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Rodney had the following question:
I really enjoy reading your answers to the questions from other coaches. Your answers have been a great help to me in my coaching.
My question concerns blitzing linebackers. What play does one call when two inside linebackers blitz the A gaps? Or is there a rule for the lineman to pick up the two linebackers? I have witnessed defenses that have blitzed their backers from a 50 and 4-3 look.
Hi Rodney,
This type of blitz can be a challenge if you do not have your blocking rules to account for all the players. If you have one guard first start with the inside gap and the center start with the gap away, then you at least have a helmet on any blitzing linebacker. If two backers come in either A gap, you will have them blocked.
It is usually more productive to have the center and on-side guard blocking the gap away from the path of the ball carrier using angle blocks than it is to try to have the center and the off-side guard try to reach or hook block to the side of the path of the ball carrier.
As far as plays you can use to attack this type of blitz, you can start with a quick trap on one of the linebackers. The center would block the other backer and the guard on the side of the center's block would pull and short trap the other backer who is blitzing across the line of scrimmage.
In the case of a double A gap blitz from a 4-3 defense, you can keep the guards drive blocking on the DT in front of them and use your FB or a second tight end as the trap blocker.
Moving to the outside, you can run an option, pitch or quick toss to get the ball away from the blitzing backers and in position to make some yards. Your lead blocker for the ball carrier can be the FB or you might pull your OT rather than your OG, seal off both A gaps with the center and a guard and block both backers inside, keeping them on the line of scrimmage.
Passing can be another challenge in setting up your protection. One way is to block the five offensive linemen right or left and have a back or tight end stay in and block on the side away from the offensive line's block. This type of blocking can be used with a movement pass (roll out - sprint) or with a drop-back pass.
Another way is to run a play-action pass and have one of the backs faking the run pick up the blitzing backer in the A gap to the side of the fake. The center will then block back and pick up the blitzing backer on the other side leaving the guards and tackles free to block the defensive linemen as the quarterback sets up to pass.
Your team will become confident against this style of defense once your players know who has the responsibility to pick up the blitzing backer and have the opportunity to practice the blocks for your offensive plays.
You may want to limit your offense during the first quarter so that you end up calling plays that account for both A gap blitzing backers with positive blocking until you see that the defense is no longer running the blitz. The double A gap blitz can be a challenge, but with planning and practice, it is a blitz your offense can overcome to successfully move the ball down the field.
Coach Tom Bass
Coach Tom Bass, the technical writer and advisor for USA Football, is a 30-year NFL coach who has also authored several books, including "Play Football the NFL Way" - the first "how to" book ever authorized and published by the NFL. Coach Bass is happy to personally autograph his books to you. Book ordering information can be found at http://www.coachbass.com/.
