![]() ![]() With the advent of the Spread, even the TE position is changing into a hybrid player, one that can flex out, play fullback, or line up and block in the box as shown above. Defensive coaches have found out subbing against tempo teams can be impossible and puts the defense at risk of a big play (or penalty). In a perfect world, defenses could insert a traditional linebacker against tight end/traditional formations, and substitute the traditional player for a hybrid/nickel against Spread formations. The defense must have a plan to defend every single formation without the ability to sub. All this can be carried out in one series. ![]() One play can have a formation that creates an extra gap on the line, the next is a Spread formation, and then finally the offense puts the H-back into the backfield again or lines him up out wide. It is important to have a plan when facing teams with TEs or H-backs. The fluidity of the game from TE sets to Spread sets and back again puts stress on hybrid defensive coaches. He is not the only one in his corner.įootball, unlike any other sport, is a constant chess match. Take a look at how Bret Bielema ( former Wisconsin and Arkansas Head Coach), a constant critic of the Spread, recruits running backs against Spread teams across the country. In recent years, Oregon has used Spread TE sets with devastating effect, and even the typically receiver happy offenses similar to Baylor have opted to add more 11 personnel formations to their arsenal over the past few years to beef up the run game and force defenses to spin. This can stress a 4-2-5 defense because the hybrid Sam, or a true Nickel, can be exposed to a larger, stronger bodied TE and depending on how the defense chooses to align can put a safety in primary support of an interior gap. ![]() More and more, if a team has access to a TE or “H-back” they are opting for a pro-style Spread look, basing out of 2×2 ( Pro Twin) and 3×1 ( Trey) formations, even running pro-style two-back sets (20p). An easy way for Spread teams to create an extra gap and keep their Spread principles is to add a TE to their formations. As defenses move to hybrid players to combat the spread attacks proliferating through all levels of football, offenses are turning to tight end/”H-back” sets and a more traditional run game ( Power, Counter, and Iso). The game of football is a constant pendulum. ![]()
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