Defensive ends play a vital role in a team's defensive strategy. A good DE can be a game-changer, providing the necessary pass rush and run-stopping ability that can swing the momentum in a game. So, what are the best qualities of a defensive end for a college football team's defensive line? Let's take a closer look.
The first thing that comes to mind when talking about defensive ends is size. A defensive end needs to have the right size and strength to take on opposing offensive linemen and make tackles. Generally, defensive ends are expected to be around 6'2" to 6'5" in height and weigh between 245 to 280 pounds.
But size isn't the only attribute that makes a great defensive end. Speed and agility are also crucial. A defensive end must be able to quickly react to the offense and maneuver around offensive linemen to get to the quarterback or ball carrier. A good defensive end needs to be physically tough and resilient, able to take hits and keep playing at a high level.
Defensive ends need to be able to stop the run. Here are some of the best ways a defensive end can play against running plays:
Set the Edge: One of the most critical roles of a defensive end is to set the edge. This means they must maintain outside leverage, preventing the running back from getting outside of them and turning upfield. The defensive end should keep their outside shoulder free and use their arms to keep the offensive tackle from getting into their body. This allows them to disengage quickly and make a play on the ball carrier.
Read the Play: The defensive end needs to quickly read the play to determine if it's a run or a pass. This allows them to adjust their technique accordingly. They must be aware of the formation, the offensive line's stance, and the running back's alignment. By reading the play, the defensive end can take the correct angle to the ball carrier and make a play in the backfield.
Maintain Gap Control: Defensive ends are also responsible for maintaining gap control. This means they must stay disciplined in their assignment and maintain their gap integrity. They cannot allow themselves to get washed out of their gap or over-pursue the ball carrier, leaving a gap for the runner to exploit. By staying in their gap and keeping their eyes on the ball carrier, the defensive end can make a play on the ball and prevent the runner from gaining yards.
Shed Blocks: Offensive linemen will try to engage the defensive end and drive them out of the play. To counter this, the defensive end must be able to shed blocks quickly and make a play on the ball carrier. They can use techniques like the rip move, swim move, or bull rush to get past the offensive lineman and make a play on the ball.
Pursue: Defensive ends should always pursue the ball carrier. Even if they are not in a position to make the tackle, they can slow the runner down and force them back towards their teammates. Pursuit also allows the defensive end to be in a position to make a play if the runner cuts back.
Executing well in these areas, a defensive end can be an effective force against the run game, forcing runners to change direction and disrupting the offensive game plan.
Defensive ends play a huge role in defending against the pass. Here are some of the best ways a defensive end can play against passing plays:
Pass Rush Techniques: One of the primary responsibilities of a defensive end on a passing play is to rush the quarterback and disrupt the play. To do this, they need to use a variety of pass rush techniques to get past the offensive lineman and get to the quarterback. Some of the most effective pass rush moves include the bull rush, speed rush, spin move, and swim move. By using a combination of these moves, a defensive end can keep the offensive lineman off balance and create opportunities to sack or pressure the quarterback.
Keep Contain: Defensive ends must also keep contain, preventing the quarterback from escaping the pocket and making a big play downfield. To do this, they must stay disciplined in their rush, keeping their outside leverage and keeping the quarterback inside the pocket. By keeping contain, the defensive end can force the quarterback to throw from an uncomfortable position or take a sack.
Identify Screens: Defensive ends must be able to quickly identify screen plays and adjust their rush accordingly. On a screen play, the defensive end should look to slow down their pass rush, read the screen, and try to disrupt the play by getting in the passing lane or tackling the receiver.
Bat Down Passes: When the defensive end can't get to the quarterback for a sack, they can still disrupt the passing game by batting down passes. To do this, they should use their size and vertical leap to jump and swat the ball out of the air. This can result in an incompletion or even an interception if a defender is in the right position.
Let’s dig in a little deeper on the pass rush techniques. Here are some of the basic pass rush moves that a defensive end typically uses:
Bull Rush: The bull rush is a power move where the defensive end drives the offensive lineman backward with their strength. The defensive end uses their hands to push the offensive lineman's chest, then drives forward with their hips and legs to push the lineman into the quarterback.
Speed Rush: The speed rush is a move that relies on the defensive end's quickness off the line of scrimmage. The defensive end explodes out of their stance and tries to beat the offensive lineman with their speed to get around the edge and to the quarterback. This move is particularly effective against slower offensive tackles.
Spin: The spin move is a move where the defensive end uses their agility to spin past the offensive lineman. The defensive end takes a step toward the offensive lineman, then spins around and cuts back toward the quarterback. This move is most effective when the offensive lineman over-commits to one side.
Swim: The swim move is a technique where the defensive end uses their arm to swim past the offensive lineman. The defensive end starts with one arm low, then brings their other arm up and over the offensive lineman's arm, using it to push the lineman out of the way.
Rip: The rip move is a move where the defensive end uses their arm to rip through the offensive lineman's arm. The defensive end starts with their arm inside the offensive lineman's arm, then rips their arm up and through, using their momentum to get past the lineman.
Club: The club move is a move where the defensive end uses their outside arm to club the offensive lineman's outside shoulder in an attempt to prevent the blocker from moving into the end’s path. The defensive end starts with their arm outside the offensive lineman's arm, then clubs inside with their hand/fist to knock into the lineman from the side.
Inside Move: The inside move is a move where the defensive end fakes an outside rush and then cuts back inside. The defensive end uses the fake to get the offensive lineman leaning outside, then cuts back inside to get to the quarterback.
These moves are often used to great effect by D Ends but they really shine when a player starts combining them in their pass rush. These combos involve using a series of pass rushing techniques to get past the offensive line and get to the quarterback. Here are a few examples of combination pass rush moves:
Speed to Power: This move involves starting with a speed rush to the outside of the offensive tackle, then converting that speed into power to bull rush the tackle back into the quarterback. By using the tackle's momentum against them, the pass rusher can often blow the blocker back and get on to the quarterback.
Bull Rush to Swim: This move involves starting with a bull rush, pushing the offensive tackle backward with brute force. Once the tackle is off balance, the pass rusher uses a swim move to get free from the tackle and get into the backfield.
Inside Spin to Rip: This move involves starting with an inside spin move, moving to the inside of the offensive tackle and making a quick turn to the quarterback. Once the pass rusher has gotten past the tackle, they use a rip move to finish moving past the blocker.
Club-Rip: This move involves starting with a club move, using the pass rusher's outside hand to club the offensive tackle's arm, forcing them to get out of position. Once the tackle is off balance, the pass rusher quickly follows up with a rip move to get past them and get to the quarterback.
With the combo moves, a pass rusher can keep the offensive line guessing and get to the quarterback more frequently. A successful pass rush can lead to sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions, all of which can be game-changing plays that swing the momentum in favor of the defense.
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