Trench Lab · Coaching & Install · Coach Jay Freeman
The four reads of pass protection
The Four Reads is a read-based pass-protection system from retired NFL line coach Paul Alexander, taught by Coach Jay Freeman: instead of guessing, the blocker reads the rusher's path and the read tells him exactly what to do, using a "Push Kick" set to stay square and patient. It's the system behind the Cincinnati Bengals' #1 pass-blocking grade over PFF's first 11 seasons.
By Coach Jay Freeman · 32 years coaching the line · Updated May 31, 2026
A different way to block for the passer
Coach Jay Freeman learned the Four Reads directly from Paul Alexander — spending three days at Alexander's lake house in Syracuse to study and drill it — and he calls it "a different way to block for the passer. It's the best way in the world." The pedigree backs it up: over the first 11 seasons of Pro Football Focus grading, the offensive line Alexander coached (the Cincinnati Bengals) posted the #1 pass-blocking grade, and it wasn't close.
Read, don't guess
Most pass-pro teaching tells a lineman to "stay square and mirror." The Four Reads goes further: the blocker reads the rusher's path off the ball, and a specific read dictates a specific response — so the lineman is reacting to information, not guessing and hoping. Paired with a patient "Push Kick" set that keeps the blocker square and on balance, the read system removes the panic that gets tackles beat.
It fits Coach Jay's pass-pro framework
The Four Reads dovetails with Coach Jay's core install — the rusher does one of four things (power, speed, speed-to-power, counter), and you cover it with your feet and place your hands. The Four Reads is the detailed, NFL-grade version of that idea: a complete, read-driven protection system. The full install, drills, and tackle-vs-guard-vs-center variations are taught inside Coach Jay's program.
"This is a different way to block for the passer. It's the best way in the world. I got to learn it directly from Paul Alexander — three days at his lake house, drilling it." — Coach Jay Freeman
Common questions
- What are the four reads of pass protection?
- A read-based pass-protection system from NFL line coach Paul Alexander, taught by Coach Jay Freeman, where the blocker reads the rusher's path and the read dictates his response — using a patient "Push Kick" set to stay square. It's the system behind the Bengals' #1 PFF pass-blocking grade.
- Who created the four reads of pass protection?
- Retired NFL offensive line coach Paul Alexander, whose Cincinnati Bengals lines graded #1 in pass blocking over Pro Football Focus's first 11 seasons. Coach Jay Freeman studied it directly with Alexander and teaches it in the LinePlay program.