Offenses' favorite adjustments to the 2-4-5
Hybridization across the interior is a preferred solution, is it working? Is there a better way?
In a recent article I wrote on the way teams are starting to build their defenses, employing a big D-end/small D-lineman as a field-side Edge in the 2-4-5 defense.
One of the major triumphs of this style is seen in how Michigan has absolutely handled Ohio State for four consecutive years. The Wolverines’ 2-4-5 has consistently been able to play two-deep coverages to erase Ohio State’s ability to burn them down the field throwing to each year’s respective star Buckeye receivers while still playing strong run defense from a 6-man box.
When the field Edge keeps everything boxed in (and you don’t throw to the tight end) it starts to get relatively simple. With this adjustment, the 2-4-5 has two answers for modern offense that really disrupt how things work.
They can stop the run without giving away easy 1-on-1 shots down the field.
The 2-4-5 is terrific for generating pressure either for run blitzing or for getting stops on 3rd down when the offense has to drop back pass.
Modern offense leans very heavily into shot passing, dialing up play designs that might have the trappings of progressions or reads but are really designed to go to a specific receiver schemed into an advantage. The 2-4-5 defense is designed to take away easy leverage and reads for the star receivers you’d want to take “shots” at and to generate pressure on the quarterback without compromising the coverage since you can bring an array of four man “zone replacement blitzes” in the 2-4-5 and attack protections while keeping play-callers and their quarterbacks guessing.
There are two adjustments to this. One is what teams have tended to try, the other is what I would do. Let’s start with the real adjustments.