D Line play in the 4-6

Coach,

Would like to help but need clarification. In the traditional 46 nomenclature, the "ends" are the weak 5 tech. and the strong 3 tech. Most today who BASE out of the 46 have abandoned that practice and refer to the weak 5 tech. and and the strong 9 tech. as the "ends."

5....3...0...3...S...9
..T..G..C..G..T..Y

My question is: Exactly which players are you responsible for coaching?

1) Flow towards: DE is the primary force player. He must keep outside leverage on the ball carrier. He must never get reached by the OT/TE. Should engage blocker with inside shoulder/foot, keep outside arm/leg free (there may be calls in your scheme where the DE is called upon to spill things to the outside but 90-100% of the time, he will have contain-force responsibility).

2) Flow away: Responsible for bootleg, counter, reverse. Look for a hat coming against the grain (e.g. pulling OG, WR, QB).

3) Pass: 80-90% of the time, will have contain/rush responsibility. Pressure on QB is important but must not allow QB to escape to the outside as the CB has probably been run off and there will be no one there. The 9 tech. may have flat responsibility at times depending on scheme. BOTH DEs will need to peel off and cover a back from time to time. 9 tech. may even be in man on TE at times.

4) Option: DE will rarely have dive/inside load. May be asked to take QB/outside load or pitch (may slow-play pitch). Your DC will (I'm sure) let you know more about this.

5) Stunts: Obviously, there are stunts etc. that will require the DE to perform other assignments.


P.S. To gain an overall understanding of the 46, Rex Ryan's materials are good.