Veer vs. 3-3

From most option guys I have talked to, they would say the 3-3 is what gives them the most trouble. Well coached teams that scream their 4 tech to mesh can give an OC fits. From a defensive perspective, I really like the 3-3 against flexbone option. The X and O lab did a great "study" (from an offensive side) on the midline vs. odd stack and it got me thinking. http://xandolabs.com/2011/05/midlinemidline-triple-vs-odd-stack/ Of course the last one with the chalk wins, but how do I counter this? Sure everyone says that in order to play an odd stack, you have to have a force playing NG, but what if your stud is the Center. Yes, I understand the principle, but in my opinion the biggest players in the 3-3 are the MLB and DE. The MLB better be man.

How We Stop The Flexbone Option
Ok.Ok. Let me rephrase, how we hope to stop the option game.  And nothing is perfect, but this is what has been good to us. Sure it is still a working process and we have all had those nights where it all goes to crap, but here it goes. And trust me, when I was first shown this I had my doubts. Ok, I had alot of doubts, but I was the assistant and knew to keep my mouth shut.
We put our DE's in a 4i. First and foremost, I have to get a line of sight through the OG to the mesh point of the QB/FB exchange. My eyes are on my OG, and when he down blocks, I have to knock him off path. I have heard many say, go replace his butt. NO! NO! NO! Our big deal is, sure we want to replace his butt, but after we get hands on the OG first! If you don't want your MLB getting ear holed, it is a must that your DE knock the OG off path. Just like anything else, you can't expect him to do this correct on the first day, but it can and will happen for him. You option guys would say that this can't happen because of how fast the mesh should happen. (I thought so) BUT, the OG must first step to the NG, so that gives our DE just a split second to get hands on. We cannot allow the FB to have the football. Now I know what you're thinking. Your guy in the box said let's block down on his @ss and read the 5. No problem. We want the same thing from our 5 tech/LB. KNOCK OFF PATH! Again, I get my line of sight through my OT and where the mesh will be. After I have knocked OT off path, go find the mesh. BUT WAIT COACH!

I know you're thinking this guy isn't giving assignments on who has dive, QB, and pitch. WHAT?!?! I bet one of your questions is, "Who has the Fullback on Inside Veer?" It better be the MLB. Why? First off, if my 5tech did his job and knocked the OT off path, the MLB should have a clear shot. I know, I know it goes against everything option related, and you 50 eagle guys are a bit puzzled I bet. Bud Wilkinson is rolling over in his grave right now.



You see how the MLB can be a player on the FB, especially if the SLB can blow up the mesh. Now comes in the Rover and the FS. These two guys are also crucial. Let's talk Rover play. Alignment: 5 Yards on top of Slot. When I get motion to me, I know I am the pitch player. Nothing else matters! If I get pass, go rush.

Free Safety-Run the alley both ways. When I say alley, I mean replace the slot. Don't get in the middle between 1&2. I know my Rover is already out, don't play on top of him. If I get pass, you become the flat guy. Pretty much like a Cover 3 roll down.

Gator- Same alignment as the Rover. When I get motion away from me, my eyes immediately go the frontside #2 man on man. However, I must be patient and make absolutley 100% sure that my slot is running true orbit motion and not twirl motion. Now to be honest, this has hurt us in the past because the Gator or Rover was doing exactly like they were coached and being patient making sure of orbit motion, but on the snap couldn't quite get over to a #2 quick vertical, but that's ok. I can live with that.

Again, this is not a full proof scheme, but it has been very good to us.

Coach G