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Why The 4 2 5 Defense by Gary Patterson UNM
Why The 4 2 5 Defense by Gary Patterson UNM
The philosophy behind being able to play the run with only six in the box is that we want the ball to get pushed to the
outside safeties. The safeties leverage allows us to stunt or slant any way we need to control the line of scrimmage. With
the addition of the three safeties, this gives us the possibility of nine players playing the run against a two-back set.
The fourth and final reason for using the five defensive back system is the mirrored teaching in practice. We break down
teaching pass coverage like we have always taught run progression. We start out with individual, then we go to half zone
and follow this up with full pass skeleton. The reason there is better overlap teaching is the mirrored look of the safeties and
linebackers. Again, the reason this is able to happen is the fifth safety. The free safety allows us to be able to teach half the
field coverage in a ball game, just like we do in practice. We believe this gives our coverage players a higher confidence
level because they are only in charge of their half of the field!
On behalf of Head Coach Dennis Franchione and the rest of the University of New Mexico football program, we would like
to thank the AFCA for inviting us to contribute to this years Summer Manual. We would also like to thank all those coaches
who, through the years, have helped us grow in this profession. Success can not be accomplished alone, but must be a
group effort. Being good teachers and believing in each other as a staff helps in achieving this goal. Without the wisdom of
Coach Franchione and the abilities of our defensive staff: Mark Parks, linebackers; Kasey Dunn, corners and David Bailiff,
defensive line, success would be impossible.