When to use: When scouting shows the offense runs the ball 70%+ of the time. 1st down, 2nd & short, goal line. Stack the box and play man on the perimeter.
Two midfield defenders (ML/MR) play run-fit and blitz-heavy; two corners play man coverage on the outside receivers; FS is the last line of defense over the top.
Midfielders (ML/MR): Line up on the line of scrimmage or just behind. Your job is to STOP THE RUN. Read the QB's eyes and the ball. Fill your gap hard. If you see a jet or motion, chase it laterally — don't let them get outside.
Corners (CB/CB2): Each corner has one receiver in man coverage. Stay tight (play off-man, 3–4 yards from your guy). If your receiver runs flat/swing, mirror them. If they go vertical, turn and run with them.
Free Safety (FS): Middle deep. You're the last line if a run breaks through. Read the ball and flow to it. Defend the deep middle vs any vertical seam.
Keys: This is a run-stopping look — 4 defenders in the box, 1 deep. If the offense passes, expect short/intermediate throws. Corners must not get beat deep. ML/MR: attack the line and shed blocks (no blocking allowed, so just tackle the runner or bat the ball).
When to use: When scouting shows the offense runs the ball 70%+ of the time. 1st down, 2nd & short, goal line. Stack the box and play man on the perimeter.
Two midfield defenders (ML/MR) play run-fit and blitz-heavy; two corners play man coverage on the outside receivers; FS is the last line of defense over the top.
Midfielders (ML/MR): Line up on the line of scrimmage or just behind. Your job is to STOP THE RUN. Read the QB's eyes and the ball. Fill your gap hard. If you see a jet or motion, chase it laterally — don't let them get outside.
Corners (CB/CB2): Each corner has one receiver in man coverage. Stay tight (play off-man, 3–4 yards from your guy). If your receiver runs flat/swing, mirror them. If they go vertical, turn and run with them.
Free Safety (FS): Middle deep. You're the last line if a run breaks through. Read the ball and flow to it. Defend the deep middle vs any vertical seam.
Keys: This is a run-stopping look — 4 defenders in the box, 1 deep. If the offense passes, expect short/intermediate throws. Corners must not get beat deep. ML/MR: attack the line and shed blocks (no blocking allowed, so just tackle the runner or bat the ball).
Build your own
Get this whole example as your starting point — rename it, swap the logo, edit any play. The original stays untouched for the next coach.
