Figure 35
When we do this, we carry out our same assignments, which I have explained already. The only difference is that our middle guard lines up on the offensive strong side guard, instead of on the center. If we are playing a 3-deep defense, we would adjust with our linemen. Then we consider the strong guard as the middle of the offensive line (the center), and we play our regular defense.
ADJUSTMENTS VERSUS BACKS AND ENDS FLANKED
When we have a defense called and the opposition comes out and lines up with a back or an end out, we can play it one of two ways. If it is a floater out or an end split, we will adjust slightly with our secondary, and we will drop the defensive end off the line a little. The remainder of the defensive linemen will play the defense that has been called. If a flanker is put out to one side or the other, we will revolve our 4-spoke secondary toward him and leave the linemen in their regular positions, or we will shift our line toward the flanker one whole man. These adjustments will be explained and illustrated more fully in [Chapter 5], “Pass Defense.”
In making our game plans, which will be discussed in [Chapter 10], “Planning For a Game,” we will always have a definite call that our signal caller will use in the situations discussed above relating to our adjustments versus backs and/or ends flanked out. As an example, we may tell our signal caller to shift our defense away from ends out and floaters, but shift toward flankers and an unbalanced line. These calls will depend upon the information we secure from scouting our opponents.
OUR DEFENSES VERSUS THE SINGLE WING OFFENSE
Defensing the single wing offense has always created problems for us because we feel we must meet strength with strength, and then we get hurt to the weak side. [Figures 36-37] illustrate two defenses which we believe are sound, and we have used them successfully against the single wing offense. Of course, personnel makes the defense as we all know, and a linebacker like Jack Pardee whom I had at Texas A & M made all of our defenses sound.
[Figure 36] is a defense which I feel is especially good versus the single wing offense. The duties of the defenders are as follows:
