How to Disrupt the Passing Game From the Outside Linebacker Position

The outside linebacker spot is one of the most visible and active positions on defense. You are constantly in motion, whether it's stop the running game or disrupting your opponent's passing attack. Responsibilities when defending the pass include covering the running back out of the backfield, covering the tight end and rushing the passer. While you may be better in one area than the other, a good outside linebacker has to be solid in both the coverage and pass-rush aspects of the game.

Instructions

1. Get in a two-point stance outside the left tackle in passing situations. This mean on any 2nd-and-7 play or longer or 3rd-and-4 or longer. Your opponent is probably going to pass in these situations and you are going to try to beat the tight end and/or left tackle to the outside edge and get after the quarterback's blind side. Focus your attention on the center as he prepares to snap the ball. When his hand goes up, the ball is in play and that's when to take off. The instant you've gotten to the point where you know the left tackle or tight end won't be able to block you, lower your left shoulder and cut inside. You should now be a step or two from the quarterback.

2. Keep your head up as you get closer to the quarterback. Are you going to be able to knock the ball out of his hand as he brings it up to pass? Can you tackle him before he lets go of the ball? Come in low and hard and try to strip the ball by wrapping your left arm around his waist and reaching up with your right arm to the ball. If he is on the run, accelerate until you are sure you can reach him by diving. Wrap him up and bring him down.

3. Take your outside position and twist to the middle of the line and find a gap between the center and guard. Explode through that gap and run right at the quarterback. Your quickness and speed may shock him as you get in his face. A sack, errant pass, deflected pass or a fumble is the likely result.

4. Cover the running back coming out of the backfield with the same fire and enthusiasm that you show when going after the quarterback. Understand the running back will likely run a circle pattern out of the backfield and attemp to catch a pass 10 to 15 yards upfield. Be prepared to tackle the running back as soon as he catches the ball or deflect it in the air. You will likely have a size and strength advantage over him, but he will probably have a quickness and speed edge over you.

5. Hit the tight end as he releases from the line of scrimmage. The rules allow you to "redirect" a receiver within five yards of the line of scrimmage. One well-placed shot to his upper body is enough to throw the pass pattern out of sync. A tight end will likely run a square-out or similar pattern to get open. Mirror his pattern and make the tackle as soon as he catches the ball.

Tips & Warnings

• A good outside linebacker will study blocking patterns of the offensive linemen he will face. He will also learn the patterns that will be run by the running backs and tight ends he will face.