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AFM Magazine


Pressuring Protection in the Trenches

Principles of Pass Pressure at the Line of Scrimmage
by: Scott F. James
Linebackers Coach, Northeastern University
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This article will present some brief principles of pass pressure and thoughts on evaluating pass protection. It will conclude with two effective pass pressures versus a common pass protection. One pressure comes from the traditional 4-3 cover 2 shell and the other from the 4-3 eight-man front.

Building Defensive Packages with Players in Mind

I believe that it is in the best interest of the defense to have a 'base' defense that the players feel they can play against anything at anytime. This allows the players to play fast and confident. Complementing this 'base' defense, the coach can create a series of pressures that is simple to learn and works with the players' 'base' alignments and rules.

These complementary pressures (along with line stunts) are employed to stop the run or pass and follow some basic principles:

* Vertical pressure to stop the pass, creating quarterback pressure / discomfort.

* Horizontal pressure to force the running backs to run sideline to sideline.

With these beliefs as your building block, a defense can be constructed that is easy on the players' minds, while still being multiple enough to defeat the most challenging offensive schemes.

Stopping the Pass

An effective pass pressure can be created by winning one-on-one match-ups or overloading with numbers. Other than sacks, results of an effective pass pressure are:

* Disrupt the QB's throwing motion (that is, the arm and/or feet).

* Disrupt the timing of the passing offense.

* Keep potential receivers in protection.

That being said, we'll focus on 6-man protections. Versus 5-man protections we'll need numbers for coverage or have to determine that our skill is 'better.' Versus 7 or 8-man protections, we've already kept WRs out of their routes.

Pass Protection and Pressure

Offensive or defensive success in the pass under pressure game comes down to two things: match-ups and pre-snap awareness. Through drills, the offensive or defensive player must improve his skills to win one-on-one match-ups when they present themselves: OL vs. DL, LB vs. RB.

The second factor, either defensive or offensive, is pre-snap awareness. If an offense knows who is bringing pressure or when you are bringing pressure, they can adjust protections to improve their match-ups. Keeping the defense in base alignments and with proper study of opponent / self-scout, the defense will find offenses in predictable protections.

Evaluating Pass Protections

When evaluating pass protections, we have kept the language simple and have not tried to 'tag' each little variation. 'Tags' tend to lead to paralysis in analysis. Like pass routes, the opponent's personnel / formations are studied for protection consistencies and noted. For scouting data entry, protections are simply listed as SLIDE or SKAT protection:

* SLIDE - all offensive linemen are moving in the same direction and are protecting areas, not men. The TE and/or RB protects the edge opposite the slide.

* SKAT -half the line is in man protection; the other half in gap protection (slide). The RB(s) will 'scan' from the man to gap-side.

Diagrams 1 through 4 show SKAT LT / RT versus two even fronts, over and under. With the tight-end releasing, the red linemen are gap-side, green linemen are man-side:

Diagram 1: SKAT LT vs. Over

Diagram 2: SKAT RT vs. Over

Diagram 3: SKAT LT vs. Under

Diagram 4: SKAT RT vs. Under

Pressuring SKAT (6-man) Protection

In SKAT protection we know that there is a man and gap-side. Through film study we can determine where the man-side will be in certain formations / groupings. Versus this side, we can use line stunts (DL) and added rushers (LB) to create confusion and match-ups. The following two pressures are based on that principle: confusion and match-ups.

PRESSURE #1: OVER READ

In this pressure we will utilize a 3-under-3 coverage shell. The shade and 5-technique will run a line stunt, an 'X' stunt. The 5-technique has a free rush with the shade playing for late containment. The 3-technique and 6-technique are upfield. The remaining linebackers in the box will READ the running back. The linebacker will attack if the running back steps to him, rushing through open air, not an assigned gap. Here is the pressure versus two common formations (See Diagrams 5-8):

Diagram 5: Over Read vs. Skat Right

Diagram 6: Over Read vs. Skat Left

Diagram 7: Over Read vs. Skat Right

Diagram 8: Over Read vs. Skat Left

Although the line stunt may or may not be to the man-side of protection, its presence should assist in creating A-gap seams. Since we are in base alignments, the linebackers are capable of getting vertical on the QB's drop.

PRESSURE #2: OVER READ INVERT

In this pressure, we show our eight-man front. The simple run concept of 'walking' down a safety is expanded into a pass pressure. It remains simple and deceptive. The interior tackles have 'contain.' The boundary end is dropping into the seam (#2) and the field end has a free rush. The remaining inside linebackers have READ assignments. The boundary safety is 'walking' down pre-snap and will attack open air between the guards (See Diagrams 9-12):

Diagram 9: Over Read Invert vs. Skat Right

Diagram 10: Over Read Invert vs. Skat Left

Diagram 11: Over Read Invert vs. Skat Right

Diagram 12: Over Read Invert vs. Skat Left

CONCLUSION

In review, these pressures are based on vertical, immediate pressure. Perhaps more importantly, they complement base alignments and traditional run defense. Some counters that any defense may see are the quick outs to the flat and / or full-slide protections. Keeping with the premise of simplicity, build answers off what you already have. Adjust the pressure for a favorable match-up or surprise them with the same pressure using a different coverage shell (See Diagrams 13 and 14):

Diagram 13: Two off the Edge vs. Slide Left

Diagram 14: Coverage Adjustment vs. Skat RT

Although the subject is vast, through film study the offense will reveal where you can create match-ups and personnel advantages. Most importantly though, it allows players to play fast from a 'base' and then add variety.






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