Years ago before spread offenses were fully out there, defenses were “fast playing” the QB vs team’s that showed option. Meaning the defensive player that the offense left unblocked to “read” would go as fast as he could to tackle the QB immediately. Teams that were not true triple option teams, using the option as a change up, would be forced to make the decision on how much they wanted to expose their QB to an unblocked player bearing down on him. The QB would have to make a decision under extreme duress and as a result the ball would be pitched to the edge very quickly. This would stress the defensive players on the perimeter but it would allow all other defensive players to rally to the pitch. The results were that non-triple option teams would not stay with the play for long as they considered the realization that their back up could be in the game very quickly and possibly the starter for the next couple of games. (DIAGRAM 1 – FAST PLAY VS SPEED OPTION)
As spread offenses became more prevalent, more defenses started to move the other way and began “slow playing” the QB. Meaning the unblocked player would stay flat on the line of scrimmage and wait for the QB to make his decision. If he gave the dive, the slow play defender would redirect for the QB. If the QB pulled the ball, the slow play defender would redirect for the QB. This allowed the defense to accomplish a couple things. First, the slow player could overlap on the dive and the QB, essentially helping on both. Second this allowed time for the perimeter defensive players to get off blocks and defend the pitch. Finally, it gave some uncertainty in the QB’s decision making. If the slow player is just sitting and waiting, it is not a decisive read for the QB. The QB now has to be the aggressor and attack the slow play defender to force him to play one of the phases- QB or Dive. (DIAGRAM 2 – SLOW PLAY VS SPREAD OPTION)
In my mind vs an offensive team that is a true spread or triple option team with three phases, slow playing (with some fast play change ups) is still the best way to go. However, defensively we have gotten so “slow played oriented” that versus offensive teams that are only dabbling in the spread type plays with no third option (pitch phase), we continue to slow play. This thought came to me after watching the Super Bowl last month and the way the Baltimore Ravens defense played the San Francisco 49ers offense. There was no third phase or pitch phase in what the 49ers were running. With only two phases, the Ravens were fast playing the QB every time and “dealing” with the dive. Just like years ago when we “fast played” the QB and turned the play into a pitch immediately.
Thinking about it more and more made more sense to me. Offensive teams want to be involved in some form of the spread option because of the popularity and success. But they do not want to go completely to a spread team and all the practice time that goes with it. Especially the timing and spacing that is essential when incorporating a pitch phase. Instead they put in a simple read play for the QB and the TB. Read an unblocked player and run it to the tight and open side. With so many teams slow playing the QB now a days, the QB won’t take any serious hits. So I say if you know by opponent scout or formation that there will not be a pitch phase, why not fast play the QB? Three reasons why I think we should as defensive coaches.
(DIAGRAM 3 – FAST PLAY VS SPREAD OPTION with NO PITCH PHASE)
1- When we go back to the benefits of slow playing, one was to give the defensive players on the perimeter time to react to the pitch. With no pitch phase the dive is the only option left after the QB. Now you have assigned the pitch player to help with the dive. Use him to assure that the dive will not crease your defense as an outside in player.
2- Make the QB make the quick decision under pressure, with the read player sprinting to tackle him. The read player might not always get to him in time, but the pressure associated with that will increase the chance of a bad handoff or the QB miss handling the snap from center.
3- Make their coaching staff decide how much they want to expose their QB to a free hitter. Most leagues, high school and college, are “QB Driven” leagues, meaning having a good QB at the helm is your best chance of having a successful season.
As they say, everything is circular and comes in waves. Just as before the spread came into what we know today, fast playing was the norm. I say it is time to bring fast playing back as a base versus offensive teams that do not have a pitch phase included their scheme.