4-4 techniques

Not at all. It is a NUMBERS game. We always try to "outnumber" them thru the use of the FS as a "ROBBER". That has made all the difference in the world in our option defenses. To me - the Navy style "Flexbone" is the hardest offense I ever tried to defend. IF your F/S is a good tackler - he will make a TON of tackles at the LOS on options if he plays as below.

Just as an EXAMPLE - here is what enabled us to beat the BEST Flexbone team in Virginia in the opening game of 2004: We do many different things with our DT's & ILB's, but here is how we played our OLB's (SS's) - DE's - F/S & Corners:

NOTE: They have a zillion formation variations (which I do not have time to cover) but this adjusted simply to everything they did. We did NOT have to check out of it, or to another coverage!

----------------------O
--------------O------Q--------O
O---------------O-O-C-O-O--------------O
--------------E----------------E
--------OB-----------------------OB
----------------------F

SECONDARY: Cover 1 (VS SLOT MOTION F/S BECOMES A "ROBBER") CAUTION: Do NOT try this from Cover 3 - you will get KILLED!
A) Corners = 2 yds. inside #1 x 9 yds. deep. Stay inside #1 at all times.
B) Free Safety = 8 yds. deep splitting the #2 receivers. Vs. motion – slide over on OT and read #2. If #2 releases vertical , cover him . If #2 blocks DE or walls on inside Lber – come up for pitch on option. If #2 arcs OLB – come up for QB on option. If no motion – split #2 receivers – normal F/S play.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS: Line up 2 yds. outside Wings x 2 yds. off LOS. Read Wings (#2). If Wing arcs – take pitch on option. If Wing blocks Def. End – take QB on option (make him get the ball out of his hands quick). Dropback pass – lock onto Wing. Play action to you – if Wing releases outside – cover him M/M; if Wing releases vertical or crosses – let him go and take QB. If Wing motions away and flow goes away, fold back behind Def. Line looking for cutbacks, or receivers crossing from other side.

DEFENSIVE ENDS: Line up in a 6 technique head up on Wings (#2 receivers). If unblocked, play from first threat to QB. If blocked – be a football player. Contain QB on passes (force Wing to take outside release) and check for bootlegs-counters-reverses on initial flow away.

NOTE: The Tackles & ILB's can play a VARIETY of looks (split look; ILB's can stack in a 5-3 look, etc.). We change this up QUITE A BIT. The TACKLES essentially have the dive from outside-in, and the ILB's work inside out from dive to QB to pitch.

PS: If the SLOT blocks the DE as you suggested - here are some COACHING POINTS WE USE (if he executes this - having the slot block the DE actually HURTS the offense):

1. Concentrate on Slot.
2. Get on blocker quick with depth upfield.
3. Get upfield - don't cut off inside pursuit.
4. Keep pads square at all times.
5. Get on and off blocker.
6. Get depth and make QB change his path.
7. QB must run INSIDE you - not outside you.
8. DE CAN'T sit and wait.
9. Avoid tendency to take eyes from blocker to QB too quick.
10. (only IF there is a TE AND a HB in backfield your side) Be aware of TE butt/release and then HB load.
11. Don't let ANYTHING surprise you!

This is the best Flexbone defense I have ever used (from ANY defense I ever ran). If you need more detail - phone 804-740-4479, or email me at: billmountjoy@yahoo.com and I will be glad to try to help.