Down Question

[pgallagher]

Coach Metz,

I know Down happens to be one of your favorite plays, so here is my question:

If you are running 82 Down vs. 4-4 with the DE in a 7 Tech (inside shade of TE) do you prefer blocking the 7 Tech with the TE and kicking out the Olb or releasing the Te to the 1st backer past 5 and kick out the 7 tech??? Or do you like running one of the complimentary plays in the down series vs this front?

Thank you

Coach Gallagher

[Coach Metz]

Coach Gallagher,
We do it like you said, down on 7tech and kick out the OLB. If the 7tech loops, then we'll block it the other way. I do run the down sweep often because that will prevent any confusion with a looping 7tech. Also, with the down sweep, we're not too worried about the ILB because the FB's action should freeze him a little.
Thanks,
Metz