Pass Protection vs Pass Rush

How to run it

The offensive line and the back work on pass protection against four pass rushers and a blitzing linebacker. The line works on the kick-slide, punch and anchor, the back picks up the blitz and the quarterback steps up in the pocket and throws.

Set-up

Five linemen, the quarterback in shotgun and the back next to him. A wide receiver on the left. Defense: four linemen and a linebacker. The line of scrimmage marked.

Instructions

1. 1Offense and defense line up. The quarterback is in shotgun, the back next to him.
2. 2Snap to the quarterback.
3. 3Pass set: the tackles kick-slide deep against the speed rush, the guards and center set short and punch. The edge rushers go around, the inside ones bull rush. The linebacker drops into coverage.
4. 4The edge rushers are ridden past the quarterback, the guards anchor. The quarterback steps up into the pocket and the receiver breaks in on his dig.
5. 5The throw to the dig.
6. 6The receiver runs on and the linebacker chases.
7. 7Reset: the receiver gives the ball to the center and everyone lines up again.
8. 8The linebacker walks up and shows blitz in the A-gap. The center identifies him ("Mike is 54!").
9. 9Snap.
10. 10Blitz: the back steps up and meets the linebacker in the hole, inside-out and square. The line protects and the receiver runs the stem of his hot slant.
11. 11The ball comes out quickly to the slant.
12. 12The receiver runs up the field.

Coaching points

• Kick-slide: back foot first, never cross the feet. Hands inside on the chest, thumbs up.
• Ride the edge rusher past the quarterback's depth – don't try to stop him head-on.
• The back: read the linebacker before the snap and meet him early, as close to the line as possible.
• The quarterback: step up into the pocket, not back, when the edges come around.

Variations

Equipment

• 4 × Markers