While I generally don’t like them, ‘prevent’ type defenses (or other drop 8 into coverage defenses) can be moderately effective if, and only if, the coverage men consistently make tackles right after the catches are made. You must have consistently sound open field tackling for any hope of this sort of D working. A competent QB (and a well coached WR corps) can still march it down the field, but struggle in the red zone. The QB WILL usually have time to sit back and wait for a WR to break open. It’s the often maligned bend but don’t break philosophy. It also tires out the DL as a decent O will have plenty of sustained drives.
My new binder says it’s generally better to get some pressure on the QB and force early/rushed throws and mistakes and get some drive ending sacks. Of course, I got my new binder at Walgreens by the Halloween candy.
Last edited: Oct 31, 2019