THE BEAR DEFENSIVE package has unlimited possibilities with its line games. One of the beauties of the 46 package is the 3-on-3 placement of defensive linemen against the core of the offensive formation. In this formation, the center and both guards are covered.

DIAGRAM 1: 3-On-3 In The Middle.

Numerous two- or three-man games are available to attack individuals or protection schemes. A major reason for the success of the 46 defense is that double-team blocks are difficult up front because of the 3-on-3 ratio in the middle. The Bear front forces the offense to block 1-on-1.

The two- and three-man exchanges can be highly effective against a pass or run and can be used in conjunction with linebacker stunts involving the $, S, or B LBs. These stunts can have a devastating effect on the offense.

46 Bear Front 2-Man Games
The following are some 2-man games for the 46 Bear front. Included in the diagrams are the other members of the 46 Bear front to give the reader a better understanding of the entire front.

DIAGRAM 2: Bears Twist. The defensive tackle (T) will rip and run the A-gap. The nose (N) will flash at the center to draw his block and then fold around the tackle. The nose turns up into the first daylight that he sees.


DIAGRAM 3: Weak Bears Echo. To better facilitate the stunt, the Weak Bears call is used to get the nose aligned to the weak side. This stunt is similar to Bears Twist except the exchange is between the nose (N) and the defensive end (E).


DIAGRAM 4: Bears Loop. This two-man game is initiated by the nose (N). He rips and runs while the tackle (T) flashes at the guard before he folds around. If the center locks on the nose (N) and the off guard blocks the end (E), the tackle (T) should come free.


DIAGRAM 5: Weak Bears Rope. This is a weak-side loop. The nose (N) again initiates the exchange while the end (E) works around.


DIAGRAM 6: Weak Bears Switch. This is a two-man exchange between the end (E) and the will (W). The stunt is set up by will’s speed rushes, as he gives the appearance of a speed rush and on his third step, he’ll go under the offensive tackle’s pass set.


The end (E) assumes contain responsibility. This is possible because the OT works off the line of scrimmage to counter the speed rush of Will.

46 Bear Front 3-Man Games
The 3-on-3 spacing in the middle makes lane exchanges easy and highly effective.

DIAGRAM 7: Bears “SIN.” SIN stands for “strong inside.” This stunt involves the three middle rushers. The exchange has the nose (N) and end (E) working to the strong inside player (Tackle). The tackle (T) will, in turn, work to the weak side.


DIAGRAM 8: Weak Bears “WIN.” WIN is an acronym for “weak inside.” This also, is a stunt involving the three middle defenders, but the exchange also involves the three middle defenders. This change up has the nose (N) and tackle (T) working toward the end (E), who in turn, will be working toward the strong side.