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Sammy Lawanson, former DC/O-LB Coach , Bowling Green University

Full video on Glazier Drive:  LB Pass Drops Smash Concept

DEFENSIVE COVERAGE DRILL: SMASH CONCEPT VS. OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

This transcript covers a defensive coverage drill focusing on how outside linebackers should defend the smash route concept in Cover 4 and Cover 3 schemes.

KEY TECHNIQUE POINTS

The outside linebacker's primary responsibility is to reroute receiver #2 while looking through to see receiver #1. When making contact with #2 at 5-6 yards, the defender must "sneak a peek" through #2 to locate #1. If #1 is sitting in the flat, the linebacker immediately "buzzes" (drives aggressively) to cover him, disregarding the reroute on #2.

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

• If #1 is visible while rerouting #2: Buzz immediately to #1
• If #1 is not visible: Punch and widen #2, then sink inside to approximately 8 yards depth
• Don't rely on the corner's "China" call—make your own reads

EYE PROGRESSION

The critical element is proper eye work. Defenders should never look back at the quarterback during the initial reroute. Instead, they must look through #2 to #1. Once #1 sits, drive hard for two steps, then get eyes back to the quarterback to read if the ball is being thrown.

GAME APPLICATION

Multiple examples show the progression from early spring practice (late recognition) to proper execution (immediate recognition and drive on #1). The drill emphasizes creating turnovers with the "takeaway score" mentality—not just getting interceptions but scoring with them.

COMMON MISTAKES

Early in training, defenders looked back at the quarterback too soon instead of staring at #1. The progression shows improvement as players learned to maintain proper eye discipline throughout the play.

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