Running the Football with the Power Play (Power-O, Counter, Counter-GT)

I believe running the power play or scheme, otherwise known as power-o or even "Dave" by Jim Tressel's offense of Ohio State, is the most successful football play I've ever run. The reason being is the blocking scheme is simple and it is easy to recycle the power play's blocking scheme for other plays like Counter.

Blocking Scheme for Power-O

Power's blocking scheme is relatively simple, regardless of if you run it out of shotgun or pistol spread, under center, or anything else your creative offensive mind can come up with.

Playside Offensive Linemen

The most basic way to teach the scheme is to tell all the playside linemen, they are responsible for their inside gap. If there is any threat to their inside gap, they need to execute a down block. Down blocking has your linemen work on a 45 degree angle, getting their head infront of the defensive linemen, and running the feet. If there is no threat to their inside gap, then they should look playside in-order to execute combination or "combo" block with their playside teammate. If no threat exits or if a playside combination block is not possible (no playside teammate), the player needs to work to a backside linebacker.

So that sounds like a lot. Once you install the play and run through it, I use the following coach speak, "Inside Gap to Playside Combo". This has been very successful for us. With these rules, you can easily pickup inside linebacker blitzes. Note, the tight end should know the playside combo never exists for him.

Backside Blocking

The backside guard needs to pull playside. His goal is to wrap on the playside linebacker, but often, if that linebacker is good, he will end up meeting him at or near the line of scrimage. The guard also needs to block any unblocked man (when under center) that exists at the line of scrimmage.

The technique of the pulling guard is widely varied. Some teams will have him take a drop step with his playside foot and then step through with his backside foot. This looks like "karaoke", the famous warm up drill. This offers your guard the opportunity to get his shoulders parallel right away, and the ability to get up field right away. The problem is his leverage (it's very hard to stay low and execute the karaoke step at full speed), power (he won't have the ability to drive a linebacker back until he takes 2-3 steps after his karaoke step), and finally balance (if the center get's blown up, there is no way you'll get around. Also, it's hard for the guard to successfully around the fullback if your fullback is forced to log the defensive end for some reason.

The other technique for the pulling guard, and the one I prefer, is the short pull with a wrap. The guard picks his playside foot up, with his big toe aiming at the playside B gap. This should give him a good upfield angle. He then executes the pull looking to wrap at his first opportunity (usually around the pre-snap B gap). This may prevent your guard from getting his shoulder square and may take him more time to get up field, however he is better able to handle all the other variables that are presented to him.

The backside tackle needs to step and hinge. He does this for 2 reasons. If there is no backside A gap threat, he needs to push the B gap threat to the center and then he needs to hinge backside and pickup the defensive end. If there is an A and B gap threat, he needs to lock onto the B gap threat. If there is no one in the B gap, he still needs to step and hinge, so he can prevent linebacker run through.

Finally, some teams will wrap or pull the fullback on the playside linebacker rather than the guard. This is commonly considered "Counter" or "Counter GT" rather than "Power" or "Power-O". Pulling the fullback from an off-set I alignment provides a better angle on the playside linebacker for the most part. The fullback can run downhill while not having to worry about penetration by the center or playside guard blocking back. The caveat is the fullback needs to read kickout block by the guard. If the guard logs the end, the fullback needs to continue around the guard and wrap the playside linebacker. This is easier said then done, because often teams that spill guards have engrained a linebacker mentality called "scrape exchange", where the defensive end and linebacker exchange gaps. The fullback also needs to be ready to immediately take on a blocker once passing the center, looking for run through.

Kickout on the EMOLOS

The fullback or backside guard needs to isolate the inside position on the end man on the line of scrimage (EMOLOS) and drive him out of the hole as he pulls down the line of scriamge. The EMOLOS is typically the playside defensive end. This block is very important, as is the technique. The fullback or backside guard MUST work inside out on the defensive end and run down hill. At the same time, the blocker needs to maintain a good forward lean and knee bend in order to roll the hips into the block. This is difficult to balance and execute, especially against "violent" defensive ends. If the defensive end works inside and wrong arms or spills the fullback or bubbles him back, the fullback will be forced to execute a log blog and our backside guard must work around his block, and the tailback must bounce it. This will typically leave the safety one on one with our back with a great angle to make the play. This is why understanding safety leverage, coverage technique, and aggressiveness is vastly important on the power or counter scheme. If you know going into the game that you will have problems going outside, you can adapt your play calling, call "power base" (described below), or really focus on getting your kickout blockers to dig out defensive ends. You can help the end by motioning him closer to the point of attack. This can cause tendencies and give away the snap count, so use it wisely with other plays as well.

Read the EMOLOS

Some teams, instead, will choose to read the playside EMOLOS on Power out of the gun. They will offset the runningback away from the play or to the playside. If the back is offset away, he will come across the fullback on a stretch path. Instead of kicking out the end, the QB will read the end. If the end can tackle the QB, he gives to the back.

On the other hand, the back and line up to the call side, but he probably needs to be at least 1 yard to a yard and a half behind the QB. This will make the runningback the dive person. The QB reads the playside end, and if the end can tackle the runningback, the QB keeps the ball off the edge. This is different from the counter from the gun, where the back takes the hand off going to the backside, stops, and then comes back to the playside. This is a playside, down hill run for the tailback, more of the traditional "power o" mentality and footwork.

Both variations are great alternatives if you want to install a few spread sets but minimize new blocking schemes, or if you come into the year without a fullback or tight end type to execute good kickout. It's also good versus teams that spill, because the defensive EMOLOS will always be wrong. Overall, I feel this version is best used against a wider front or an over front. A tandem from the under defense cause problems (see below for more information on tandems below).

Power "Base"

Power base is a wonderful adjustment to the kickout version. Some teams, like the Wisconsin Badgers, strictly run power base against a 9 technique EMOLOS. Versus a team that provides a traditional over front with a 3 technique on the outside shade of the guard and a 9 technique on the outside of the tight end to the strength, the fullback can lead up either on the Mike or the Sam. Usually, I prefer the Sam just because the fullback should almost never be taught to run past anyone in an I formation offense, in my opinion. The backside guard would then wrap for either the Mike linebacker in a 00 or a 10 technique in the strongside A gap, or the Sam playing over the strongside C Gap.

This adjustment can be limiting though, since Under fronts can give you a tandem on the edge. A tandem, in this case, is when there are two defensive players covering the last two offensive EMOLOS players. Against an underfront, the fullback would lead up on the 30 technique strongside linebacker, or the B gap playside linebacker. The tackle and tight end would go "out" "out" on the tandem players, the strongside 5 technique defensive end and the Sam Linebacker, aligned in a 9 technique. The backside guard would pull into the first openning he sees and lead up on the first threat (often in this scenario, its actually the backside linebacker). Often times, Wisconsin will be in a two tight end set or even 22 personnel, with 2 tight ends in a fullback. This allows them find the 9 technique without a tandem and base him.

This variation can be run from pro style 3 receiver, 1 tight end sets as well (11 personnel). This allows the power blocking scheme to be adaptable overall.

Weakside Power

It should be noted that weakside power (specifically to a split end side) is essentially the same as strongside power. All of the rules stay in tact. Playside linemen look (1) inside gap to (2) playside combo, before working to (3) a linebacker. The weakside tackle, who is now also the playside tackle, can eliminate step 2 and go straight to a linebacker. However, for younger kids, and Russ Grimm (power-o expert of Redskins, Cardinals, and Steelers), you may want to call the play something else since the read is different for the playside tackle and the wrap from the backside puller may happen quicker.

Red vs. White Side

There are some coaches who believe in the "Red" and "White" theory of playcalling, especially for counter and power. For those unfamiliar, the advocates of this system believe plays are run best to either a reduction (red) or a wide side (white). The reason for this is the technique and run reads will always stay constant. A reduced front means that there is a defensive linemen in the B gap (usually a 3 technique on the guard). On any down, there can be both a red and a white side, a double red call, and a double white call. (Yes, I summed this up quickly so I didn't take an hour explaining all the scenarios). An example, an under front, with the 5 technique to the strongside, has white call to the strength, and a red call to the weakside (3 technique). Versus an over front, a red call would be made to the strongside because of the existance of a B gap defensive linemen (the 3 technique), and a white call to the backside (no B gap defensive lineman). A double red call could therefore occur in a Bear front (with two 3 techniques), so no white call would exist.

The theory of playcalling, for the most part, is simple. You call power to the red side because it is supposed to be a quick hitting play that goes down hill. The 3 technique, the person causing the "red call", should be driven down inside with the combo block between the guard and tackle, and the tailback should be able to run the true "A gap" power then, where the back has an A gap mentality and footwork. Counter or Counter GT, on the other hand, should be run to the white side, because it will take a longer time for the double team between the tackle and tight end to move the 5 technique or C gap defending end down the LOS, and the back is typically making some kind of counter move with an aiming point in the B or C gap.

There are holes in the theory. For the most part, while this strives to minimize technique on certain plays (ie Always a a "deuce" or guard/tackle combo on power), a team can still provide different techniques. A combo block on a 4i is much different from a combo block on a 3 technique, at least in my opinion. It also limits you. I believe I can still have an A gap mentality on Power or Counter to a "white" side, especially if my tight end is a man. Overall though, the logic is there for this system, however, it involves great in-game scounting, careful gameplanning, or a very smart offense to make the switch at the LOS, so this is a college or pro-style theory of calling power/counter (and a lot of other plays for that manner).

Running the Power O

Overall, yes you can make the scheme as complicated or simple as you'd like. However, at it's core, the base power or counter scheme is simple and worthwhile for most offenses. You can run it and read the playside end out of a spread look. You can run it from the I or from the single wing or wing T. It can be adjusted easily and simply to be executed versus a wide variety of defenses and techniques.

Don't Make New Plays, Make More Efficient and Useful Blocking Schemes

"How Many Football Plays should our offense run?"

The most ridiculous questions in offensive football include, "how many football plays should our football team run?", "should I have more plays or more formations", "Do I need a balanced offense, the same number of passes and the same number of runs?". The real question coaches should be asking, how many blocking schemes do we run?

Think about it. On average, most teams run a 6 or 7 man pass protection. When running the football, 6/7 guys are typically involved in blocking within the box. That's half of your offense. So how do we simplify things for these 6/7 (obviously, 5 offensive linemen, a back(s) of some kind and/or an end)? Ask the simple question, how many blocking schemes do we have?

There is a lot of talk very recently about the "inverted veer" or "dash" play. The thing that is heard over and over again is how they recycled the scheme from the power play, or Smart Football discussed how you can run the inverted veer/dash play like speed option. All these coaches are speaking about the same thing, limiting blocking schemes.

Whenever you get into a problem, try to think of the most efficient solution possible. I would rather teach the QB and the RB new steps rather than the 7 guys blocking for them. We're an I formation team (shocker, I know!), but we get away with running some spread. Am I going to waste my precious time teaching new blocking schemes? NO!

Blocking Schemes

• Iso
• Power
• Zone
• Outside Zone

That's pretty much it. Now, see the chart below for all the plays we run off of these.

Iso	Power	Zone	Outside Zone
Iso	Power	Inside Zone	Outside Zone
Lead	Counter	Zone Read	Toss Sweep
Fullback Dive	Inverted Veer	Triple Option	Jet Sweep
Dart	Counter GT	Speed Option	Reverse

So our 4 blocking schemes just turned into 16 plays. Our backfield that hands off and carries the ball can probably figure their new steps (we'll probably recycle them really) out a lot faster than 6/7 guys.

That sounds great - but how do I teach offensive blocking schemes?

Rather than making a playbook showing all your plays, make a scheme book. For instance, discuss the power scheme in-depth. The interior playside blockers are coached to have their inside gap first, and if no one is there, they work towards a playside combo. The EMOLOS needs to know if he's got no one in his playside gap, he's going to the 2nd closest linebacker (obviously not the playside linebacker). Everyone knows the playside linebacker is handled by the backside pulling player. Next we just need to make sure the backside B gap gets sealed. Finally, the EMOLOS is taken care of by the first kickout block or read by the QB. All of a sudden, this write up can be applied to Power, Counter, Counter GT, and Inverted veer. So not only did you save time writing the stupid playbook, but you also ensured that everyone in the box knows what's going on when you run the power or power-o concept.
This makes life easier for you as a coach. Now you shouldn't have to worry about knowing 16 running plays. You should be able to watch the play without knowing the call and know who missed an assignment in the blocking scheme or who got beat just by how the defense is lined up, even if you don't see the error take place. It's nice being able to talk to the frontside guy and the backside guy on the same play and fix two errors. Now, you may miss technique errors, but you can figure out rather quickly if they got beat or if they missed an assignment by asking them a simple question ("what did you do?" is the easiest).

There are imperfections and some small adjustments of coarse. But I find it a lot easier to get one or two blockers on the right page rather than tell every single player what to do. But this also makes your offensive personnel more flexible. I know my backup left guard can play right tackle because he knows our concepts.

So coaches, I beg you, don't make a Mike Martz playbook. Find the most useful blocking schemes and run those or adapt old concepts to fancy looking plays. This can all be done with pass protections as well, just follow these principles.

PS

Check out Cripes! Get back to fundamentals... for some AWESOME Alex Gibbs stuff. It's worth watching the 6-8 hours of video those guys have put up.

Defeating the 4-2-5 TCU Robber Defense with the I Formation

Philosophy to Move the Football

A lot of teams today are switching to the 4-2-5 TCU defense which typically packages a 2 deep or quarters based coverage with a robber safety that goes with #2. Because of the nature of that safety, he can be aggressive in the run game, which essentially presents a 9 man front to traditional 21 personnel I formation teams. As an offense then, your goal must be to fit inside that safety and keep him flat footed and out of the box. If that safety is a real game changer, you need to stretch him vertically and horizontally through the quick pass attack, inside runs, and vertical passes. EDIT: I made some silly errors the first time around, so I edited the article and added some more content to it as well.

 

Strengths and Weaknesses of the TCU 4-2-5

The 4-2-5 can be presented in a number of ways. Many people think cover 3 is the predominate defense ran by 4-2-5 teams, however, that tendency is changing rapidly. Many teams play a split coverage, a version of cover 2 "robber", with the cornerbacks playing a 2 "cheat" position. This, in my opinion, essentially equates the team to a quarters concept when the robber safety is involved. The safety reads #2. The corners read #1. If #1 or #2 go vertical, the corners and the robber safety will lock onto their respective threats and cover them essentially man to man.Herein lies the greatest weakness, isolating receivers one on one.. With the split coverage philosophy, even if the TCU 4-2-5 is presented with 4 WR (another topic entirely), it can cover 4 verticals and stand stout against the run.

Defenses, like the 4-2-5 generally, have two key purposes besides winning and keeping the score low. Don't give up big plays, and don't let the team run it down your throat. Considering this defense can cover 4 vertical rather simply and insert an extra 9th defender in the box versus the run, this can spell problems for many teams. Just look at the success of Virgina Tech in the 1990's and TCU recently to see that this is ther case. However, the TCU defense is still very vulnerable to both of these things, maybe even more so than others, when the offensive football team develops a strong gameplan devised around quick passes and play-action fakes.

 

Attacking the 4-2-5 with the I formation with Quick Passes

The 4-2-5 plays cover 2 cheat with both corners. One of the primary goals of the offensive gameplan must be attacking them with quick curls and outs. If you are on the hash and can create wide seperation between #1 and #2, slants can also be effective. Limiting the flat or arrow route by #2 should be a strong consideration in your offensive gameplan. Depending on the coverage, #2 is read by the corner and the robber safety intially to determine the play's intentions. If #2 goes flat, specifically in "Blue" coverage, the corner will come down hard and fast to #2 in the flat. In this scenario, the #1 route is covered by the robber then (who is thinking Curl to Post). Essentially, the corner and robber switch assignments. In addition, if the coverage is "Cover 2" (often presented to the Tight End side of the offense), the strong safety or spur in the box will play the flat or arrow route by #2. The strong safety always maintains outside leverage on #2 in the TCU 4-2-5 cover 2, so the arrow route again becomes a tough matchup.

Running regular 4-6 yard 3-step drop curl routes accross the board will keep the robber safety flat footed, and in the box. The corner will have to come up to make the play. It is worth noting that the offensive strongside curl is an understood weakness of this defense, and many defensive back coaches will have the corner cheat and read the QB after reading #2 to see him hitch up at 3 steps. If the QB hitches up at 3 steps and drops the shoulder preparing to throw, the DB is often okay to jump the hitch. Herein lies the second weakness, double moves and pumpfakes, which is my next point. Based on the concept that any flat or arrow routes are outleveraged much of the time versus this defense, a curl by #1 and by #2 should be effective. A gameplan adjustment versus 4-2-5 teams may be to also have the #2 receiver break outside on his curl. Then, the QB only needs to feel that leverage by the strong safety, as he would versus a flat defender in cover 3. Overall, the QB may want to start his eyes inside and work outside. Doing so could keep the strong safety closer to the box. Because the offense wants to prefer the 1 on 1 matchup on the outside, this should leave more room for the #1 receiver running his curl.

On the backside, the curl may succeed as well. A major coverage for 4-2-5 teams on the weakside, besides "Blue" is Bronco. The TCU 4-2-5 Bronco coverage presents man on man in the secondary on the weakside (so the weakside safety and the corner). If you isolate #1 to the weakside far enough, big play opportunities do exist one on one with the corner there as well. Especially because in Bronco versus the I-formation, the weakside safety is thinking run first.

 

Attacking the 4-2-5 with the I formation with the Pump Fake and Double Moves

The pump fake is the most underutilized weapon an offense has in my opinion. Coverting a 3 step vertical after a pump fake to a short curl (which we've now converted into a vertical or go route after the intial move) and leave the corner isolated. With #2 running a curl or vertical himself, he occupies the robber safety, essentially leaving our corner 1 on 1 with no idea whether or not he should give up a quick 4-6 yards on a hitch or if he should ignore his Defensive coordinator and take a risk to stop it for no gain. Now, defenses have other coverages (corner play the flat, roll the typical robber safety over the top for instance), but most defensive coordinators want to play something comfortable and if they do change the coverage they've opened up our playbook which includes smash routes and outside runs to the strongside right at the flat corner.

The double move and pump fake can also cause that robber safety all kinds of problems. Perhaps my favorite is Y-Sail, which could be with a power play action fake or by itself. The Y or TE takes a vertical release of about 8 yards and breaks to the corner, #1 goes vertical right now,and a fullback sneaks into the flat. The Y should fake the post quickly before breaking to the corner. At this same time, the QB's eyes should be on said robber safety and lead him towards the post. There should now be 2 or 3 steps for that big tight end to out manuver that safety. Another adjustment, if you believe you can outmatch the corner or safety, is to tag the route with a post by number one (Rt 74 Y-Sail X-Post). A scissors concept to some, this will now isolate both the corner and safety. The skinnier the post, the better, because you want to avoid any backside help.

In addition to that there is the Y Freeze route. The Y or Tight End takes a vertical release making eye contact right now with the robber safety. He will then read his leverage and break opposite at a distance of 9-10 yards, coming back to the LOS initially. #1 will run a post at about 12 yards, exploding past the corner and over the top of the robber safety, who is now at least flat footed (or totally covering) the Y or tight end. I like packaging this with a hunt by #1 backside, in order to hold the LB's accountable incase the safety plays the post and the Y opened to the wrong side of his leverage. This can be combined with the draw isolation fake to help hold the safety still if he's talented enough to get back or if the linebackers underneath are causing you fits.

 

Defeating the 4-2-5 with the Running Game from the I formation

When you combine the quick pass game with the play action, your running game should open up nicely. Once that robber safety is completely flat footed, power is now a lethal weapon. Why? You can have your tight end work outside or almost arc release to the strong safety in the box. This isn't a typical look for a robber safety, as they expect a down block to a backer or on the 7 technique end versus power. This should stress the 7 technique defensive end, allowing your fullback to kick him out (the 7 will think you're running stretch or outside zone). Becasue the robber safety is an alley player lined up probable over the guard or tackle to the strong side, his path should take him a little further out with that arc release as well by the tight end. The guard can easily wrap underneath and the rest is history.

In addition to running power (and stretch with it), you should be able to run iso. The force players, no matter what, should be staying outside the box (if they're falling the play and causing problems, you need to work that flat after a playaction iso fake). Iso is nice because in addition to the downhill version we all love, there is the draw iso fake, which I referred to earlier. Draw is great because the play action pass pro is easy (... block draw... duh), and the defense is often out of position. Again, this works great because the Y might be able to work to the robber blocking him thanks to the Y freeze play. The force player to the strongside shouldn't be a threat (if he is, draw action with a flat route where he should be), and you should get a nice chunk of yardage if you can really sell the draw.

Working weakside can be a challenge depending on how the defense plays the backside bandit or strong safety. If he's out of the box, RUN THE BALL there, if not, you can use twins sets to pull him out of the box (because the force player safety always keeps outside leverage on #2). Watch out though, you will likely pull the robber safety with him. If that robber safety comes over and you have a numbers problem, to the strongside you can have your big tough tailback, in a perfectly drawn play, end up one on one with one of those cover 2 cheat corners. Lovely matchup (got to get it blocked though!). Otherwise, if you do pull the force player safety out (which you should be able to with a twins look) and the robber safety, weakside iso is still usually good for 3-5 yards a crack.

 

Conclusions

Overall, although the I formation can get over whelmed by the 4-2-5 when they get into some of their blitzes (you should run screens then my friend and get them back into their split coverage concepts), you should have success against their base defenses. Again, the key is a balanced attack with a strong game plan. You don't need to use these examples, but you should be able to come up with elements in your own I formation offense to the same effect.

 

P.S.

Sorry for the late post... I got married. I have time again (until football... which starts in t-minus 17 days).

Miami Dolphins 4-3 Defense Pt. 1

Please Note: Part 2 of the Miami 4-3 Defense is Available, Click Here For It

Dear Readers,

Following the 80's rage on the 3-4 and 46 defenses, offenses found ways to protect the passer and attack the opponent through the air with the spread of the "west coast offense" in the early to mid 90's. In order to defeat opponents that used this offense which threw short, high percentage passes first in order to open up the running game, the Over 4-3 (or Miami 4-3) defense came about. This will begin a 3 part series on the defense, starting with the 1996 Miami Dolphins Defense. This part of the series will include a few posts.
Before getting into great detail, an understanding of the base look is required. The Miami Dolphins 4-3 Defense looked like this:

So what do we have?

In "Base", from left to right, we have a 9 technique End, 3 tech Tackle, a 1 Tech Tackle, and a 5 tech End. Compare this to "Base 7", which moves the former 9 tech in base to a 7 technique, and the Sam goes from a 50 tech (or 5 tech as their playbook calls it), to a stack position on top of the end. The subtle change from a 9 tech to a 7 tech and a stack End/Sam combo changes the gap responsibility of these two players. Instead of playing the "D Gap to Alley", the End must control the "C Gap to Alley". What does that mean?

Playing inside shade on the tight end (7 tech) means the defensive end likely has to switch his down hand and back leg from the inside to the outside (hand/leg closest to the tight end). Also, stealing this detail from someone at http://www.coachhuey.com (name yourself and I'll give ya credit), the inside foot thus being up in the 7 technique puts the defensive end in a better position to hold their ground if the tight end was to down block on the end.

This technique could be rather tricky for a defensive end who likes to play on the edge at the 9 technique. The 9 technique is supposed to own the outside half of the offensive EMOLOS (usually the tight end). A lot of teams will put a smaller defensive end here with speed. A player like this can quickly rush the passer, maintain outside leverage on an outside fast flow run (like Stretch), and close the distance on a fullback and tight end down block, while also putting the end in a good position to wrong arm any kickout block, forcing the play to the outside. Furthermore, this player is not used to the double team by big linemen, if anyone for that matter. Compare this to the 7 technique end, who is not playing in space, must take on a down block or double team, must split or hold the double team at the LOS, and must not get reached by a tackle. Quite a different ball game.
(Sidenote: Please understand that I'm not saying the 9 tech in this defense is in a great position to take on a kick out, its just something he doesn't have to do in a 7 tech very often.)
And this is all for the defensive end! Now imagine the difference for the Sam linebacker. The SAM linebacker, when playing in "Base" with a 9 technique End, owns the C gap. The Sam has to play an offensive tackle and scrape to the alley on any outside play. That means he has to close the window in the C Gap, and once the offensive play bounces outside with little to no likely hood of a cut back into that gap, he must be ready to help the end by approaching the ball carrier from the inside out. Again, contrast this against "Base 7", which means the Sam now takes the responsibilities of the former 9 technique defensive end. The sam now has to wrong arm kickouts, cannot get reached, and likely make a play in space.

So... why?

More exactly, why have two base defenses that changes the whole fabric of your perimeter defense to the strong side?

There are some advantages to running both schemes. These are just a few, if you can think of more, leave a comment, I will name a few since its nearly 3 AM. One (1), better pass rush lane off the edge. Two (2) lets say you know you have a playmaker at defensive end who knows how to play in space, but gets burnt out quickly or tends to be a little bit to aggressive. A great switch up to this is "Base 7". You take out that 9 technique end and put in a slightly undersized 3 technique, or a larger end on your roster who can take on the double teams but may not have the athletism or attributes to play on the edge consistently. He can help you protect your Mike linebacker though, which takes us to number three (3). The Mike is free to roam to the playside in "Base 7". Okay, yes he still has to take on any junk your DL allows through (which, if they're worth their weight in salt, won't happen as they make a pile or they'll split the double team and make the play themselves), and take on the A Gap. In "Base", the Sam can take on blockers in space, which can be an advantage if their line is poor or your Sam has a great block dominating ability. Also, unlike with the 7 technique, the Sam won't face a double team at linebacker depth, which could mean its easier to defend the C gap. And finally, the 4th advantage of running both schemes, (4) if we get power to the strong side of the formation, the offense will be in a bind versus a 7 technique, compared to a 9 technique which they are salivating for.

4-3 Defense versus the I formation Power Play

This leads to the "Power" or "Power-O" dillemna. Power causes a lot of problems for the 4-3 Over defense, particullary the breed in the mid 90's. With a 9 technique, the end, while he may force the play to the outside as he spills the fullback, has a lot of area to cover. In order to prevent the offense from hitting the gap between him and the 3 technique tackle, he has to recognize the play immediately and properly blow it up at the right time. If he doesn't, power will likely be an effective play against this defense.

[Miami "Base" Cover 2 vs I Formation Power Play]

(This picture shows how the 9 technique (Bull in this case) takes on the full back but leaves just enough of a seam for the running back to hit through the hole. Though it would be congested, thanks to the ability of this play to hit surpsingly quickly, the runningback would spring it to the secondary support at the safety level)

The offense will try one of two things with power versus a 7 technique. (1) Let the End go and try to kick out the 7 tech, which out numbers them as he will still spill it to the outside with a wrong arm technique, and there our Sam will wait (because the guard will likely get caught in the trash caused by the fullback and 7 tech). (2) (most likely) They could double the 7 technique with the tight end and tackle, letting your 3 tech take on the guard by himself, (great matchup) or they could double the 3 technique, and the let the tight end take on the 7 technique (if your playing a strong linemen like mentioned earlier, also a great matchup). With the pulling backside guard, the Mike will step briefly to playside A, see the puller and fullback, and make is way to the C/D gap, where the Sam will be spilling the play to the outside. The Mike should have a free run (if your 7 tech holds the Tackle/Tight End double team fairly well) where he could potentially make the tackle, and at worst be in a great position to take on the guard with a rip move working to the ball carrier from the inside out and forcing him to the sideline. Notice in the picture below how much further the ball carrier is forced to go outside, to the hard secondary support, which is the corner who has force or contain. Finally, If my history proves right, that Mike should have been Zach Thomas, who I believe was a rookie and a pro bowl alternate that season even though he was a 5th round pick, and very undersized and relatively slow.

[Miami "Base 7" Cover 2 vs I Formation Power Play]

(Sidenote: For those who are wondering what exactly allows the Mike to forgo his A gap responsibility versus Power Strong Side out of this defense. When the backside guard pulls, the Backside B gap disappears with him. Thus, the Nose (N) or 1 Technique Tackle, who has backside A gap, covers all that space from the center to the weakside tackle. The Will linebacker thus "bumps" his gap forward, as does the Mike. Once the Mike sees the pull, he should make his intentions clear with a call (i.e. pull, bump, slide...) to the Will, or Hawk (H) in Diagram, incase he doesn't see it. The Will/Hawk will then flow to the playside A gap ready for potential cutback, and Mike will follow backfield and guard flow to the ball, which will take him past a guard/tackle double team on the 3. I leave the blocking line out, but they would be forced to go to the Will/Hawk in this synopsis.)
Okay guys, I hope you enjoyed this first piece explaining the base defenses of the Miami Dolphins and what their differences were, and the reasons behind running both of them. There are more intricacies than what I listed based off coverage or other factors. If you want to discuss, feel free. I'll comment back. If you have a question about a different aspect of the front, comment.

You Can Read Part 2 Here