DB getting stalked and cracked

dcoach27,

In terms of the crack block...we do as Coach Easton and Mountjoy have said. The corner is responsible for alerting the inside defender of the crackback. We just have him scream at the top of his lungs. We also let our backers/ends know that they have to keep their head on a swivel against certain teams that use the crack a lot. We see 3 or 4 teams each year who use it 8-10 times per game. So we have learned to live with it.

In terms of the coverage, we check to a 1/4, 1/4, 1/2 coverage where the trips side corner and the free safety both have deep quarters and the end/OLB/spur (whatever you use) stays in the flat. You then have the backside corner cover the backside 1/2 (essentially man to man on the lone reciever). WOLB/spur will then take #2 weak if they send the other back out for a flare or flat route. The three defenders on the trips side must understand, and be able to fight through, the blocks of the offense and make the tackle. However, we have to be careful not to bite too early on a pump fake. We tell our guys to attack as soon as the ball is in the air