Midline vs. 52

Coach,

I don't think anyone would advise running Midline when facing that front as a veer should have a better chance of success. With no invert present on the openside of the formation, I believe the option of choice against this front would be an Inside (12/13) Veer. If presented with a 5/9 tech on the TE side, Load (18/19) option would be my choice with the FB loading the SS per Coach Campbell's methods.

Dave Hartman
CYFL Coach

We have run Midline against this look too. Two things: we change the FB path to playside foot of the center, and ask the PSG to block the backer out. The FB must read the block of the PSG as he may need to bend out if the LB crashes down hard to the A gap. Also, this is an automatic give read for the QB. I agree with the other coaches though, inside veer is a better play to a 4 tech tackle.

The PS ILB is blocked by the PSG. We still don't block the DT. If your FB is getting hit by a 4i tech player, your FB is too slow. You have two options, get a faster player to play FB or align the FB closer to the LOS. Also, check your splits. You need two yards between the O Line if you're gonna run the option to spread the defense out enough to make the plays work.

If the ILB is scraping over the top, the PSG should just give him a shove that way and go after the safety. This play should go big against that type of stunt. You may want to combo the nose and BS LB with the C and BSG.

Finally, I think the best play against the defense you diagrammed is inside veer weak. Combo the DT and ILB with the PST and PSG. Center will base the nose, BSG has BS ILB and BST has DT. Read the 5 tech DE for the dive, and the FS or CB for the pitch. You can stalk the CB , or crack the FS, with the WR. Now if you have that working, you can really mess with them by faking the crack on the FS and having the WR run a post corner route (faking the crack block on the FS and cutting above the cornerback) as a play action pass off the inside veer action.

If they have a stud NT who is getting penetration, you will have to adjust by comboing the NT to BS ILB with the C and PSG. The BSG should try to release to the FS. PST will down block the DT. You still read the PS DE for dive, but now the pitch read will be the ILB. You may want to try cracking the LB with the WR as another adjustment. Expect the D to adjust during a game, and drill the offense to expect the different types of looks the D can give them.