Figure 28b
Outside Linebackers or the Left Halfback and the Quarterback (see [Figure 25])—They are responsible for the wide play. They must not permit the play to get outside of them on their particular side of the defensive alignment. When the offensive play starts, both outside linebackers will “read” the offensive end closest to them, and the flow of the offensive backs. It is important they diagnose a running pass correctly, because the offensive end to the on-side must be covered correctly if his route is deep. (The outside linebacker must cover the deep man whether it’s an end or a back.) If the play is away, the backs will revolve toward it.
The two inside and two outside linebackers ([Figure 25]) play 4-spoke pass coverage on all passes, which will be explained in greater detail in [Chapter 5], “Pass Defense.” Our automatic “Thunder,” which is very good versus this particular situation, will also be explained later.
A SPLIT-T DEFENSE
There are a number of good defenses versus a T team with a straight-up T backfield. I will go over several of the defenses we have used more frequently than others. [Figure 29] illustrates our 59 call or the Oklahoma 5-4 defense versus the T formation. The individual and team duties and responsibilities are as follows:
Figure 29
Ends—The defensive ends play a 9 technique, and on this particular defense both ends’ assignments and techniques will be identical. They will not penetrate beyond the line of scrimmage unless the flow is away. When the flow goes away, the off-side defensive end becomes the trail man.