Short yardage defense is when run fits are of utmost importance. Filling all possible interior gaps so the offense has nowhere to go and all outside gaps so they’re forced to run inside is the name of the game. When facing a 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1, the defensive line and linebackers have to close all gaps to stonewall the offense. Winning short yardage plays can be the difference between winning and losing the game.
Short Yardage Play Concept
Offenses often use 12 or 22 personnel on short yards plays. A&M responds by bringing in an extra defensive lineman for more bulk inside, employing a 5-2 front.
The offense is in an Ace set with two TEs, one back, QB under center, and two receivers. Defense responds with a 5-2 Eagle alignment, putting a linebacker on the LOS to give it a 6-1 front. The safety hovering over the A-gap makes it an eight man front. At the snap, both NTs slant into the A gaps. Both DTs slant into the B gaps. The DE and the Eagle LB both slant into the C gaps so all interior gaps are covered. The safety dives over the top of the A gap to stop potential RB dive play. The CBs and WLB are back to ensure no one goes wide or tries a play-action pass to the flat. In a 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1 situation, play-action is just as likely as an interior run.
Executing Short Yardage Defense
Colorado is in 12 personnel in an Ace set on 4th and 1. McKinnley Jackson is in the left A gap and Jayden Peevy is in the right A gap. DeMarvin Leal is aligned next to Jackson and Michael Clemons is next to Peevy. DE Tyree Johnson is outside Leal and LB Aaron Hansford is outside Clemons aligned head-up on the right TE. Safety Leon O’Neal is hovering between Peevy and Clemons. At the snap, Jackson slants into the left A gap and Peevy goes into the right A gap. Leal slants into the left B gap and Clemons slants into the right B gap. Johnson goes into the left C gap and Hansford contains down on the right C gap. All gaps are covered.
The force of McKinnley Jackson and Jayden Peevy slanting into both A-gaps shoves the center and both guards backwards, causing a pile. Colorado QB Brendon Lewis tries to advance up the middle in a QB sneak but it unable to move because the pile stops him. The defense hit their run fits, stonewalling the offense. Leon O’Neal dives over the top but there is no need as Lewis doesn’t have the space to leap over the top.
Result of the play is 0 yards gained and a turnover on downs.
End Zone View
You can really see the push created by McKinnley Jackson and Jayden Peevy when watching the play from the end zone view.
