Long Stick
DE loops behind entire DL
The Long Stick is an aggressive stunt that sends the strong-side defensive end on a long loop behind both the DT and NT. The DT crashes through the B-gap and the NT crashes through the A-gap simultaneously, pulling multiple blockers inward. The DE then wraps all the way behind both interior linemen, arriving in the weak-side A- or B-gap. The stunt demands exceptional timing and athleticism from the looping end, who must cover significant distance behind the line of scrimmage. When it lands, the DE arrives completely unblocked in the backfield.
Player Roles
Defensive End (Weak) — 5-tech (C gap (weak))
Set weak-side edge
Nose Tackle — 1-tech (A gap (weak))
Control weak A-gap
Defensive Tackle (3-tech) — 3-tech (B gap (strong))
Interior pass rush
Defensive End (Strong) — 6/7-tech (D gap (strong))
Strong-side edge
Strong-side LB — Stack/9-tech (D gap / force)
Force player
Middle LB — Stack (A/B gap)
QB of defense
Weak-side LB — Stack (B gap (weak))
Fast-flow LB
Strengths
- • Creates maximum confusion as three defenders move simultaneously
- • The looping DE arrives unblocked when the crashes draw all interior blockers
- • Attacks the weakest part of the protection — the backside of the pocket
- • Extremely difficult for centers to identify and communicate against in real time
Weaknesses
- • Takes significant time to develop, making it vulnerable to quick throws
- • The looping DE covers too much ground, allowing mobile QBs to escape the pocket
- • Creates a wide-open strong-side edge while the DE loops behind the DL
- • Requires elite athletic ability from the DE to navigate through traffic at speed
Offensive Counters
- • Hot routes or sight adjustments triggered by the three-man rush movement
- • Sprint-out or bootleg to the vacated strong-side edge
- • Running back releasing to the flat as a safety valve
- • Quick-game concepts (slant-flat, quick out) that beat the stunt's development time