DE's playing QB on option

Coaches, I think you are exactly right. The key is the quickness with which the DE (1) recognizes the OLs outside step, (2) push/pulls the TE to get outside leverage without giving ground, and (3) squeezes the TE back down inside (we teach our DE's that our goal is to keep the blocker pinned on the LOS to the outside shade of the ball carrier, and no wider--although this is tough v. the option, the goal is to squeeze the blocker down to the QB; we don't always get that far, but we do constrict the gap making it tougher for the QB to take it off tackle). So you've got to drill it every day (which I'm sure you already do).

I'm not sure what your option responsbilities are, but I'm assuming you give the dive to some combination of the DT and ILB, the QB to the DE, and the pitch to the OLB. The thing to remember about this techniqe is that by denying the arc block and keeping the blocker on the LOS, you screw up the QB's pitch read (if they're arc blocking, their pitch read is probably the DE), and you eliminate the block on your OLB. Thus, (1) if the QB does try to take it off tackle (even though the hole is constricted), the OLB should be free to overlap to the inside and and tackle him in the C-gap. (2) If the QB pitches it, the OLB forces the pitch man and is unblocked. And (3) if the QB has to bounce wide (because the DE has eliminated the C-gap), and tries to option the OLB, his timing will be off, and the CB should have had enough time to get off the WR's stalk block, so the OLB can force the QB and the CB can force the pitch man. Hope this helps.

Okay, if I have the SS/OLB fill inside the DE and take QB, should I have the DE take pitch? Or have both take QB and the Corner and Free Safety take the pitch?

I'm debating on which one is best vs. an arc block.

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Originally posted by: Coach W
Here's my problem.....

Our DE's are taught to protect the outside. If their man releases outside, they are taught to attack his outside shoulder and get flat down the LOS.

Now, what happens when a team runs an option play with the EMLOS arc blocking to an OLB? If our DE sees his man step outside (arc block) he is going to step outside with him, causing a large hole inside. How will he play the QB against this blocking scheme?

We are a 4-4 team.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

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If you run out of a double slot look, arc blocking a 4-4 isn't even needed. Put the PST blocks base on the end. The FB and Slot will seal the LB. QB pitches off the OLB. Almost like stealing.....

I think I like having the DE take QB if he wants to turn up wide, and have the SS/OLB take QB if he turns up tight. And have FS and C take pitch. The only problem I see arising is vs. an option pass.