Man vs option

This is a great question that I hope gets some replys, because we play against a lot of flexbone. It seems that is the vogue thing right now in our neck of the woods. You can play man-free and run your FS to the pitch on option. You would have to man up your weak/drop end on one of the slots versus flexbone which could cause problems if he's not that type of athlete. This is what we do a lot out of the 4-4, but we have 2 OLB/SS type players who can man up on the slots. I don't know of any other way to play man and still account for pitch.

I am thinking about really trying to beat up the slot and TE with our DE/OLB and play tight bump coverage to keep the receivers from getting that 2 for one deal. We have some good DBs and a really good DE as well. I still think we'll have to play some cover 2 though, probably switch up flat and deep half responsibilities. I think our DBs could get to the pitch when the slot and / or wing went in motion for option, but the speed option then could still give us fits.
Keep the ideas coming and let me know how you fare. I'll do the same.

I am guessing you are kidding. If I could get 3 unblocked defenders to the play side against any play I'd like my chances.

kc,

When we go straight man, the FS doesn't have any pass responsiblility on option, regardless of the slot's release. We don't do this much, for obvious reasons. Most of the time against flex, we will man up with the corner and OLB to the short side and play cover 3 with the C, OLB, and FS to the wide side. Our other most predominant set is a 4-3 stack with cover 2 behind it to play the four verticals. This basically gives us a nine man front, if you count the corners pitch responsibility.

Thanks for sharing guys. What are some of those good ways to take away good angles?