Pitt's Run Fits: Solving Problems with Aggression

Tired of articles about the Pitt Panthers yet? Well, we’ve got one more, and this one is on the Panthers’ defensive run fits. I forget who said it, but I once heard a coach say, “solve your problems with aggression.” That’s about as good a phrase as any to define how Pitt plays the run. They get downhill fast from all three levels and they bring some steam with them. Let’s look at how they fit a handful of different run concepts.

Fitting Split Zone

Pitt brings an edge pressure to the field and slants the defensive line. The slant creates backside confusion for the offensive line, and both the tight end and the slice block end up on the backside defensive end. That opens a window for the backside linebacker to work through clean for a TFL. Worth noting on the frontside: the 3-tech works to his primary, gets extension, crosses face, and gets in on the tackle. Good technique from start to finish.

Remember when I mentioned aggression? Here the linebacker comes screaming off the edge and creates chaos in the backfield. He doesn’t make the play, but he slows the back down enough for the safety to fill and get the TFL. That’s not an accident. That’s a design.

Fitting Outside Zone

I’m a firm believer that forcing outside zone to cut back is the key to stopping it. That’s just my opinion, but Pitt makes the case here. They force the cutback and the backside defensive end and interior linebacker tempo perfectly to make the tackle.

Another great example of the 3-tech forcing the cutback. This time the safety fits downhill and vices the tackle with the defensive end. The defensive end shows great technique on the transition from spilling to chasing down the line.

This one is a combination of two great techniques from the nose and the defensive end. The nose gets extension and knockback before disengaging for the TFL. The defensive end works an interior gap stunt that slows the runner and draws both the play side tackle and the insert blocker. Those two working together is what springs the nose free.

Here we see a full slide with a fantastic fold inside by the linebacker. Not sure if that’s by design or not, but it’s a heck of a play. Without it, this one might pop.