Stopping the Read Option The Philadelphia Eagles’ read option offense is only successful because of the lack of two primary skills in the modern NFL. First, open field tackling. Second, the inability of inside linebackers to read keys and communicate, their primary jobs. Open field tackling is not about getting your picture on SportsCenter or “blowing up” a guy. Solid tackling is based on three primary things, the first two of which are the position of the head: see what you hit has always been something good tackling coaches have taught. Yeah, it looks new to outsiders or people who miss tackles regularly. But placing your facemask in the right position is key and goes along with this: place your head in front of and across the ball carrier, between them and where they are trying to go. This means if the ball carrier is going for the sideline, your head should be where they want to go, toward the sideline. Extending the arms and wrapping up a guy who is crossing your field of vision is just simpler and more solid, and nearly impossible to escape for a runner. Lastly, do not leave your feet. Diving is for wimps. A truly great tackler delivers the blow all the way to the ground, driving into and through the ball carrier. Simple tackling drills done over and over and over - until it is second nature – is the best way to teach this. The second problem with the read offense is that inside linebackers are not doing their jobs: read their first key, and communicate. The first key for any inside linebacker is the movement of the guard’s feet. I don’t care what is going on in the backfield, and neither should the linebacker. Watch the guard’s foot: If the first step of the guard is backwards, it is a pass. If their first step is toward the center, it is a downblock and the linebacker’s job is to fill the gap immediately, blowing up the running play before the running back or pulling guard assigned to block them can arrive. If the first step is out it is an outside running play and they should be racing The pulling guard to the edge of the line to eliminate their ability to take out the defensive end and gain the corner to run free. The next part of this is communication. Immediately upon the first step by the guard, the linebacker should be screaming – as he moves – what the play is. This helps everyone on the field immediately adjust their movement to stop the offensive play. The read option being run by so many teams will only be successful against players who do not truly understand their job as part of a team, a unit that moves as one body. Regardless of tremendous talent and amazing athletic ability, the basics of football have never changed. Do your job, and make it easier for everyone else to do theirs.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 13:11:45 +0000
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