Sack Attack: Pressuring the Quarterback

with Drew Sanders,
Vandegrift (TX) High School Head Coach;
Texas 6A Div. II Regional Semi-Finalists, 12-1 final record (2018); Undefeated District 13-6A Champions;
#1 Ranked Defense in 13-6A; Most interceptions in school history (12)

Coach Drew Sanders has consistently fielded great defenses during his time coaching in high school, and in this video, he details some of the techniques that he uses to ensure his players get pressure on the opposing team's quarterback.

Identifying Protections

Sanders begins with an explanation on how he and his coaching staff identify protections. He also diagrams the protections and how all of his schemes are designed to work. By understanding what the offensive scheme is designed to do, Coach Sanders can design defensive calls that will give his players the best chance to get to the quarterback in a passing situation.

You'll see Coach Sanders break down the most common protections seen today, including:

• Slide
• Big-on-Big
• Motion Pass
• Man Fan
• Turnback

Attacking Protections

Next, Sanders continues by covering several ways to attack each protection. Multiple pressure schemes are diagrammed, including: front games, double edge pressure, cross dogs, and several more. Additionally, Coach Sanders demonstrates how he creates favorable match-ups for teams that utilize big-on-big protection.

You'll also walk away with the knowledge of how Sanders teaches the wide speed rush to his defensive ends, along with the "Molly" concept that allows your defense to confuse offensive protection calls. Coach Sanders also includes a unique "pull and play" tactic that nearly guarantees a free rusher in the backfield.

Overall, this is an excellent video for coaches who are looking for a way to systematically pressure the quarterback. With Coach Sanders' help, your defense will be able to get after the QB this fall!

61 minutes. 2019.