Defending the Spread Offense

3-4Defense

Personal History / Experiences‘94-’97 University of Texas – OLB Coach / ST Coord.

3-4 Under Defense Cover 1 (Man Free) Southwest Conference – Big XII‘98-’99 University of Maryland – OLB Coach 3-4 Under Defense Cover 4 / 8 +(Fire

Zones) ACC

‘00 New York Jets – Asst. LB Coach 3-4 – True 50 Front – Cover 2

’01-’05 University of Virginia – Assoc. HC / OLB Coach

3-4 – True 50 Front – Cover 2 Mix 3 & 4 man rushes & Fire Zone Pressure

’06-pres. Liberty University – Head Coach

Attacking With the 3-4

SPEEDThe extra LB does make a difference!

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LINEBACKER FACTORYAll activity centers around the Linebackers and

Safeties

VERSATILITYCan Take on Multiple Appearances

Under

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Tilt

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Buddy (46)

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FLEXIBILITYCan Adjust to Different Looks Without Subbing

Pro I

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3 Open

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4 Open

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Empty

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Bloody Nose

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Multiple Pressure Combinations

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Multiple Pressure Combinations

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Multiple Pressure Combinations

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Multiple Pressure Combinations

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Multiple Pressure Combinations

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Multiple Pressure Combinations

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DECEPTIVENESSMore People Moving Around as Potential

Rushers

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Can add 1, 2, 3 LB’s or DB’s as pass rushers in multiple combinations, yet always from the same basic coverages. There are simply more combinations of rushers possible.

• Seldom Seen – creates uncertainty to coaches and players. The less experience and practice you have versus a certain style, the more problems it can present.

• More players moving around

• Disguises are excellent

• Coverage change-upsMOFO (2,5) MOFC (3,9,1) Blitz

Unique & Confusing

“They were totally confused. After a while, you could hear them complaining to each other saying stuff like, ‘Who was I supposed to block?’ You could see the uncertainty in their eyes. It was pretty funny.”

Jason Gildon – LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

“The hard part is just figuring out where the guys are coming from. You can study it over and over again, but it is still hard to figure who’s coming on a certain play because they hide things so well. And they’re quick. It’s a fast defense.”

Tom Brady – Super Bowl MVP

• Always know who & what can cause you to lose

• Most Spread offenses are no huddle offenses

What is their tempo?~ Clemson – Up-temp with many subs~ WVU – 3 Speeds

• Designed to gas defense – cause defense to miss tackles and play in open field

• Defense finds it hard to substitute – poor match-ups.

Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

• Spread to run or throw?~ Clemson likes to run 60% / WVU 70%

• Empty – try to get big plays primarily through mistakes and missed assignments

• Limited motion & more 3x1 formations than

2x2 formations ~ 3x1 shows blitzes and identifies coverages (hard to disguise)

Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

• What are offense’s blitz checks?A. OptionB. 3-stepC. WR Screens

• What spread offenses need are relaxed QB’s not fixed or ball – must see what is going on around him (blitzes & secondary rotations)

Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

You must identify core run game:

1. Zone / Stretch2. Trap3. Counter4. Draw5. Speed Option

Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

Constants with all spread attacks:

1. QB Draw2. Option3. Advanced Screen Game4. Sprint passes5. 3-step (X Iso Game)6. Boot / Naked off Zone play7. Bunch or Quad

Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

Critical issues for defense:

1. Communication – all signals (don’t huddle)2. Substitution patterns3. Numerous coverage disguises4. When to match personnel (Nickel)

A. 2 & 10+B. 3rd Down

5. Shotgun Routine (help time up blitzes / disguises)A. QB pumps foot? Hands?B. Center’s head?

6. Must hit the QB7. Patience & Poise

Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

Advantage of the 3-4 defense vs. Spread / Empty attacks:

1. More athletes on the field2. Not necessary to substitute3. Ability to drop 8 (Invaluable!)4. Can take on multiple appearances

(versatile)5. Deception – Where is the 4th, 5th, or

6th rusher coming from?

Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

Advantage of the 3-4 defense vs. Spread / Empty attacks:

6. Confusing – more players moving around

7. Not mainstream right now – creates uncertainty for coaches and players

8. Speed! Speed! Speed!9. WR’s have trouble blocking OLB’s10. Adjusts out easily

Defending Spread & Empty Offenses