overheard in a GLB lockerroom... the DC talking to new players.
"OK men. Forget all the fundamentals you may have learned in your youth. We've generally got a huge built-in advantage over the offense, so we should always behave arrogant and cocky. Forget gang tackling--go for the ball carrier one at a time. Push each other out of the way to get to him if necessary. Wait for your team mate to either make or miss a tackle before you try.
"Better yet, don't even worry about who has the ball. At all times just engage whichever potential blocker is closest to you until you can beat that blocker. Don't even try to just go around him in the open field. Especially don't do this on Special Teams where you have lots of room in which you could move. Always engage--and if you can get two or more defenders to lock up with one blocker, that's even better.
"And as soon as your team falls behind a few scores, make sure it effects your morale much more than it effects an offensive squad in the same situation.
"In pass coverage, feel free to generally ignore whatever instructions you are given by the coordinators or what your agent might tell you. Even if you INTEND to be playing close coverage, don't really do it. Don't start to get close until the ball is in the air. That way if the receiver makes a quick cut or fake you wont be anywhere near him.
"This ain't the NFL. Don't worry about forcing turnovers. You will generate just about as many no matter what you do to try to create more.
"If the other team needs less than a yard on 3rd or 4th down, or any down for that matter, don't treat that play any different than another down, even if our defensive play is drawn up as though you should. Don't hit the gap any faster or harder. Hesitate just as long trying to read whether its a run or pass play--even if the opposing team always runs a QB sneak on 4th and inches.
"When blitzing, ignore it if the QB hands the ball off or throws a screen. Just keep chasing the QB long after he's gotten rid of the ball. Chase him 10 or 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage sometimes. Maybe this will weaken his resolve.
"Also, if you are blitzing follow the same rules as tackling--don't go directly for the ball carrier (the QB) if there's a blocker you could engage. Dont just go around him despite the fact you are 3 times as fast and usually more agile. Engage, break the block, then continue your pursuit of the QB. Only go directly for the QB if the blocker fails to notice you and doesn't want to engage."
"OK men. Forget all the fundamentals you may have learned in your youth. We've generally got a huge built-in advantage over the offense, so we should always behave arrogant and cocky. Forget gang tackling--go for the ball carrier one at a time. Push each other out of the way to get to him if necessary. Wait for your team mate to either make or miss a tackle before you try.
"Better yet, don't even worry about who has the ball. At all times just engage whichever potential blocker is closest to you until you can beat that blocker. Don't even try to just go around him in the open field. Especially don't do this on Special Teams where you have lots of room in which you could move. Always engage--and if you can get two or more defenders to lock up with one blocker, that's even better.
"And as soon as your team falls behind a few scores, make sure it effects your morale much more than it effects an offensive squad in the same situation.
"In pass coverage, feel free to generally ignore whatever instructions you are given by the coordinators or what your agent might tell you. Even if you INTEND to be playing close coverage, don't really do it. Don't start to get close until the ball is in the air. That way if the receiver makes a quick cut or fake you wont be anywhere near him.
"This ain't the NFL. Don't worry about forcing turnovers. You will generate just about as many no matter what you do to try to create more.
"If the other team needs less than a yard on 3rd or 4th down, or any down for that matter, don't treat that play any different than another down, even if our defensive play is drawn up as though you should. Don't hit the gap any faster or harder. Hesitate just as long trying to read whether its a run or pass play--even if the opposing team always runs a QB sneak on 4th and inches.
"When blitzing, ignore it if the QB hands the ball off or throws a screen. Just keep chasing the QB long after he's gotten rid of the ball. Chase him 10 or 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage sometimes. Maybe this will weaken his resolve.
"Also, if you are blitzing follow the same rules as tackling--don't go directly for the ball carrier (the QB) if there's a blocker you could engage. Dont just go around him despite the fact you are 3 times as fast and usually more agile. Engage, break the block, then continue your pursuit of the QB. Only go directly for the QB if the blocker fails to notice you and doesn't want to engage."
