Classic Film Breakdown: Crossing the face on a counter trey

In this addition of classic film breakdown, I wanted to show what I mean when a defensive lineman or linebacker "crosses the face" of a blocker.

Zone blocking is so prevelant in today's offenses that many defensive coaches have taught their line to flow with the initial zone step. This allows an offense to overload the play side with extra blockers while the defensive line moves away from the football.

In the early 1990s, the Buffalo Bills went to four consecutive Super Bowls with the undersized Jeff Wright at nose tackle in their 3-4 defense. This play shows why Wright, who wasn't going to consistently whip double teams, was still effective. On this play, the Steelers run a counter trey to the right. The play starts with the right side of the offensive line blocking down/to their left. The left guard pulls and kicks out the Bills outside linebacker (I believe Marcvus Patton.) The fullback, Merrill Hoge, leads up on inside linebacker Biscuit Bennett.

Watch the nose tackle closely. Wright initially flows to his right with the down blocks. But, when he feels pressure on the outsde of his left shoulder, Wright gives ground. He does so by extending his arms, which allows Wright to give a bit of ground, maintain his base. Extending his arms also allows Wright to use the blocker as leverage to change directions. Wright pushes back to his left and steps into the hole to make the play. This is fantastic defensive line play.