Ben Olson, Co-DC, Incarnate Word
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A summary of the transcript is available below the video.
CORE PHILOSOPHY
The system focuses on four-man rushes that can be executed through full-line games, half-line games, and sim pressures (showing pressure while only rushing four). The key is keeping seven defenders in coverage while generating pressure with just four rushers.
READING THE OFFENSE
Coaches must identify the “man side” (where the protection is sliding) before the snap. Players need to understand this concept to set up games independently on the field. Key factors include recognizing the center’s turn direction, identifying soft vs. aggressive offensive linemen, and finding space in gaps.
GAME SELECTION STRATEGY
Against vertical-setting guards and tackles, use tackle-penetrate and loop stunts. Against jump-setting guards, prefer end-penetrate with tackle loops. The principle is simple: attack where space exists, whether in the A-gap or B-gap.
HALF-LINE GAMES
These involve eating up the best interior offensive lineman with a linebacker while rushing only three true pass rushers. The linebacker “mugs” (shows pressure) then drops into spy coverage on the QB or RB. This creates three one-on-one matchups for your best pass rushers with maximum freedom to win.
THE “EAR” STUNT
A frequently used technique where the end penetrates first, followed by the tackle looping behind. This works especially well when identifying space in the B-gap and against aggressive offensive linemen. The 2023 game examples showed multiple sacks using this concept during critical two-minute drill situations.
LINEBACKER DEPTH VARIATIONS
The same four-man rush concepts work with the fourth rusher at linebacker depth instead of on the line. This maintains big-on-big matchups and helps disguise the rush direction while still attacking the man side effectively.