T-E Stunt
Tackle crashes, end loops behind
The T-E stunt is the most fundamental defensive line game in football. The defensive tackle (3-technique) crashes hard toward the C-gap, attacking the offensive tackle's inside shoulder and drawing both the guard and tackle with him. The defensive end then loops behind the tackle into the vacated B-gap. The crash-loop timing must be precise: the tackle must penetrate far enough to pull blockers outside before the end redirects inside. When executed correctly, the looping end arrives at the quarterback untouched because both blockers have committed to the crashing tackle.
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 a free rusher when the offensive tackle follows the crashing DT
- • Simple to teach and execute — the foundational stunt for any defensive playbook
- • Forces the guard and tackle to communicate, exploiting any hesitation
- • Highly effective on obvious passing downs when the OL is in pass-set mode
Weaknesses
- • Vulnerable to inside runs through the vacated B-gap during the exchange
- • Requires disciplined timing — if the end loops too early, both rushers end up in the same gap
- • An alert center or guard can pick up the looping end if the crash is not aggressive enough
- • Predictable if used too frequently; offensive lines will begin to anticipate it
Offensive Counters
- • Quick passing game that beats the stunt timing
- • Inside zone toward the vacated gap before the loop completes
- • Running back chip on the looping end to buy the QB time
- • Slide protection toward the stunt side to pick up the loop