Yesterday we looked at defending 12 personnel from a nickel defense, today we’re looking at defending off formations. Coaches can play games with personnel, switching from 10 to 11 to 0 to 01 or even 02 packages in an attempt to throw the defense off. Another option is to take a standard personnel group like 10 personnel and align them in a different formation to confuse the defense. Offensive coaches use exotic formations to force a defense into a different alignment and exploit the misalignment. The key to defending odd formations is to stick to your own alignment and rules so you remain disciplined.
Play Concept
We’re looking at a 10 personnel group from the Auburn game last season. Auburn comes out with a bunch formation to the field and the RB aligned at WR, leaving QB Bo Nix as the only player in the backfield.
McKinnley Jackson is aligned at 2 technique, as is Jayden Peevy. DeMarvin Leal is outside in a 5 as a strong edge to the Bunch side. Michael Clemons is in a 2-point stance outside the RT. MLB Aaron Hansford aligns in a 30 technique over the left tackle. WLB Andre White is aligned in a 10 technique over the center. Antonio Johnson is on the line in front of the bunch. Demani Richardson is behind Johnson to his left. At the snap, the RB goes in Fly motion behind Nix to take a toss. The RB has the option of sweeping weakside or throwing a pass on the halfback option.
Defending Odd Formations: Execution
At the snap, the offensive line all blocks left except the inside Bunch receiver. The inside receiver comes across the formation in Slice motion. Michael Clemons is left unblocked and the inside receiver’s assignment is to block him. Clemons is responsible for the C-gap on this play. Clemons pinches down then plays inside-out, fighting off the block. WLB Andre White reads inside-out, and switches gap responsibilities with Clemons. Clemons is now responsible for the D-gap outside and White takes the C-gap. White comes downfield and makes the tackle.
Notice deep safety Leon O’Neal initially drops back to defend the halfback option pass. If O’Neal immediately comes downhill to stop the run, the next time Auburn runs this play, they RB will stop and loft a pass to the boundary receiver. O’Neal stays disciplined and plays his assignment.
End Zone View
Clemon’s technique to force the play back inside and Andre White’s flawless technique are more obvious when watching from the end zone view.
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