8 Rationales to Defend Jet Motion

Jul 1, 2020 | Defense, Game Planning, Defending Specific Offensive Systems and Concepts

By Jason Brown
Defensive Coordinator
Dutchtown High School (LA)

Introduction:

Jet motion is becoming more and more prevalent within offensive schemes today. This concept presents a multitude of problems that are not solved by the typical motion adjustments most defenses employ in their basic defensive schemes. We feel that it is important to have multiple ways to defend an offensive attack. Our rationale is simple: if an offense can determine how you adjust, they can force that adjustment and exploit its inherent weaknesses. We believe that it is important to move the stress points around in your defense so the offense cannot determine where to attack.

At Dutchtown High, we know we don’t have all the answers but we do have answers in which we really believe. Furthermore, we are always looking for more and more answers to try and improve our defense. That said, It is my intention, to show you the ways that we have defended the Jet concept and hopefully stimulate thought for you to develop even more and better ways to defend this concept.

Jet Motion Problems

The Jet Motion Concept has been around for a long time within the Spread offense. Offenses are starting to build more and more plays into the concept to make it even more effective. It has a lot of similarities to Flexbone motion, and Wing T motion (End-Over formations with two backs in the backfield is a totally different animal for us that we treat differently). The problems we see with defending Jet motion are as follows:

  1. The Speed Sweep gets on the perimeter very quickly.
  2. The Trio passing game is created from the 2x2 set.
  3. Doubles passing game is created from the 3x1 set.
  4. Front side and Backside internal run plays come off the Jet action
  5. Play action exists on the Front side and Backside of the Jet motion.
  6. Vertical shots are prevalent within the Jet concept.
  7. There are a lot of similarities with the Wildcat offense if run with a good running QB.

Defending the Jet Motion

We believe the ways you pick to defend Jet Motion must have the previous points in mind. It is also important to note that you will have a tradeoff in every way that you choose to defend Jet motion. Therefore, make your choices of defensive concepts understanding each one has a weakness.

The multiple ways that we defend Jet motion are listed as follows:

  1. Bump the backers and stick with your Split Safety or MOF coverage.
  • Rationale: Simple answer if you can hold up versus speed and the trio passing game.
  1. Rotation of the Secondary from a Split Safety look to a MOF look with the Safety or the Corner being Primary Force.
  • Rationale: Good answer to speed portion of the series and the trio passing game. Safety rotation allows you to respond to multiple motions and yo-yo motions. Corner rotation gives great leverage versus the speed play.
  1. Rotation of the MOF concept to a Trap side with Man on the Backside of the coverage.
  • Rationale:  If MOF coverage is called in the huddle and we can’t handle the Jet motion plays by just bumping the backers.
  1. “Ghost rule” the backside of Jet motion to keep the Split Safety zone structure to the direction of the Jet.
  • Rationale: Benefits of Trap coverage with the ability to disguise coverage on the slot receiver versus the RPO game.
  1. Pressure the strong side or field side of the set exclusively.
  • Rationale: Setting pressure exactly where you want it.
  1. “Indy” concept a MOF or Split Safety call to the Jet direction.
  • Rationale: Gives pressure in the face of the Jet motion.
  1. “Slingshot” the pressure if the Jet is going away from the pressure.
  • Rationale:  Helps guard against the dilemma of getting pressure away from the Jet motion.
  1. “Wildcat” or “Run over” man coverage to keep leverage on the run/pass threats
  • Rationale: Allows us to play man coverage and still be sound versus the perimeter plays and switch routes that happen inside in the passing