HEY SORTER!! (and SULLY)

[Sully]

Originally Posted by Dinny Blues

The Chiefs aligned (as they love to early in games) in their "Reduce" front, which is base 3-4 personnel. The front looks like this:



First of all, is there a map key that identifies the symbols and letters? Why is the QB's oval empty? Shouldn't there be a star or VIP thingy in there? Seriously, though, I need some learning up on being able to identify the players' position (DE, OG, which linebacker is what, etc.)

"8 man box defense to be used primarily on 1st and 2nd down vs. all Personnel Groups." - In other words, regardless of whether you're expecting them to run or pass?

The symbols are just personal preference. X and Y are the two eligible receivers on the LoS, and Z is always the first slot. (Y is typically the TE, if there is one). As for the OL, you just kinda know who they are based on where they are. Many times the center's symbol is square instead of circle, as well, while the rest are round. Same thing for the Q. You just kinda know who the Q is based on alignment, although I've seen some coaches actually put the little squiggle to make his oval and actual "Q."
The shading in the circles shows where the DL alignment is.

Understand that the playbook pictures are install pieces. So while it may say "primarily on 1st and 2nd down," that's just for the purpose of the players learning their own call tendencies. Once the first game comes, game planning throws all that out the window, as does personnel groupings and tendencies. 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE) might mean one thing for one opponent, and something completely different for another. But during install, you are just, typically, installing vs pro personnel (2 RB, 1 TE), and a few common formations, since you aren't planning for any opponent.