When watching football, the movements of defensive linemen and linebackers might seem random, but they're often carefully planned strategies. You may have heard the terms Stunts, Twists, and Blitzes without really understanding what they mean. Let's break these down in simpler terms.
What are Stunts and Twists and Why Use Them?
Basically, stunts and twists are when two defensive players switch places after the snap to confuse the offensive team. This can make it hard for the offensive team to decide who to block.
Why would a defense do that? By changing the expected path or assignment of a defensive lineman, the offense may become uncertain about who to block. This uncertainty can lead to mistakes, such as missed blocks, which the defense can exploit.
Different offensive linemen have varied skill sets. A twist or stunt might result in a favorable matchup for the defense — for instance, pitting a quicker defensive player against a slower offensive lineman.
Twists and stunts can create a situation where more defensive players are attacking a point than the offense can block. For instance, by drawing two offensive linemen to one defender, another defender may find a clear path to the quarterback or ball carrier.
If a defense always rushes in a straightforward manner, it's easier for the offense to predict and block. Mixing in twists and stunts keeps the offensive line on its toes.
Types of Stunts and Twists
ET Stunt (End-Tackle Stunt)
The ET Stunt, short for End-Tackle Stunt, is a coordinated defensive maneuver involving the Defensive End (DE) and the Defensive Tackle (DT) on the same side of the line. In this stunt, the DE attacks first, directing his rush towards the inside shoulder of the offensive tackle. This inside move is designed to draw the attention of both the tackle and the adjacent offensive guard, effectively creating a diversion. As these offensive linemen adjust to block the DE, the DT loops around, aiming to exploit the open edge or gap that emerges. The primary objective of this stunt is to confuse the blocking assignments of the offensive line, create mismatches, and penetrate the backfield.
For an effective ET Stunt (End-Tackle Stunt), coaches should emphasize the following: First, the DE must focus on attacking the offensive tackle's inside shoulder, thereby committing both the tackle and the adjacent guard. This penetration is crucial to create an opening for the DT. The DT should stay patient before looping around the DE. Making the move too early can defeat the stunt. Both players should maintain low pad levels to leverage against blockers. Timing, coordination, and quick recognition of the offensive set are key to exploit vulnerabilities and make the stunt successful.
TE Stunt (Tackle-End Stunt)
The TE Stunt, which stands for Tackle-End Stunt, reverses the roles from the ET Stunt. The initial move comes from the DT who charges at the offensive guard's outside shoulder, seeking to draw the guard and the adjacent offensive tackle towards him. As this occurs, the DE on the same side waits for a split second, letting the DT engage the blockers. The DE then exploits the space between the distracted guard and the center, cutting inside towards the backfield. The primary goal of this stunt is similar to the ET Stunt: disorient the offensive line's blocking scheme, capitalize on potential mismatches, and provide avenues for defensive penetration.
For the TE Stunt (Tackle-End Stunt) to be effective, the DT should prioritize explosiveness. Quickness and a powerful first step are vital.The DE must delay his inside move momentarily, ensuring the DT fully engages the blockers before the DE exploits the gap. The DE’s angle of attack is critical; heading too deep or too shallow can make the stunt predictable. The teamwork between the DT and DE is critical. Their coordination is what makes this stunt successful.
Adding Linebackers to the Mix: Blitzes
Many times, the movements of the DLine are not just to get one of them free to get into the backfield.The beauty of these blitzes lies in their coordinated nature. The defensive linemen set the stage, and the linebackers capitalize on the created opportunities. The key for the defense is to remain unpredictable, ensuring the offense can't reliably anticipate where pressure will come from next. Let’s look at a few examples of those blitzes and how the DL makes them happen.
A-Gap Blitz
The A-Gap Blitz focuses on the linebacker targeting the space between the center and the guard, known as the A-gap. In this blitz, defensive linemen, especially the defensive tackles, engage the guards and center with force. They might use bull rushes or other techniques to keep these offensive linemen occupied. By doing so, they create an opportunity for the blitzing linebacker to penetrate the A-gap swiftly. The effectiveness of this blitz hinges on the element of surprise and the defensive tackle's ability to command the attention of the blockers, thereby creating a clear channel for the linebacker.
Delayed or "Green Dog" Blitz
The Delayed Blitz, often referred to as the "Green Dog" Blitz, requires the linebacker to read an assigned offensive player, such as a running back or tight end. Instead of rushing immediately, the linebacker waits to see if their marked player goes out for a pass or stays in to block. If the player blocks, the linebacker blitzes. The defensive linemen play a crucial role by engaging the offensive linemen in front of them. By keeping these blockers occupied, they ensure that if the running back or tight end does stay in to block, there is often a free lane for the linebacker to exploit. This blitz is effective because it adds adaptability to the defense, allowing the linebacker to either cover or rush based on the offensive play.
B-Gap Twist Blitz
In the B-Gap Twist Blitz, the linebacker has his sights set on the B-gap, which is the space between the offensive guard and tackle. The defensive linemen play a pivotal role in creating an opportunity here. A common tactic is for the defensive tackle to move or stunt towards the outside, engaging the offensive tackle, while the defensive end crashes inside towards the guard. This crisscrossing action, or twist, between the linemen can confuse or delay the offensive blockers, opening the B-gap for the blitzing linebacker. The potency of this blitz is rooted in its ability to confuse blocking assignments and the synchronicity between the linemen and the linebacker.
Outside Contain Blitz
The Outside Contain Blitz is all about perimeter pressure. Here, the linebacker rushes from an outside position with the goal of either sacking the quarterback or containing potential outside runs. Defensive linemen set the stage for this blitz with their inside moves. For instance, the defensive end might initiate an inward stunt at the snap, drawing the tackle and potentially the tight end towards the center. This movement creates an edge opportunity for the blitzing linebacker. The blitz's effectiveness comes from its ability to capitalize on the inward diversion created by the defensive linemen, potentially leaving the outer edge vulnerable.
Double A-Gap Blitz
The Double A-Gap Blitz is a dual threat where two linebackers blitz through both A-gaps simultaneously. The defensive tackles in this scheme often move or stunt outwards to the B-gaps, forcing the guards to widen their stances or follow them. By doing so, they create a central opening or at least thin out the protection in the middle. With both A-gaps under threat, the center often faces a dilemma about which linebacker to pick up, potentially leaving one unblocked. This blitz's strength lies in its ability to overload the central protection, often causing immediate pressure on the quarterback.
Both twists and stunts from the defensive line and linebacker blitzes serve to increase the unpredictability and aggressiveness of a defense. These tactics aim to disrupt the rhythm and decision-making of the offense, leading to potential mistakes and big plays for the defense.
