Stunt

A stunt (also called a twist or a “game”) is when two defensive linemen coordinate their rushes and cross paths to scramble the offensive line's assignments. Usually one lineman (the penetrator) crashes hard into a gap to occupy two blockers, and the second (the looper) loops around behind him into the opening. It beats a line that doesn't communicate or pass off blocks. The offensive answer is to recognize it pre-snap (a two-hand set by a defender often tips a game, not a rush), stay square, pass the penetrator off, and pull the looper in.

Defined by Coach Jay Freeman — 34 years coaching the offensive and defensive line.

Related trench terms

TwistD-Line

Another name for a stunt — two D-linemen crossing to confuse the protection.

SlantD-Line

A pre-snap-called movement where the D-lineman attacks a gap to one side at the snap.

Get-offD-Line

The first step from the stance. The single biggest defensive-line weapon.

3-techniqueD-Line

A defensive tackle aligned on the guard's outside shoulder — the B-gap penetrator spot.

0-technique (nose tackle)D-Line

A defensive lineman aligned head-up on the center — the nose tackle, the middle of the wall.

Go deeper

• Coach Jay’s lineman training library — the technique behind the term →
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