Schemes NFL D coordinators
Higher Blitzing teams
New York Giants – Bob McAdoo/Steve Spagnuolo
Adopted Jim Johnson’s aggressive approach with blitzes from different packages; commonly uses three or four defensive ends on the line in obvious passing situations. All players, including defensive backs, may be asked to blitz. Most of the team’s defensive linemen are supposed to be able to move around the line and generate pressure. Favors linebackers who are smaller and more athletic, and thus can defend sideline-to-sideline against the run and in coverage. Uses a lot of zone-blitzes, without as much emphasis on man coverage relative to some other teams.
Steve Spagnuolo's Scheme, Familiarity Is What Transitioning Giants Defense Needs
Dallas Cowboys – Jason Garrett/Rod Marinelli
One of the league’s foremost proponents of the Tampa-2 defense popularized by legendary coordinator Monte Kiffen. Features a four-man defensive front with one-gap principles, often stunting and twisting to create pressure. Front-seven players are expected to be able to get penetration and flow to the ball. Uses two safeties in deep zone coverage, with a middle linebacker who also does some zone work over the middle of the field. Cornerbacks usually work in zone as well and are expected to be quality tacklers, as well as able to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. A conservative defense in the back, but one which has recently used some linebacker and slot corner blitzes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_2
https://www.reddit.com/r/nfl/comments/36vv3l/what_offensive_and_defensive_scheme_system_does/
San Diego Chargers – Mike McCoy/John Pagano
Uses a one-gap base defense with 3-4 personnel but more of a 4-3 in practice which is considered predictable and lacking in creativity despite giving some aggressive looks; the team most often operates out of their nickel package. Use inside linebackers for some double-A gap blitzes and stunts up the middle, but generally rush four defenders and play off coverage in the secondary. Uses a lot of three-deep coverage shells such as cover-three with a single high safety in the middle third and cornerbacks defending the outer thirds.
http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2014/7/7/5875303/review-san-diego-chargers-2013-pass-defense-pagano
http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/5/17/4337110/the-san-diego-chargers-should-switch-defensive-schemes
Baltimore Ravens – John Harbaugh/Dean Pees
Often uses two-gap principles in run defense, with heavy blitzing, although that may have been more frequent because of personnel issues, manufacturing pressure. Base defense is a 3-4, but mixed in some 4-3 under/over type looks as well, with the left end shading over the opposing guard instead of tackle. Does a good job of disguising pre-snap intentions. Coverage shells are mixed up frequently and opponent-dependent; will go heavy on man coverage in one game, zone in the next, and mix up both often. Used more man toward the end of the year, more zone at the beginning.
http://baltimoresportsandlife.com/dean-pees-ravens-d-pt-2/
2016 Michigan Football Clinic Notes: Dean Pees
Non blitzing teams
Jacksonville Jaguars – Gus Bradley/Todd Wash
Typically rushes just four players (the defensive line), with a cover-three shell behind it (cornerbacks covering the deep thirds on either side of the free safety’s deep third), allowing the strong safety (in a robber role) and four linebackers to defend the first level of the field. The teams listed here usually press and bail at the line of scrimmage. The teams in this category have been using a combination of one and two-gap responsibilities, with a five-technique end and a one-technique nose tackle occupying two gaps, while a three-technique under tackle and a “Leo” (hybrid end/rush linebacker, wide 9 alignment) play one gap. A strongside linebacker lines up on the outside shoulder of the opponent’s tight end (same side as the five-technique strongside end) and plays one-gap in an “under” front, whereas in an “over” front, the five-technique is more of a six-technique on the outside shoulder of the tight end and the Sam linebacker lines up essentially across from the opposing tackle.
http://www.fieldgulls.com/football-breakdowns/2013/5/31/4382318/the-seahawks-and-the-4-3-under-front-winds-of-change
Philadelphia Eagles – Doug Pederson/Jim Schwartz
Has been labeled as a “wide nine” defensive coordinator, traditionally using four down linemen, his ends lining up well outside the tackles in order to get upfield more quickly. Considers his defense more an “attack” defense. However, often asks one defensive end to stand up and rush from a two-point stance. The 4-3 wide nine itself was influenced by the 3-4 defense, forcing inside runs by aligning its ends on the outside. Relies on the front four to generate pressure, with linebackers dropping. Coverage-wise, it’s important to have rangy linebackers to handle zone responsibilities, with the secondary playing zone as well (lots of cover-two.)
Jim Schwartz Attack 4-3 Defense: COOL Clinic Notes
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Eagle-Eye-Jim-Schwartzs-Attack-Defense/72122296-c9e4-47e6-8eb5-cf5b0f65c1eb
