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Getting Five Out . . . and Still Protecting Your QB

by: Ron West
Offensive Line Coach, Clemson University
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The philosophy of our offense at Clemson University is to spread the field both horizontally and vertically. We believe that if we force the defense to defend the entire field, we can move the ball successfully. In order to spread the field effectively, we must be able to get five receivers out in some of our route packages. These packages must be coupled with a five-man protection scheme that will give our quarterback ample time to throw the ball.

We've been very fortunate in the past, allowing few sacks. Our success is attributed not only to our protection scheme, but also the ability of our quarterbacks to throw the ball in sync with our timing routes. We give our quarterbacks quick throw options in most of our packages, and since we operate primarily out of a shotgun formation, we equate his action with that of a shortstop turning a double play: catch and throw. The quickness of the quarterback's release helps take pressure off of our line, but regardless of his release, we must have the ability to protect.

Declaring the protection and scheme rules

Our protection schemes begin with a declaration call at the line of scrimmage. Our center makes all of our line calls, so it is imperative that we have a reliable and intelligent player at that position. In declaring the protection, the center makes two calls; one for the front and the other for the direction he is working. If the defense is balanced in the box, and the center is uncovered, the defense is declared "Even." The directional call will determine which linebacker the center is working to. For example, if there are five defenders in the box, the center will declare "Even Ace," and we will block five-for-five, with our guards being responsible for the first defender on the line of scrimmage (1 LOS) and tackles for the second (2 LOS) (see Diagram 1).

With an "Even Ace" call, we still have the ability to block an outside blitzer. If presented with an outside blitz threat, our tackles will make an alert call to our center. This call triggers our center to take a "Molly" set. In essence, the center will dual read the Ace backer to the blitz threat (see Diagram 2).

If there are six defenders in the box, the center must then declare the direction he is working to. His directional calls, "Ray" or "Lou," are determined by the route package is called and the linebacker we want to account for in our protection (see Diagram 3). To the center's call, we can protect three- for-three. If the defense were to bring all six defenders, our line will pick up the five most dangerous. The sixth rusher will be controlled by the route package and sight adjustments by our quarterback and receivers.

Vs. an outside blitz threat away from the center's call, the tackle must take a vertical set and block the most dangerous of the two rushers. We refer to this as an MDM (most dangerous man) set (see Diagram 4).

Vs. an inside blitz threat away from the center's call, the guard will make a "Gap" call and both the guard and tackle will vertical set to block the most dangerous two of three defenders (see Diagram 5).

If both guards are uncovered, the center will declare the defense as "Odd" and he will be responsible for the nose guard. The guards will then take a "Molly" set and dual the inside to outside backers. Both tackles will MDM set the defensive end to the outside backer (see Diagram 6).

If the center and both guards are covered, the center will declare the defense as "Bear." We will then block five for five, unless a "Gap" or "MDM" situation should arise (see diagrams 7-9).

Sets

The set that I have confidence in after years of protecting the quarterback is a vertical set. The reason I believe in the vertical set is twofold. First, it keeps all of the offensive linemen square to the LOS and allows them to easily switch off twist games from the defense. Second, with the popularity of the zone blitz in today's defensive schemes, it enables a lineman to pick up the most dangerous of two rushers.

With the vertical set technique, it is crucial that the linemen use proper footwork. When vertical setting, the blocker will press his outside toe and drive off the LOS with his inside foot. After his third vertical step, he will push at a 45-degree angle to the defender if he continues an outside rush. If the defender works inside, the blocker will stay square and attack with his inside leg up to power the defender inside (see Diagrams 10 & 11).

An "MDM" set is a vertical set that is used when a tackle is threatened with two possible rushers. We are seeing this more often with zone blitzing teams. This set begins by vertical setting to the inside defender's alignment. After the third step, the blocker should be able to read the MDM situation. If the inside rusher continues his path, the blocker must power down. If the inside rusher drops, the blocker must press off of his inside foot and redirect to the outside blitzer (see Diagrams 12 & 13).

An uncovered lineman who dual reads from an inside to an outside threat uses a "Molly" set. With an "Even" call, the center will "Molly" set. Guards use this technique on an "Odd" call. The set starts just like the vertical set, pressing the outside toe and driving off with the inside foot. After the third step, the blocker can kick outside for the dual read. The vertical set allows the blocker to read the inside defender (see Diagrams 14 & 15).

The most difficult set to execute is the "Gap" set. This set requires both the tackle and guard to vertical set and block the two most dangerous of three rushers. Normally we use this set in a "Bear" situation with an inside blitz threat (see Diagram 16).






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