Can someone explain to me line stunts? As in how they affect the quarterback (Gruden kept talking and talking about how the line stunts bothered Austin) and how it gives offensive lineman problems?
Line Stunts
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The Rams don't seem to be very effective at it, but SF was. Rather than always taking on the OL in front of them they circle around and follow another DL or another gap. Austin was getting hit all night and Kaperdick always had a place to roll out to...or so it seemed.
there are all sorts of line stunts. some as basic as slanting right or left, or pinching to the inside. The stunt Gruden referred to was the T-E stunt, where the DE allows the DT to crash out to the OT, and then the DE loops inside and attacks the "B" gap which is normally the gap the DT is responsible for. SF has always been very good at it, with Justin Smith being a master at "holding' up the OT while the OLB loops inside. This is very effective in passing downs, but a high risk tactic against the run.
Which is why, IMO, the Rams just don't use them as often as other teams. If you get caught in a DL stunt, you are sacrificing gap integrity, and can get gashed for big runs. With the issues they have had in stopping the run, I am fine with them NOT over doing the line stunts. If you can force teams into throwing situations, then by all means. But against the likes of SF, and Seattle, you just aren't gonna make them a big part of the game plan.
Which is why, IMO, the Rams just don't use them as often as other teams. If you get caught in a DL stunt, you are sacrificing gap integrity, and can get gashed for big runs. With the issues they have had in stopping the run, I am fine with them NOT over doing the line stunts. If you can force teams into throwing situations, then by all means. But against the likes of SF, and Seattle, you just aren't gonna make them a big part of the game plan.
It is also less prominent in 4-3 defenses.
As to the reason it confuses the offensive lineman, it's because they don't know who to block on these stunts, unless your prepared for it, or you have experience dealing with it. If you're the offensive lineman, you expect to block the guy in front of you and protect your gap. However, if he vacates and goes to another location, what do you do? who do you pick up? What's your assignment? So really effective stunts can give offensive line problems, unless the o-line is well prepared for it, or qb/c checks to right protection.
Jake Long how many Pro Bowls? Scott Wells how many years starting center calling protections? Weak links, get rid of them, draft high next year or a BETTER pick up than Long. Oh and Joseph... jesus total redo
"Line-Stunts" have been working since the Days of the "Fearsome-Foursome"! The only way to counter it is with more men like 'Jackie Slater & Dennis Harrah"!
fearsomefour
Legend
It terrorizes the Rams line. Maybe it is the 3/4 factor....although they play teams in their division that run 3/4 every year. It baffles me why they have such a hard time with it. If I see another O lineman turning to try and chase a rush I will scream. Frankly they have all struggled with it this year. Wells stands out, but Saffold, Joseph had both had their moments as well.