The X Factor

Defensive football coaches, from Pop Warner to the professional level, often encounter the same challenge: stopping the single dominant player on the opponent’s offense. This may be a running back, a scrambling quarterback or a top receiver. Often the outcome of a game will be determined by shutting down this individual – the go-to guy. Using the principles of the X Factor, defensive coordinators can keep their game plan simple, yet still adjust to stopping the opponent’s main threat. The concept is very simple. Ten of the 11 defensive regulars align in a traditional 52 front (See Diagram 1). Diagram 1: 52 front Their assignments do not vary: they are as follows: N - Responsible for the two-gap center vs. the run; compresses the pocket vs. the pass. T - Responsible for the offensive tackle vs. the run; contains the pass rush. OLB - Responsible for force vs. run to and responsible