Step Two: Setting the Edge
Against a 3-4, Seattle could double the opposing right defensive end a few different ways. Each has its respective strengths and weaknesses, but because we are attempting to attack the outside, I would suggest the latter two are best. Much of the decision depends on matchups and alignment.

In this one, the right defensive end is sealed and the left guard is allowed to pull out and attack the right inside linebacker. We assume the inside rush is Jones primary option. He will read the action of the right outside linebacker and pick his hole. The major problem with this attack is that it depends on Seattle's line to control the Cardinals defensive line and allow Jones to get through the hole without being slowed or tackled by the right defensive end or nose tackle. It's clear how easily and quickly the hole can collapse around Jones. It does, however, free Chris Spencer to concentrate and assist Max Unger.
In this next one, the left tackle and left guard attempt to seal the right defensive end ‘in'. John Owens then must move out and engage the right outside linebacker, Unger and Spencer must move out the nose tackle and Spencer must pull out and engage the right inside linebacker. This is the best way to attack the outside edge, because if Seattle succeeds it will be able to rush Jones off left edge and into the second level with only the right corner and free safety to beat. It also has the most ‘moving parts', so to speak. Owens must accomplish his block or Jones is stalled. Spencer must accomplish his block or Jones is stalled. Because the left outside linebacker is free to pursue, an edge too long (the right defensive end holds his ground or is able to move offensive left) or a failed block by Spencer or Owens will allow the backside pursuit to catch up and tackle Jones from behind.
The final option is high-reward, but relies on a position of weakness for Seattle. This is the long edge approach, the most 'outside' of the three options and the slowest to develop. It compensates by pulling out the left tackle and matching him against the right outside linebacker. The block on the right defensive end is weaker, but the block on the right outside linebacker is, theoretically, stronger. When this type of stretch is successful, the back uses his quickness to help nullify the right end, running away from him even if he does get good push. The edge is longer in a good way and a bad way. Jones must run longer to get to it, but should he, the left tackle should be able to seal off the outside linebacker effectively enough that Jones has a long lane into the second level.
This step fails if:
1. The right defensive end pushes the blockers back and forces Jones to bubble back his route to the outside.
2. The blocker assigned the right outside linebacker misses his block and allows the outside linebacker to tackle or at least cap the outside rush lane.
3. The line and/or linebacker dictate the flow of the play and continue to push outside left. That makes Jones route to the outside progressively longer, putting the opposing outside linebacker back into play through backside pursuit and the right corner into play by taking the rush too far outside.
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Comments
long stretch
3-4 defenses tend to be more Man Coverage oriented when the offense is in 2 TE sets.
However, the long stretch can make man coverage easily exposed. If you have your WR motion right to draw man coverage then you can have a better chance to seal that left edge for JJ.
If the DB is not in man coverage then the QB can Audible to a different play or just stay with the same call.
John, you said it perfectly, it depends on matchups and personnel.
I ROCK out with my HAWK out, therefore I am....
by durteehawk on Oct 16, 2009 3:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, but
teams will sometimes shift their linebackers offensive left or walk their safety down when a team motions its only left wide receiver right.
by John Morgan on Oct 16, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dockett should give us problems.
He’s listed as RE, so, I see this play being regularly disrupted. We will probably opt to run the other way or find other plays that nullify his inevitable push.
Is there a way to account for a standout DE by adjusting the stretch left to accomplish a double-team on him?
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer, Sam Bradford*.
by Misfit74 on Oct 16, 2009 4:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather run at Dockett than Campbell.
by John Morgan on Oct 16, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Campbell's gotten that good, huh?
Or just a size difference?
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer, Sam Bradford*.
by Misfit74 on Oct 16, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been hearing he's made a leap this year
There were a lot of doubts about him for the draft, but he was the guy I had my eye on most. I noticed he had a few good moments in their big Indy loss, but otherwise I haven’t been able to watch anything. He’s one guy I was planning on keeping an eye on this Sunday.
by jacobstevens on Oct 16, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Campbell is more of a force against the run
I think Dockett is better built to disrupt as a 4-3 tackle.
by John Morgan on Oct 16, 2009 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotcha.
I’m afraid of Dockett’s ability to get penetration on runs as well as pass-plays. I’m not sure how we’ll get him blocked.
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer, Sam Bradford*.
by Misfit74 on Oct 16, 2009 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just read that that Campbell is 6-7 290
He’s blocked 2 FG attempts this season.
Early prospect watch: RB C.J. Spiller, OT Ciron Black, DT Gerald McCoy, S Eric Berry, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Ras-I Dowling 6'2, 200, RB Jonathan Dwyer, Sam Bradford*.
by Misfit74 on Oct 16, 2009 6:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a monster.
If we were set on drafting a DE during that draft I wanted either him or Phillip Merling at the time, because of value. Early projections had Campbell going first overall.
"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."
by Fearless Frog on Oct 16, 2009 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I was kind of looking for a reason to not draft him
there were doubts, and he sure fell, so I didn’t feel broken up about it.
by jacobstevens on Oct 19, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Expected an Edgerrin James pun.
"Mayhap a hidden door lurks nigh. Let us search the environs."
by Fearless Frog on Oct 16, 2009 10:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

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