Defending the Spread Offense

3-4
Defense
 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

C S E N E W C
M J

SS WS

SPEED
The extra LB does make a difference!
LINEBACKER FACTORY
All activity centers around the Linebackers and Safeties
VERSATILITY
Can Take on Multiple Appearances
 Under

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 Tilt

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 Buddy (46)

C S M E N E W C
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WS
 FLEXIBILITY
Can Adjust to Different Looks Without Subbing
 Pro I

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 3 Open

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 4 Open

C E N E C
S M J W

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 Empty

C E N E C
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 Bloody Nose

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 Multiple Pressure Combinations

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 Multiple Pressure Combinations

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M J

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 Multiple Pressure Combinations

C S E N E W C
M J

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 Multiple Pressure Combinations

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M J

WS
SS
 Multiple Pressure Combinations

S E N E W
C J C
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 Multiple Pressure Combinations

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 DECEPTIVENESS
More People Moving Around as Potential Rushers
C S E N E W C
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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.
 Unique & Confusing

• 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-ups
MOFO (2,5) MOFC (3,9,1) Blitz
 Jason Gildon – LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

“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.”
 Tom Brady – Super Bowl MVP

“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.”
 Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

• 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. Option
B. 3-step
C. 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 / Stretch
2. Trap
3. Counter
4. Draw
5. Speed Option
 Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

Constants with all spread attacks:

1. QB Draw
2. Option
3. Advanced Screen Game
4. Sprint passes
5. 3-step (X Iso Game)
6. Boot / Naked off Zone play
7. Bunch or Quad
 Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

Critical issues for defense:

1. Communication – all signals (don’t huddle)

2. Substitution patterns
3. Numerous coverage disguises
4. 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 QB
7. Patience & Poise
 Defending Spread & Empty Offenses

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

1. More athletes on the field

2. Not necessary to substitute
3. 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’s
10. Adjusts out easily