Building Pressures with the Bobcats

How the Ohio University Defense uses repeated paths to create unique pressures.

We’ve all discussed the challenge of creating complex pressures while keeping the teaching simple for our players. However, achieving this balance effectively as coaches is not often straightforward. There's a constant struggle between volume and execution, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Ohio Bobcats excel at repeating pressure paths with slight adjustments to create new and more exotic pressures, all while minimizing the teaching burden. Let's get into it!

In 2023, the Ohio defense excelled at building pressure paths and repeatedly using them with different coverages. A prime example is their interior double A gap X path. The Bobcats utilized this path in simulated pressures, fire zones, and hot pressures. The path itself is straightforward: the two interior backers blitz opposite A gaps, creating an X path and forcing the center into a lose-lose decision.

The X Path

The first version of this X path comes in the form of a simulated pressure. The backers will work the path described above while the defensive tackles will COP rush. (Check out MatchQuarters.com for a Comprehensive Defensive Football Glossary) The defensive ends will drop into coverage.

In the clip below, Ohio executes this simulated pressure, overloads the A gap, and forces a quick throw to the flat by the quarterback. This results in a tackle short of the sticks forcing third down.

The second version of this X path is Ohio’s 5-man fire zone path. Same path for the backers, and a similar cover 3 based coverage with slight adjustments. Now only one end will drop into coverage, and the defensive tackle to that side will COP rush.

In this clip, Ohio will run 3-deep 3-under coverage with the pressure. Again they are able to force immense pressure causing an early through that result in an interception.

In the final version of this X path, Ohio will run a 6-man Hot pressure. While Ohio does a good job rotating and hiding who the post safety and the hot dropper is, this pressure still boils down to bringing 6 and playing Hot Coverage. While many coaches use this pressure to heat up the quarterback, it’s also a great run stopping call on early downs.

Conclusion

Ohio excels at reusing a single path in three different pressure schemes. Another easy way to add layers is by changing coverages with these paths. For example, every defense uses blitz coverage at some point, which pairs easily with the 6-man version. Another example is running quarters coverage with the simulated pressure. When running a simulated pressure, you still have seven defenders in coverage, allowing you to use any coverage in your playbook.

These examples illustrate how to maximize the effectiveness of one pressure path. As coaches, it's our job to find ways to expand on what our players do well. The Ohio defense serves as an excellent example for high school coaches nationwide in building effective pressure packages.

If you’re interested in reading more about the Bobcats Defense, take a look at our two part series on Ohio’s Stunts & Simulated Pressures, and 5-man & 6-man pressures releasing Thursday, June 27th.

Want more? Listen to Kyle chat more about Building Pressure Paths with the Bobcats on YouTube.