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.
Comments
Thanks for posting this, I learned something new.
French once again giving good physics lessons, awesome stuff!
Just like the recent Wyatt Teller article, it's all about the footwork and leverage.
Man, nothing like NFL football during the late 80's through the mid 90's. This little short clip takes me back.
Depending on what the offseason holds, I may do more of this. I would love to do it with old Hokies games, but the lack of available tape with Hokietapes being taken down makes it tough.
Often, I spend rainy days watching old NFL games, usually from 86-93.
I miss Hokietapes.
Crazy how a paragraph of text happens in less than a second. I hope to see more of these (with classic NFL or Hokie footage)!
Thanks. This is the stuff.
Your posts help me understand the chess game between the offensive and defensive line play and gain a deeper appreciation of the mechanics behind the game.
More, please, and thank you.