TO IMPROVE OUR teams passing game, we tried to simplify our drop-back pass protection to make it as easy as possible for our players.

The following scheme is simple for your players to learn and remember, yet extremely effective. It begins with three basic rules:

    The quarterback always sets up behind the inside cheek of our offensive tackle.

    We’ll utilize the tight end to help block on the backside, unless he is “tagged” on a pass route.

    Always designate in your play call, either right or left. If the call is right, it then becomes your front side with the left being the backside.

Numbering System

We use a specific numbering system to determine who each player is responsible for.

DIAGRAM 1: Numbering System Vs. 5-2 Defense.


DIAGRAM 2: Numbering System Vs. 5-2 Defense (“Right” Call). 


If we were to call “right” our pass protection would work like this.

Front side
Right OT: Jab steps right and has the No. 2 (DT)
Right OG: Jabs and punches to his right to help with the No. 2 (if he takes an inside slant) while keeping his eye on the No. 1 (LB). If the LB comes, pick him up and if he drops
into coverage, then help with the No. 2 (DT) or No. 0 (NT) defender.
Center: Jab steps right and has the No. 0 (NT).
Fullback: Has the No. 3 (DE) and will attack that player’s inside shoulder.

Backside
Left OG: Jabs and punches to his right to help with the No. 0 (NT, if he slants to his side) while keeping an eye on backside No. 1 (LB). If the backside LB comes, he picks him up. If the LB drops into pass coverage, he then helps with the No. 0 (NT) or hinges to the backside.
Left OT: Steps right and hinges to the backside. Don’t attack the No. 2 (DT) let him come to you.
Tight End: Steps right and hinges to the backside — again, he shouldn’t attack his man, he must let him come to him.

Vs. Even Fronts
Our numbering system for an even front, such as a 4-3 defense, would be as follows:

DIAGRAM 3: Numbering System Vs. Even Front (4-3 Defense).

If we were to call “right” our Pass Protection would change to a “fan technique.”

DIAGRAM 4: Numbering System Vs. 4-3 Defense (“Right” Call).


Front Side
Right OT: Jab steps right and “fans” out to take the No. 2 (DT).
Right OG:  Jab steps right and has the No. 1 (LB).
Center: Jab and punches right to help with the front side No. 1 (the LB — if he slants his way), while keeping his eye on the No. 0 (NT). If the NT comes, take him. If the NT drops, help out with the No. 1 or hinge to the backside.
Fullback: Has the No. 3 man (DE). If he comes, meet him at the LOS. If the DE drops into coverage, then stay on LOS and help out or he could even release on a “tag” route.

Backside
Left OG: Jab steps right and has the No. 1 (LB).
Left OT: Steps right and hinges to the backside.
Tight End: Steps right and hinges to the backside.

Coaching Points
    The backside (Step and Hinge) must create a wall.

    By stepping and hinging — and not taking a specific defender — any twist or games to the backside will be picked up.

    Against even fronts — such as 40 defenses — we like to go “Big on Big,” putting our OT on the No. 2 (DE) and stepping our FB into the bubble to take the No. 3 (LB).

    To our front side we must work on twists and stunts, but since all linemen are stepping to the front side, we eliminate gaps and pass twists and stunts on to the next guy.

    The front-side OT, when he sees an even 40 look, will call out “fan,”  telling the FB that the No. 3 man is now the LB.

    Practicing the worst-case scenario each week helps this unit to be ready for almost anything.

Pass-Protection Numbering Chart

DIAGRAM 5: Vs. 5-2 Defense.


DIAGRAM 6: Vs. 50 Eagle Defense.


DIAGRAM 7: Vs. 4-3 Defense.


DIAGRAM 8: Vs. 4-4 Defense.


DIAGRAM 9: Vs. 6-2 Defense.


DIAGRAM 10: Vs. 6-1 Defense.


DIAGRAM 11: Vs. 7-Diamond Defense.


DIAGRAM 12: Vs. 7-Diamond Defense (Continued). Against a 7-diamond, the No. 3 defender will be the biggest threat.