Coach Griff’s Film Room: Goal-Line Issues: The Backside Defender Who Stops the Play

This Indiana goal-line blocking breakdown examines a heavy-set fourth-down run against Northwestern. Coach Griff explains why the backside edge matters even when the offense gets movement at the point of attack.

Back to Coach Griff’s Film Room

The Situation

Indiana uses a heavy formation near Northwestern’s goal line on a critical fourth down.

Where Indiana Goal-Line Blocking Breaks Down

The formation packs bodies close to the line of scrimmage. Coach Griff’s end-zone review shifts attention from the initial push to the backside edge. Based on the blocking action, he believes that defender needs to be accounted for differently; the defender comes free and makes the stop.

What to Watch

• How the heavy formation compresses the defense.
• The double-team and puller action at the point of attack.
• The backside tight end’s block and the edge defender’s path to the ball.

Watch the Breakdown

Coach Griff’s Take

Good movement up front does not rescue a run if a backside defender gets a free path to the ball. My concern here is the blocking execution as I read it on film. Near the goal line, one missed defender can decide the possession.