In the 4-2-5 defense our ends play a standard '5' technique vs. offenses without tight ends.(This technique was discussed in an earlier article). However, against tight end offenses our alignment and techniques must change.

We flip both ends, therefore, one of our defensive ends is usually to the tight end side. We call this defensive end the Anchor (A) and the other is the rush end. One of the tactics offenses use is to "trade" their tight end. (Fig.VII) They simply line up to one side and get our defense to align in that direction. On a signal, they move him quickly to the other side. We don't try to adjust by flopping our ends to this new alignment. (We are not going to get caught off the line of scrimmage with people running at us). When we see this "trade" action we basically stay put and move our strong safety ($) up on the new alignment of the tight end. Usually offenses don't spend much practice time on this maneuver and soon tire of it.

Below, you will find the reads of the '7' alignment, or Anchor end. If you read my original article on the basic 4-2-5 defense, you will find the attributes we look for in this position. In Fig. I: We tell the Anchor the play can only be a perimeter run. In Fig. II: This play is usually a trap or power play in 'C" gap. Fig. III: Is a sweep or zone play and is one we most often see today. Fig: IV: We see the pass protection block about 60% of the time these days. Fig. V: One of the most effective play action passes is the naked boot. We occasionally see it ran to the strong side,(as depicted) but most of the time it is directed to the open side. Fig. VI: One of the most often used plays we see is the weakside zone. The back side is blocked as shown here.

This hub is just one in a series I'll be publishing on the 4-2-5 in the next few days. If there is something you specifically would like for me to go into, please feel free to ask. Also your comments are welcome at anytime and if you can click an ad, it would be great. Thanks...........