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Joe Cullen, D-Line Coach, Kansas City Chiefs

Full video on Glazier Drive: How Hard Can You Play When Putting the QB Down is An Absolute Must for Your D-Line?

THE SET LINE PRINCIPLE FOR OUTSIDE PASS RUSHERS

Coach Cullen breaks down the fundamental set line technique that creates elite pass rushers. The concept centers on forcing offensive tackles to make critical decisions that open up rushing lanes to the quarterback.

PROPER ALIGNMENT AND APPROACH

Outside pass rushers should align approximately one yard outside the offensive tackle. If a tight end is present, the rusher's big toe should align with the tight end's big toe. The target point is four yards behind the tackle's back heel, creating the shortest straight-line path to the quarterback. The goal is to throw your "fastball" - rushing at maximum speed to force the tackle to turn his shoulders perpendicular to the sideline and open the gate.

READING THE TACKLE'S RESPONSE

The technique revolves around the tackle's reaction to your speed rush. If the tackle doesn't get to the set line, execute your best edge rush move - club rip, double swipe, then finish with a rip. When the tackle sets soft, attack with a long arm power move. If he over-sets, counter underneath with an inside move. The key is making the tackle turn and move his feet while maintaining your straight-line path.

FILM BREAKDOWN EXAMPLES

The coach analyzes several NFL players demonstrating proper technique. Frank Clark shows excellent get-off, forces the tackle to turn shoulders, rushes half a man, executes his move, and finishes by turning his toe and crotch toward the quarterback. Carlos Dunlap at 34 years old displays the same fundamentals - proper approach, decisive moves, and strong finish.

ADVANCED CONCEPTS

When tackles begin taking away the set line by over-setting, elite rushers like Za'Darius Smith adapt by coming underneath while still throwing their fastball. The coach emphasizes building rushers from the ground up, focusing on footwork fundamentals. Players like Matt Judon demonstrate versatility with club rips, out-and-back moves, and inside counters against over-sets.

POWER RUSH INTEGRATION

The system incorporates power moves when tackles sit soft. Chris Jones exemplifies this by powering tackles directly back into the quarterback when they don't respect the speed rush. Terrell Suggs shows how to sell the speed rush, get the tackle to over-set, then attack with power up the inside armpit using a long arm technique.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

Everything works because these rushers commit to throwing their "fastball" first. The speed rush threat forces tackles into compromising positions, creating opportunities for counters and power moves. The coach stresses that alignment helps sell the speed rush, making tackles more likely to over-set and create inside rushing lanes.

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