carolina Panther Defense's Man Free coverage schemes. A major factor in the success of these schemes is the athleticism of the Panther's linebackers.
Vs. the Packers
Here the Panthers use LB Thomas Davis to walk out over the TE who is split as the #2 receiver. Davis is athletic enough to play man to man on a player split out from the formation in open space. The Panthers walk the other LB over the Center to help create 1 on 1 pass rush opportunities for the 4 down defensive linemen. The walked up LB eventually slides off to man cover the check releasing RB. Because the Panthers can use a LB to cover the TE the weak side Safety can play a 2 on 1 bracket man coverage with the corner to the single receiver side.
Vs. the Buccaneers
Here the Panthers use their base 4-3 personnel vs. a spread formation. LB Shaq Thompson is able to walk out over the inside receiver to the strong side and cover him man to man. The middle linebacker is free to drop to the hole and break on the throw.
In both of these examples the Panther defense has flexibility in their scheme because of the athleticism of their linebackers. Thomas Davis played Safety at the University of Georgia. Shaq Thompson was a super athletic LB at the University of Washington. He was a good enough athlete he also played running back for the Huskies.
Thomas Davis Draft Profile 2005
Height: 6'1
Weight: 230
40: 4.60
3 Cone: 7.10
Shaq Thompson Draft Profile 2015
Height: 6'0
Weight: 228
40: 4.64
3 Cone: 6.99
Clearly the Panthers have developed a profile for who they want to play the versatile linebackers in their scheme.
Vs. the Packers
Here is another example of the Panthers using a man free scheme. Carolina uses a LB and a Nickel to cover the inside receivers in man coverage. This allows the Safety to walk down from deep on the hash and blitz off the edge. Blitzing the safety is made possible by the ability of the LB to cover the TE man to man.
Vs. the Redskins
Here is one more example of the Panthers using man free coverage. The Panthers reduce the front to a bear front alignment. By covering up all 5 offensive lineman the Panthers force the OL to block their immediate gap threat. The LB blitzing the A gap becomes the responsibility of the RB. The result is pressure in the face of the QB, forcing him to move in the pocket and change his launch point. The Panthers also do a nice job of using the LB walked up outside to man cover the running back. His pre-snap alignment on the line of scrimmage forces the OT to pass set to him. As the play unfolds he slides inside mirroring the RB in man coverage and eventually adds to the pass rush.
In coverage the Panthers have some confusion handling the receiver releases from the bunch formation. They are ultimately saved by a bad throw forced by a well designed pressure scheme up front.
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Cover 1 (Man Free) Fox Adjustment
This post is about an adjustment to Cover 1 that is designed to defend offenses who use a fullback. It follows up on previous posts about Basic Man Match-ups in Cover 1 and Cover 1 Technique. In those posts the coverage concepts of Funnel and Fiddle are explained.
Funnel is a 3 vs. 2 coverage concept used vs. 2 Back Formations
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Fiddle is a 2 vs. 1 coverage concept used vs. 1 Back Formations
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For more info on Funnel and Fiddle be sure to check out the previous posts.
FOX
Fox technique is another solution for the defense to handle 2 back formations. Instead of using the Funnel (3 on 2) technique vs. 2 back formations the defense can elect to use a Fox technique. In Fox technique the 2 LB's play Fiddle on the RB and the Safeties play Fox technique on the FB.
In Fox technique the 2 Safeties match up with the FB based on where the FB goes.
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Here the Corners are matched up with the #1 receivers and the SS has the #2 receiver strong. The Linebackers (Mike & Will) are playing Fiddle on the RB. The FS and WS are playing Fox on the FB. The FB goes to the FS's side. The FS drops into the box to man cover the FB. The WS reacts to the FB going away buy rolling to the deep middle and becoming the free player.
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When the FB goes to the WS's side, the WS drops into the box to cover the FB while the FS rolls deep to be the free player.
Against the run, Fox technique allows the defense to get an extra player where needed.
VS. ISO
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Here the offense is running Iso or Lead to the strong side. When the FB leads to the FS's side the FS foxes down and brackets the FB's block with the Mike. If the Will is cutoff by the Center/Guard combo block, the defense still has an unblocked player at the point of attack.
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Against Iso to the weak side the Will and WS are able to bracket the FB's block. Again the defense has an unblocked player at the point of attack.
VS. POWER
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Here the offense is running Power to the TE. The TE blocks which allows the SS to trigger vs. the run. The FS foxes down on the FB and the Mike reacts to the flow of the RB. The end result is 3 defenders (SS, FS, Mike) for 2 blockers (FB, Puller). Again there is an unblocked defender at the point of attack.
How the defense fits power specifically is affected by how the scheme uses the DE.
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Here the defense uses the DE in the D gap. The DE reacts to the down block by the TE and can either wrong arm the kick out block of the FB or box that block. In this example the DE wrong arms and should get one or both blockers between the FB and puller. Even if the TE is able to block the Mike, the defense has 3 vs. 2. The SS, FS, DE vs. the FB and puller creates an unblocked defender at the point of attack. If the DE is able to wrong arm and get both the FB and puller the defense has both the SS and FS unblocked.
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Here the defense aligns in an under alignment. The defense can choose to have the SS react to the down block of the TE by Forcing or Wrong Arming. No matter how the defense chooses to play the SS against a down and kick out scheme the defense is again 3 on 2. SS, FS, Mike vs. the FB and puller.
All of these same concepts apply with the power going to the weak side. The only difference is the WS is foxing down to be the extra defender at the point of attack.
VS. SPLIT ZONE
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Against a boot or naked concept the coverage should be able to match up. The WS foxes down and covers the FB to the flat. The FS is free and can double cover the post with the Corner. The Mike man covers the RB. The Will becomes the Hole player in Fiddle technique and doubles the crosser with the SS.
Fox technique can also be used against 1 back sets.
3x1 with a Hip player
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If the offense chooses to motion the F, the defense has little to no adjusting. Once the ball is snapped the FS and WS will fox based on the release of the F and get the extra player where the defense needs it.
If the offense is using the hip player to run Iso, Power, Split Zone, or boot the end result is same as it was from the I formations diagrammed previously.
The fox technique is also good for defending other schemes being run with a hip player.
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Here the offense is running a pin and pull concept. Once the F blocks the FS foxes down into the box. The FS and Mike bracket the lead puller. All of the interior gaps are controlled by the 4 defensive lineman and the Will.
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Fox technique can also be good vs. spread concepts. Here the offense is running zone read with the F wrapping as a lead blocker if the QB pulls the ball on the read. In this example the defense plays a scrape exchange with the DE chasing for the RB and the Will LB scraping over the top for the QB. The WS foxes down on the F wrapping around while the FS rolls to the deep middle and is free. The WS and Will can bracket the F creating a 2 on 1. The QB is forced to pull the ball into an unblocked defender.
Fox technique is a useful adjustment for a Cover 1 scheme when facing an offense that uses a FB.
Funnel is a 3 vs. 2 coverage concept used vs. 2 Back Formations
Fiddle is a 2 vs. 1 coverage concept used vs. 1 Back Formations
FOX
Fox technique is another solution for the defense to handle 2 back formations. Instead of using the Funnel (3 on 2) technique vs. 2 back formations the defense can elect to use a Fox technique. In Fox technique the 2 LB's play Fiddle on the RB and the Safeties play Fox technique on the FB.
In Fox technique the 2 Safeties match up with the FB based on where the FB goes.
Here the Corners are matched up with the #1 receivers and the SS has the #2 receiver strong. The Linebackers (Mike & Will) are playing Fiddle on the RB. The FS and WS are playing Fox on the FB. The FB goes to the FS's side. The FS drops into the box to man cover the FB. The WS reacts to the FB going away buy rolling to the deep middle and becoming the free player.
When the FB goes to the WS's side, the WS drops into the box to cover the FB while the FS rolls deep to be the free player.
Against the run, Fox technique allows the defense to get an extra player where needed.
VS. ISO
Here the offense is running Iso or Lead to the strong side. When the FB leads to the FS's side the FS foxes down and brackets the FB's block with the Mike. If the Will is cutoff by the Center/Guard combo block, the defense still has an unblocked player at the point of attack.
Against Iso to the weak side the Will and WS are able to bracket the FB's block. Again the defense has an unblocked player at the point of attack.
VS. POWER
Here the offense is running Power to the TE. The TE blocks which allows the SS to trigger vs. the run. The FS foxes down on the FB and the Mike reacts to the flow of the RB. The end result is 3 defenders (SS, FS, Mike) for 2 blockers (FB, Puller). Again there is an unblocked defender at the point of attack.
How the defense fits power specifically is affected by how the scheme uses the DE.
Here the defense uses the DE in the C gap. This could be a head up DE playing in to the C gap, a DE aligned inside shade on the TE, or a DE slanting into the C cap. The final result is the defense forces the puller to go wide. The Mike can scrape and fit inside out on the puller. The SS is outside the FB while the FS is between the blocks of the puller and the FB.
All of these same concepts apply with the power going to the weak side. The only difference is the WS is foxing down to be the extra defender at the point of attack.
VS. SPLIT ZONE
Against split zone the Mike and Will will react to the flow of the RB. Here the DL and LB end up fitting to control all the gaps. Often the RB is forced to cut back and follow the backside cutoff block of the FB. When the ball cuts back the foxing WS is there as an unblocked defender. The defense can choose to wrong arm the FB's block with the DE or box that block. The fit of the DE will dictate if the WS will fit inside the DE or outside. In this example the DE is wrong arming the FB resulting in the WS fitting outside.
Against a boot or naked concept the coverage should be able to match up. The WS foxes down and covers the FB to the flat. The FS is free and can double cover the post with the Corner. The Mike man covers the RB. The Will becomes the Hole player in Fiddle technique and doubles the crosser with the SS.
Fox technique can also be used against 1 back sets.
3x1 with a Hip player
2x2 with a Hip player
Here the offense aligns with a player on the hip. In the diagrams above that player is generically labeled as the F. The hip player could be a FB type, or a TE, or an H back. The FS and WS can fox off that player.
If the offense chooses to motion the F, the defense has little to no adjusting. Once the ball is snapped the FS and WS will fox based on the release of the F and get the extra player where the defense needs it.
If the offense is using the hip player to run Iso, Power, Split Zone, or boot the end result is same as it was from the I formations diagrammed previously.
The fox technique is also good for defending other schemes being run with a hip player.
Here the offense is running a pin and pull concept. Once the F blocks the FS foxes down into the box. The FS and Mike bracket the lead puller. All of the interior gaps are controlled by the 4 defensive lineman and the Will.
Fox technique can also be good vs. spread concepts. Here the offense is running zone read with the F wrapping as a lead blocker if the QB pulls the ball on the read. In this example the defense plays a scrape exchange with the DE chasing for the RB and the Will LB scraping over the top for the QB. The WS foxes down on the F wrapping around while the FS rolls to the deep middle and is free. The WS and Will can bracket the F creating a 2 on 1. The QB is forced to pull the ball into an unblocked defender.
Fox technique is a useful adjustment for a Cover 1 scheme when facing an offense that uses a FB.
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Playing Cover 2 in a 4-4 Defense
In a base 4-4 personnel with 4 down linemen and 4 linebackers the natural thought process is to play 1 high safety coverages like Cover 3, Cover 1, or Robber.
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In the above example the Sam and Will outside linebackers are guys with true linebacker skill sets. It is completely impractical to have either of those players play a deep 1/2 safety technique. One solution is to use the Will LB in the role of the a cover 2 corner by walking him out over #1 and playing the Corner in the role of the deep 1/2 safety off the hash.
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This solution can make sense for all the personnel involved. The Corner may not be a physical beat 'em up player and may be better suited to play the deep 1/2. Especially if the Corner is typically playing a deep 1/3 or man. The Will may be the better choice for being physical and re-routing the #1 receiver. The Will already practices being a flat dropper in other coverages. Keeping the run support structure similar is another factor. The Will is typically the force player in most 4-4 defensive structures. By widening him out to the role of "corner" the Will is still the force player.
The defense could also choose to play a 1/4 1/4 1/2 concept this way.
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By having a tag word to align the Will out of over the #1 receiver weak the defense can also build a natural disguise package with other base calls it is already running.
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The defense can show the FS and Corner deep on the hashes with the Will walked out on #1. At the snap the coverage can easily roll to a base Cover 3 concept.
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The defense can also easily walk the Safety down off the hash and roll the corner to deep 1/2 and play a Robber coverage concept.
Basic pressures now have a naturally added change up element as well.
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A standard 4-4 outside linebacker zone dog can easily function like a corner dog.
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In the above example the Sam and Will outside linebackers are guys with true linebacker skill sets. It is completely impractical to have either of those players play a deep 1/2 safety technique. One solution is to use the Will LB in the role of the a cover 2 corner by walking him out over #1 and playing the Corner in the role of the deep 1/2 safety off the hash.
This solution can make sense for all the personnel involved. The Corner may not be a physical beat 'em up player and may be better suited to play the deep 1/2. Especially if the Corner is typically playing a deep 1/3 or man. The Will may be the better choice for being physical and re-routing the #1 receiver. The Will already practices being a flat dropper in other coverages. Keeping the run support structure similar is another factor. The Will is typically the force player in most 4-4 defensive structures. By widening him out to the role of "corner" the Will is still the force player.
The defense could also choose to play a 1/4 1/4 1/2 concept this way.
By having a tag word to align the Will out of over the #1 receiver weak the defense can also build a natural disguise package with other base calls it is already running.
The defense can show the FS and Corner deep on the hashes with the Will walked out on #1. At the snap the coverage can easily roll to a base Cover 3 concept.
The defense can also easily walk the Safety down off the hash and roll the corner to deep 1/2 and play a Robber coverage concept.
Basic pressures now have a naturally added change up element as well.
A standard 4-4 outside linebacker zone dog can easily function like a corner dog.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Corner Pressure
This is a creative pseudo dog scheme. I'm using the term dog for a 5 man pass rush. This is a pseudo dog in that it looks and feels like a 5 man but is actually only a 4 man.
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The Steelers are in a pass rush personnel. The front has one defensive lineman (End) with is hand on the ground. There are 3 Rush Linebacker types at the line of scrimmage showing pressure. This personnel also uses 2 true linebackers and 5 DB's
The Rush:
2 Outside Rush Backers = Contain Rush
Rush Backer over the center = Jab to occupy the center, Spy the RB for check release
End - Long Stick to the A gap
Corner - Blitz underneath the contain Rush Backer
The result is the Spy player occupies the center in the pass protection. This creates a 3 (End, Rush, Corner) vs. 2 (OT, OG). If the RB steps up to block the Corner and make it 3 for 3 the Spy can add to the rush turning the 4 man pressure into a 5 man dog.
The Coverage:
The coverage is initially disguised as a 1 high safety coverage.
Corner - Sink, this is a soft cover 2 concept. Play the flat if there is a threat. No flat threat sink.
Nickel - Start in down alignment, pop out to the Deep 1/2
MOF Safety - Start in the MOF, work to the Deep 1/2
Safety - Flat
LB - Vertical Hook (VH)
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The vertical hook definition is from a Dick Lebeau playbook. Current Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler was a long time defensive assistant under Coach Lebeau.
Here is the pressure resulting in a sack by the corner against the Cleveland Browns.
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For more material on the Pittsburgh Steeler pressure package be sure to check out a very good article from James Light Football.
http://jameslightfootball.com/2015/10/08/pittsburgh-steelers-two-trap-coverages/
The Steelers are in a pass rush personnel. The front has one defensive lineman (End) with is hand on the ground. There are 3 Rush Linebacker types at the line of scrimmage showing pressure. This personnel also uses 2 true linebackers and 5 DB's
The Rush:
2 Outside Rush Backers = Contain Rush
Rush Backer over the center = Jab to occupy the center, Spy the RB for check release
End - Long Stick to the A gap
Corner - Blitz underneath the contain Rush Backer
The result is the Spy player occupies the center in the pass protection. This creates a 3 (End, Rush, Corner) vs. 2 (OT, OG). If the RB steps up to block the Corner and make it 3 for 3 the Spy can add to the rush turning the 4 man pressure into a 5 man dog.
The Coverage:
The coverage is initially disguised as a 1 high safety coverage.
Corner - Sink, this is a soft cover 2 concept. Play the flat if there is a threat. No flat threat sink.
Nickel - Start in down alignment, pop out to the Deep 1/2
MOF Safety - Start in the MOF, work to the Deep 1/2
Safety - Flat
LB - Vertical Hook (VH)
The vertical hook definition is from a Dick Lebeau playbook. Current Steelers defensive coordinator Keith Butler was a long time defensive assistant under Coach Lebeau.
Here is the pressure resulting in a sack by the corner against the Cleveland Browns.
For more material on the Pittsburgh Steeler pressure package be sure to check out a very good article from James Light Football.
http://jameslightfootball.com/2015/10/08/pittsburgh-steelers-two-trap-coverages/
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