Backer Edge Blitz
A linebacker blitzes off the edge outside the end for contain pressure.
Concept: The backer attacks outside the end's shoulder keeping outside leverage to force the ball inside.
Grows with your players
Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.
- 12UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
- 14UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage. Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules. Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Every position's job
0-technique, two-gap the center.
5-technique C-gap contain rush.
5-technique backside C-gap contain rush.
Squeeze inside to the C-gap as the backer takes the edge outside him.
Cover the middle hook or the back, replace the blitzing backer inside.
Blitz off the edge outside the end's shoulder, keep outside leverage and force the ball inside.
Roll to strong flat/curl or rotate behind the blitz.
Deep-middle center field.
Cover strong receiver in man.
Cover weak receiver in man.
How to teach it
- 1The blitzing backer stays outside the end's shoulder to keep contain and force the ball back inside.
- 2The end squeezes inside to the C-gap since the backer now owns the edge.
- 3The backer must never let the ball outside him.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Backer rushing inside the end and losing contain; fix by staying outside the end's outside shoulder.
- !End not squeezing inside and leaving a hole; fix by closing the C-gap as the backer loops outside.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.