In The Line of Fire

A good pass rush is at the core of good pass coverage. A defensive scheme must choose between maximum rush or maximum coverage. When the Front 4 can pressure the QB on their own, this will allow the defense to commit 7 players down the field to be in position to intercept the ball. This will then allow the linebacker blitzes to become more effective as an element of surprise rather then the norm. The ultimate goal of any pass rush is to sack the passer. However, our philosophy goes beyond this. Not every snap and rush move ensures a sack, so we shave set up goals for our defensive linemen. While sacks are our main objective, we strive for constant pressure. Hurries, tip passes, knocking the QB down, forcing the passer our of his rhythm, these all lead to a successful pass rush. At the University of Wyoming, where I coached for the previous eight seasons, and now here at Carroll College,