You always have to alert for a possible “hook and ladder” with the backside X receiver running the 15-yard curl and pitching the ball to the RB.Ĭoaches don’t want to see a DB go for the ball and tip it up into the air. However, once the QB targets the closed side of the formation, the nickel can go on the throw.īackside “hook and ladder” alert: The Mike Backer (M) is locked on the RB in “solo” coverage-but don’t fall asleep here. He must stay over the No.1 WR to the open (weak) side of the formation in case of a backside throw. The Savior: The Nickel is the last deep defender.
Read the QB and leave on the throw with an angle that puts you in a position to make a play on the ball. The Tipper: The FS will track the ball and play for any deflection. the “Hail Mary.” Coach him up to play the ball at the highest point and “spike” it into the ground (two hands on the point of the ball). After the initial jam, the underneath defenders will play in a trail-position (similar to 2-Man). The CB will force an inside release with both the Sam and Dime forcing an outside release.
To the closed (strong) side of the formation, you also want to “bunch” the receivers together. Underneath press defenders: You want to get something on these receivers at the line of scrimmage and impact the release. Force the QB to throw this ball from within the tackle box. Allow the QB to escape (and extend this play) and you are looking at “sandlot” football where anything can happen. I have both defensive ends rushing with outside contain principles to keep the QB in the pocket. Take a look at the chalkboard diagram I drew up and then we will get into some coaching points.Ĭontain rush: With only a 3-man rush, containment is key. the “Hail Mary” and discuss the techniques required to knock this ball down and head to the locker room. Today, I want to breakdown “Utah Press” vs.
But how do you defend the concept from a defensive perspective and protect yourself from giving up a free score? The “Hail Mary.” Line up in a “Big Ben” formation and take a shot at the end zone. Click here to read the entire Inside the Playbook series.