Reading a Defense

As Coach Campbell says - you first must properly identify MLB. THEN:

The POST-SNAP DIRECTION the MLB drops determines the strength of the undercover, the way that drop of the W/S determines the strength of the secondary. Reading the Mike LBer is PARTICULARLY effective in attacking the undercoverage in the intermediate range passing game on IN-BREAKING routes (curls, ins, etc.).

FOR EXAMPLE: Norm Chow's (BYU years) reads of the "All Curl" route (with both backs in the flat):


“66” – 5 step drop and hitch. On your first step read Mike LB (MLB in 4-3 or first LB inside Will in 3-4). If Mike goes straight back or strong – go weak (X = #1; HB = #2). If Mike goes weak – go strong (Y = #1; Z = #2; FB = #3). This is an inside-out progression. NOT GOOD vs. 2 deep 5 under.


These were Sid Gillman's reads in the NFL on the SAME PASS (a little more sophisticated):

SID GILLMAN QB READS: ("MAC" = MLB):


X-Y-Z ALL CURL/ BACKS FLAT)

KEY MAC TO A SAFETY MAN – before the ball is snapped, know which is the best located safety. The best located safety man is the safety farthest removed from the turn in area.
MAC STRONG – READ THE WEAK SAFETY. If the Weak Safety is over the ball or moves out of the “X” turn in area – go to “X”. If the Weak Safety moves weak – it is some form of weak coverage – go to Y-Z. If the Weak Safety is in the turn in area go to “Y”, “Z”, or “Flare Action”.
MAC WEAK – READ THE STRONG SAFETY MAN. Can go to “Y” Hot if the “Y” gets off the line clean. If Strong Safety lines up in Invert position – or is out of the “Z” turn in area go to “Z”. If Weak Safety is out of “Y” turn in area go to “Y”.
MAC STRAIGHT BACK – KNOW THE SIDE OF THE BEST LOCATED SAFETY. This is essential. ¼ of the Mac drop straight back. EXAMPLE: Weak Safety over the ball (“the stage is set”) go to “X”. 25% of season above will happen. Weak Safety in the “X” turn in area go to “Y” – “Z”.
MAC BLITZ – READ THE SIDE OF THE BEST LOCATED SAFETY. Be ready vs. blitzing team – know where you are going with the ball. EXAMPLE: Weak Safety in the “X” turn in area – throw to “Y” Hot. Read Strong Safety – go to “Y” or “Z”.
MULTIPLE BACKERS. May still be able to stay with your regular read of the movement of MAC to a Safety unless 35 defense – then you must read from the deep to the short. It is most important that you read and recognize the best located Safety and stay to that side. If no change in location after snap – read from the DEEP to the short.