Selected Questions and Answers from Coach DeMeo
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Gun Triple
How does the o-line know when to adjust Smart Splits? Do they line up in traditional splits, then shift to the "smart splits" based on the D-line's alignment pre-snap?
The O Line lines up in 3 foot splits & then adjusts based on the defense, BUT once the game begins they basically know where D will align. If the lineman is covered he widens a step but if he’s uncovered he tightens a step. The guards dictate if the guard widens the OT tightens but if the OG tightens the OT widens.
How do you block a 4 Across Man to Man Secondary with The Gun Triple?
V S Man to Man Secondary, we like to crack the Safety with the WR because the CB covering the WR will follow the WR inside – getting 2 for 1 – Tony
What do you do if your QB is struggling reading a HOK?
First we widen the HOK by taking a bigger split if that doesn’t work we run QB ISO at him – Hard to read, easy to block – Tony
When running Gun Triple vs 4-3 to 3 tech side, do you ever widen the tackle to intercept a running Mike backer, and have the Guard block the 3 tech himself? If so, would you release the Tackle inside or outside release on the HOK?
We Split the OG but keep the OT tight so we can help on the 3 Tech. We don’t think we can single block a 3 Tech. If the MLB is causing a problem the simplest answer is: block the HOK with your Slot & just GIVE the ball to the TB – the OG & OT double the 3 up to the MLB but the MLB will run himself out of the play
How do you block a 33 Stack Defense?
TD: We will rip the OT up for OLB to MLB. The OG stabs the Nose & blocks MLB IF he plugs A gap. Center on Nose to backside A. Off G & Off T – backside B & C Gaps. On Slot SEALS OLB to MLB to FS. QB reads DE & Options SS.
How do you adjust to a team that runs the Bear front with a stud nose guard that your center cant handle. We tried smart splits but our center cant make that one on one block.
TD: We Called that front “Griz” – short for Grizzly Bear .
This can be done 2 ways:
1. Double the Nose with C&G. Downblock the 3 with OT & LB with TB. Arc block the SS with Slot & pitch off DE – VS Bears it becomes Double Option.
2. Use a DOWN call . The O. Line cuts splits down, Everyone Blocks Down – Slot Seals the LB & QB reads the DE & Pitches off the SS . The play becomes a Wide Veer.
Triple Gun Supplemental Runs
How often do you run the Jet Sweep?
We run the Jet Sweep 2-4 times per game but we run QB ISO off the Jet Sweep & Throw Play Action Pass off The Jet Sweep as well – TD
What formations do you run QB ISO from other than Double Slot?
You can run it from any formation even Empty by just folding one of the slots inside to be the lead blocker. – TD
Triple Gun Quick Game
Do you ever tag the boot side?
Yes, for example, we could tag “Curl” & have a Curl/Flat combo to the bootside
Do you use Smart Splits for The Quick Game?
TD: We use Smart Splits on every play. The key is to ALWAYS BE ABLE TO PROTECT YOUR GAP.
Triple Gun Play Action
Can you include a hot read vs Blitz?
We don’t have a hot read on Play Action BUT: The Flash Pass is available vs backside pressure AND The QB can keep the onside Slot in to block with a “MAX” call. We can Tag the Motion Slot “HOT” & throw to him vs an OLB Blitz if he is struggling to block the blitzing LB – Tony
Do you throw any Play Action Screens like The Patriots?
We fooled around with the Crack Screen off The Jet Sweep & we could always throw Flash but we never really looked into that. It would be interesting looking into it.- Tony
Leadership, Motivation and Team Building
What is an example of an Effort Point in your Four ACES system for a QB?
If a QB makes a defender miss a tackle running with the ball or gets 3 yards after contact that’s an effort point. Also, if he makes a good pitch he gets an Effort Point
How do you pick your captains?
TD: We used Game Captains based on performance. This gives all the Seniors a chance to be a captain.