Ace
Two Tight Ends, One Back
12 Personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR)
Ace puts a tight end on each end of the line, a receiver off the ball on each side and one back behind the quarterback under center. Both tight ends can block or release, so the personnel does not tell the defense run or pass, and with a tight end on each side there is no obvious strength to set the front to. A defense that stays in base personnel has a linebacker or safety on a tight end; one that goes to nickel is lighter against the run.
Strengths4
- Strength: A tight end on each side, so the defense has to guess the strength or play it balanced
- Strength: Runs either way with a tight end to block at the point of attack
- Strength: Both tight ends release on play-action, so the run and the pass start the same
- Strength: Base personnel leaves a linebacker or safety on a tight end; nickel is lighter against the run
Weaknesses3
- Weakness: Only two receivers split, so the field is not stretched as wide as in three-receiver sets
- Weakness: Needs tight ends who can both block and catch
- Weakness: Fewer quick-game answers to the outside than a three-receiver formation