Why doesn't the NFL assign a defender to defend against mobile QB's?

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  • Joel Buchsbaum
    Legend
    • Jan 2021
    • 7364

    Why doesn't the NFL assign a defender to defend against mobile QB's?


    Why doesn't the NFL assign a defender to defend against mobile QB's that are capable of running, say a 4.6 40 or better?

    This is only for the QB's that average ( roughly ) better than 20+ yards a game on the ground!

    Allow me to put on my defensive coordinator hat and give you the good fans of Planet Steelers my 101.
    • Spies: Sometimes, defenses will employ a "spy" - a linebacker or safety whose primary role is to watch and react to the QB. Let the QB guess where he is, and hit him hard whenever he runs. This by itself will limit the QB running as most of the QB's are not built to be hit. Always assign a spy on 3rd down and 5+ yards. I see this guy as a key situational piece. I call him the QB killer. For us the best man is either Fitz or Wilson. This man drops into short zone coverage, cheating to the right hand side of the QB as most QB runs are either to this side or the middle and engages once the QB passes the line of scrimmage. Like 80% of the time. Seek and destroy. Use on 2nd and 3rd down with 5+ yards to go, but not always deploy the spy for QB commitment.
    • Containment: Defensive ends and outside linebackers are often tasked with maintaining the edge, forcing the QB to stay within the pocket or at least not gain significant yardage outside the tackle box. Mix this to one player to the opposite side of the QB spy on 3rd down, or on 2nd and long ,but not always.

    The goal is to limit qb running. Hit him and slow him down, giving up some yards while passing IF the QB can read a defense and process things quickly! I do not think most of them can.

    You give up an extra 30 yards passing in exchange for hitting the other QB, who is treated like a running back once he crosses the LOS by the refs and really putting a cap on his ground game. IMO, this is a fair trade!

    Why don't our DC's in general do this type of strategy? Why?


    -JB



    Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game in seven years and counting. The earliest will be eight years. I guess that in Art Rooney's II, opinion is worth a 3 year extension.

    Our 2024 draft looks to be grade A. Our 2023 draft is an A. The roster is talented, but Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.

    *** Mike Tomlin is the best coach since the AFL- NFL merger that has not won a playoff game in 8 seasons or more. It's either him or Lewis. ***
  • Joel Buchsbaum
    Legend
    • Jan 2021
    • 7364

    #2
    No replies to this thread? These mobile QB's who are below average to average passers are a fad.
    Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game in seven years and counting. The earliest will be eight years. I guess that in Art Rooney's II, opinion is worth a 3 year extension.

    Our 2024 draft looks to be grade A. Our 2023 draft is an A. The roster is talented, but Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.

    *** Mike Tomlin is the best coach since the AFL- NFL merger that has not won a playoff game in 8 seasons or more. It's either him or Lewis. ***

    Comment

    • T.Ferguson
      Pro Bowler
      • Sep 2021
      • 2346

      #3
      You mean why doesn't Tomlin do this? Because he believes in player execution and sticking to his gameplan, if the players just do that then Steelers will win otherwise we tip our hat. It's why every playoff game for almost the last decade has been over by halftime.

      What's really bizarre to me is how there are so many miscommunications happening on this defense when it's really not that complicated by NFL standards. So maybe adding a spy or another adjustment would just be too overwhelming for the team lol. Tomlin needs his personal time too!

      Comment

      • feltdizz
        Legend
        • May 2008
        • 26988

        #4
        Originally posted by T.Ferguson
        You mean why doesn't Tomlin do this? Because he believes in player execution and sticking to his gameplan, if the players just do that then Steelers will win otherwise we tip our hat. It's why every playoff game for almost the last decade has been over by halftime.

        What's really bizarre to me is how there are so many miscommunications happening on this defense when it's really not that complicated by NFL standards. So maybe adding a spy or another adjustment would just be too overwhelming for the team lol. Tomlin needs his personal time too!
        Nah, the issue was changing the philosophy to stop Henry in the playoffs.

        We beat Daniels and prior to this year we had Lamar’s number.

        In the zone read always hit the QB.
        Steelers 27
        Rats 16

        Comment

        • Buzz
          Legend
          • Dec 2017
          • 8186

          #5
          Don't take this wrong, but this thread is confusing -- why would the NFL assign a defender to defend a mobile QB? Seems like it should be up to each team to decide if they want to do that.

          As far as the Steelers employing a spy on the QB, I do think there would be times when it could be advantageous
          I also think a QB like Lamar Jackson might well utilize threat of the run to blow open his passing attack, finding open receivers all day long - with the spy there's one less pass defender available

          Comment

          • Joel Buchsbaum
            Legend
            • Jan 2021
            • 7364

            #6
            Originally posted by Buzz
            Don't take this wrong, but this thread is confusing -- why would the NFL assign a defender to defend a mobile QB? Seems like it should be up to each team to decide if they want to do that.

            As far as the Steelers employing a spy on the QB, I do think there would be times when it could be advantageous
            I also think a QB like Lamar Jackson might well utilize threat of the run to blow open his passing attack, finding open receivers all day long - with the spy there's one less pass defender available

            Yes. That was the point. Assign a spy on some downs! Read all of my suggestions in post #1 of this thread,

            Play the % ages.

            Let the mobile qb's ( 4.6 or better ) pass if they can. Assign a man to them.

            Only a maximum of five men can go out for a pass. The defense will always have the numbers advantage in covering them.
            Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game in seven years and counting. The earliest will be eight years. I guess that in Art Rooney's II, opinion is worth a 3 year extension.

            Our 2024 draft looks to be grade A. Our 2023 draft is an A. The roster is talented, but Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.

            *** Mike Tomlin is the best coach since the AFL- NFL merger that has not won a playoff game in 8 seasons or more. It's either him or Lewis. ***

            Comment

            • T.Ferguson
              Pro Bowler
              • Sep 2021
              • 2346

              #7
              Originally posted by feltdizz

              Nah, the issue was changing the philosophy to stop Henry in the playoffs.

              We beat Daniels and prior to this year we had Lamar’s number.

              In the zone read always hit the QB.
              Henry had almost 200 yards though. Furthermore, Steelers D was in nickel almost half the game so who knows what the philosophy was, Tomlin living in his fears again, I think this alone should be enough to get Tomlin fired, I mean what the hell. Ravens offense only used 3 wide 8 times the entire game and Flowers their best WR didn't play.

              Comment

              • Joel Buchsbaum
                Legend
                • Jan 2021
                • 7364

                #8
                Originally posted by T.Ferguson

                Henry had almost 200 yards though. Furthermore, Steelers D was in nickel almost half the game so who knows what the philosophy was, Tomlin living in his fears again, I think this alone should be enough to get Tomlin fired, I mean what the hell. Ravens offense only used 3 wide 8 times the entire game and Flowers their best WR didn't play.
                YES. Think of how the man is used on defense.
                Last edited by Joel Buchsbaum; 01-21-2025, 06:27 AM.
                Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game in seven years and counting. The earliest will be eight years. I guess that in Art Rooney's II, opinion is worth a 3 year extension.

                Our 2024 draft looks to be grade A. Our 2023 draft is an A. The roster is talented, but Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.

                *** Mike Tomlin is the best coach since the AFL- NFL merger that has not won a playoff game in 8 seasons or more. It's either him or Lewis. ***

                Comment

                • feltdizz
                  Legend
                  • May 2008
                  • 26988

                  #9
                  Originally posted by T.Ferguson

                  Henry had almost 200 yards though. Furthermore, Steelers D was in nickel almost half the game so who knows what the philosophy was, Tomlin living in his fears again, I think this alone should be enough to get Tomlin fired, I mean what the hell. Ravens offense only used 3 wide 8 times the entire game and Flowers their best WR didn't play.
                  that’s being reactionary. Sure, Henry killed us the second game but you should always take out an MVP QB in an RPO early in games. Hit him early and often.
                  Steelers 27
                  Rats 16

                  Comment

                  • Joel Buchsbaum
                    Legend
                    • Jan 2021
                    • 7364

                    #10
                    Anyone else?
                    Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game in seven years and counting. The earliest will be eight years. I guess that in Art Rooney's II, opinion is worth a 3 year extension.

                    Our 2024 draft looks to be grade A. Our 2023 draft is an A. The roster is talented, but Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.

                    *** Mike Tomlin is the best coach since the AFL- NFL merger that has not won a playoff game in 8 seasons or more. It's either him or Lewis. ***

                    Comment

                    • papillon
                      Legend
                      • Mar 2008
                      • 11332

                      #11
                      Which Steeler defender do you see being capable of handling the assignment? Jackson is a freak athlete and trying to spy him could be costly because I believe he'll win most 1v1 battles in space versus a LB or safety. Just my thoughts on it, the Steelers pass rush wasn't disciplined enough recently against Jackson. He was able to break contain, it seems to me that the success that the Steelers had versus Jackson was disciplined pass rush, keep him in front of you, get decent coverage and then sack him or force poor throws and bad decisions. It seemed there was always a lane for Jackson to escape through recently.

                      Pappy
                      sigpic

                      The 2024 Pittsburgh Steeler draft

                      1.20 - Troy Fautanu, T, Washington
                      2.51 - Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
                      3.84 - Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
                      3.98 - Payton Wilson, LB, UNC
                      4.119 - Mason McCprmick, OG, S. Dakota St
                      7.178 - Logan Lee, DT, Iowa
                      7.195 -

                      "Football is a physical game, well, it used to be anyways" - Mel Blount

                      Comment

                      • Joel Buchsbaum
                        Legend
                        • Jan 2021
                        • 7364

                        #12
                        Originally posted by papillon
                        Which Steeler defender do you see being capable of handling the assignment? Jackson is a freak athlete and trying to spy him could be costly because I believe he'll win most 1v1 battles in space versus a LB or safety. Just my thoughts on it, the Steelers pass rush wasn't disciplined enough recently against Jackson. He was able to break contain, it seems to me that the success that the Steelers had versus Jackson was disciplined pass rush, keep him in front of you, get decent coverage and then sack him or force poor throws and bad decisions. It seemed there was always a lane for Jackson to escape through recently.

                        Pappy
                        Wilson or Fitz. Guys who are smart, can run, and hit. Let the running QB' try to run when a man is ready for him!

                        Jackson does what he does at the elite level, BUT defenders are not ready for him. Mark the mobie QB's with a man zero in and stoping him alone. That is his first and only role. Mix who the man is, on your defense. Hit them hard. Dare them to run. While you might give up 20 yards passing per game, this porbelm will be solved and the QB's won't be so eager to run.

                        Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game in seven years and counting. The earliest will be eight years. I guess that in Art Rooney's II, opinion is worth a 3 year extension.

                        Our 2024 draft looks to be grade A. Our 2023 draft is an A. The roster is talented, but Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.

                        *** Mike Tomlin is the best coach since the AFL- NFL merger that has not won a playoff game in 8 seasons or more. It's either him or Lewis. ***

                        Comment

                        • papillon
                          Legend
                          • Mar 2008
                          • 11332

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Joel Buchsbaum

                          Wilson or Fitz. Guys who are smart, can run, and hit. Let the running QB' try to run when a man is ready for him!

                          Jackson does what he does at the elite level, BUT defenders are not ready for him. Mark the mobie QB's with a man zero in and stoping him alone. That is his first and only role. Mix who the man is, on your defense. Hit them hard. Dare them to run. While you might give up 20 yards passing per game, this porbelm will be solved and the QB's won't be so eager to run.
                          Getting solid hits on Jackson is very difficult plus he has the protection of the slide even as a runner. He's faster than Wilson and Fitz so he'd probably be able to beat them to the sideline or even upfield. IMO, I don' t think a team gets enough hits on him for him to change his game, even if he's being spied. He's elusive and pretty damn good at what he does.

                          Pappy
                          sigpic

                          The 2024 Pittsburgh Steeler draft

                          1.20 - Troy Fautanu, T, Washington
                          2.51 - Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
                          3.84 - Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan
                          3.98 - Payton Wilson, LB, UNC
                          4.119 - Mason McCprmick, OG, S. Dakota St
                          7.178 - Logan Lee, DT, Iowa
                          7.195 -

                          "Football is a physical game, well, it used to be anyways" - Mel Blount

                          Comment

                          • Joel Buchsbaum
                            Legend
                            • Jan 2021
                            • 7364

                            #14
                            Originally posted by papillon

                            Getting solid hits on Jackson is very difficult plus he has the protection of the slide even as a runner. He's faster than Wilson and Fitz so he'd probably be able to beat them to the sideline or even upfield. IMO, I don' t think a team gets enough hits on him for him to change his game, even if he's being spied. He's elusive and pretty damn good at what he does.

                            Pappy

                            Getting solid hits on Jackson when he has blockers and open field and the D is taken by surprise is hard. Not when he has a man who engages and is assigned to watch him. Then it is much easier. Do you understand what I am taliking about?


                            QB skirts do not apply as runners once they cross the line of scrimmage, nor should they.




                            - JB
                            Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game in seven years and counting. The earliest will be eight years. I guess that in Art Rooney's II, opinion is worth a 3 year extension.

                            Our 2024 draft looks to be grade A. Our 2023 draft is an A. The roster is talented, but Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.

                            *** Mike Tomlin is the best coach since the AFL- NFL merger that has not won a playoff game in 8 seasons or more. It's either him or Lewis. ***

                            Comment

                            • Joel Buchsbaum
                              Legend
                              • Jan 2021
                              • 7364

                              #15
                              Well Pappy?
                              Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game in seven years and counting. The earliest will be eight years. I guess that in Art Rooney's II, opinion is worth a 3 year extension.

                              Our 2024 draft looks to be grade A. Our 2023 draft is an A. The roster is talented, but Mike Tomlin is still the head coach.

                              *** Mike Tomlin is the best coach since the AFL- NFL merger that has not won a playoff game in 8 seasons or more. It's either him or Lewis. ***

                              Comment

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