A defensive end can have a huge effect on a football game. The defensive end's primary responsibility is to get by the blocker and sack the quarterback. A defensive end who can get in the backfield and cause havoc can destroy the rhythm of the opposing offense and give his team a major tactical advantage.
Sack The Quarterback
Football played at the high school, college and professional level consists of creating offensive mismatches so the quarterback can throw the ball down the field and make big plays. Most defensive backs struggle to stay with fast wide receivers. The only way to stop the passing game consistently is to pressure the quarterback. While defensive tackles can provide pressure from the interior and linebackers and defensive backs can blitz, the defensive end must find a way to beat the offensive tackle and get to the quarterback. The defensive end will use his strength, speed, explosiveness to get by the tackle and get his hands on the quarterback.
Array of Moves
The best defensive ends will develop a series of moves that allows him to get in the backfield and harass the quarterback. Many defensive ends rely on their speed and athleticism to get past the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle and speed into the backfield. The spin move will cause the offensive tackle to lose his balance and give the defensive end a half-step advantage. The defensive end relies on his strength to overpower the tackle as well. Instead of dipping his shoulder and running around the tackle, he will use a two-hand punch to stun the blocker and take a direct line into the backfield.
Stopping the Run
The defensive end cannot ignore his run-stopping responsibilities. While he might want to rush the passer every play, the opposing offense can use the defensive end's aggressiveness against him by faking the pass and running through the hole that the defensive end was previously manning. The defensive end must throw off the blocker and tackle the running back or force him to the sidelines where a linebacker can make the tackle or force him out of bounds. The defensive end must have strong hands to eliminate the blocker and then make the tackle.
Dropping Into Coverage
The zone blitz is a favorite tactic at the professional, college and high school level. When teams employ the zone blitz, linebackers attack the quarterback and the defensive end drops into coverage in an attempt to break up the pass. The idea is to make the quarterback believe that a receiver is open and then the defensive end steps into the passing lane to break up or intercept the pass. Defensive ends are often exceptional athletes and they take to this aspect of the job well. A defensive end with good hands may be able to pick off a pass and return it for a touchdown.
References
- "Play Football the NFL Way"; Tom Bass; 1991
- "Inside the Helmet"; Peter King; 1993
Member Comments