WE HAVE NINE pass protections in our offense and have named each one after a playing card. These protections allow us to maximum protect three ways and still have the ability to get all five receivers out into their pass patterns.
The offensive linemen only have to learn three different protections, because “Jack,” “Joker” and “Deuce” are all the same for the line. Only the backs change their blocking assignments. “Ace” and “Club” are a second protection for the line. A third type of offensive-line protection is used for “King,” “Queen,” “Trump” and “Trey.”
We don’t use all of our protections in any given game, but have the ability to adjust as needed.
“Jack”
This is a single-back protection with the tight end “hot.”
DIAGRAM 1: “Jack” Pass Protection.
Left Tackle: Man-on-man vs. the right defensive end.
Left Guard: Man-on-man vs. the right defensive tackle.
Center: Double-read on the Sam linebacker to the Force LB. If neither, then help the right OG.
Right Guard: Man-on-man vs. the left DT.
Right Tackle: Man-on-man vs. the left DE.
Fullback: Man-on-man vs. the Mike LB. If Mike comes, he blocks him, if he drops, he swings to the flat.
Receivers X, H, and Z: Free release.
Tight End: Hot release.
“Joker”
In this pass protection scheme, the FB is hot.
DIAGRAM 2: “Joker” Pass Protection.
Left OT: Man-on-man vs. the right DE.
Left OG: Man-on-man vs. the right DT.
Center: Man-on-man vs. the nose tackle.
Right OG: Double read the Sam LB to the Force LB. If neither player comes, help the center.
Right OT: Man-on-man vs. the left DE.
Receivers X, Z and TE: Free releases.
FB: Hot release.
Halfback: Man-on-man vs. the Mike LB. If Mike drops, he swings to the flat.
“Deuce”
This protection scheme offers maximum pass protection.
DIAGRAM 3: “Deuce” Pass Protection.
Left OT: Man-on-man vs. the right DE.
Left OG: Man-on-man vs. the right DT.
Center: Double read the Sam LB to the Force LB. Help the right OG.
Right OG: Man-on-man vs. the left DT.
Right OT: Man-on-man vs. the left DE.
HB: Double read the Mike LB to the Rover. Swing to left flat.
FB: Lead step toward the right OT, check Sam LB. If the Sam LB comes, the center will block him and the FB is now responsible for the Force LB should he come. If the Force LB drops, FB swings out to right flat.
Receivers X, Y and Z: Free release.
Play Out Of “Joker” Protection
DIAGRAM 4: “Split 048 Joker.”
QB: Makes a 5-step drop, peeks at Y on the first few steps of the drop. If he’s open, throws it to him on the fifth step. If the Sam LB walls receiver Y, looks at the Force LB. If the Force LB drops deep, passes to the FB on the fifth step. If the Force LB runs toward the FB, resets feet and throws a dump pass to receiver X underneath.
HB: Checks the Mike LB, then swings to flat.
FB: Hot release.
Receiver X: Takes one step and comes under at 1 to 3 yards. As he comes, reads the drops of Sam and
Force LBs. Finds the alley between them and make the catch.
Receiver Y: Runs a crossing pattern, must not be walled.
Receiver Z: Seam pattern deep, looks for the touchdown.