I came across a fun little exchange on Twitter that demonstrates the importance of communication in the secondary.
Is a cheap shot considered unsportsmanlike just curious? Players safety is my only concern. Considering I'm a safety. ♂️ 15 dead wrong. pic.twitter.com/YWiYXn3dda
— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (@haha_cd6) October 3, 2017
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix apparently took exception to this block and called it a cheap shot. However, it is technically a legal play by a wide receiver. Former Panthers safety Michael Griffin chimed in.
Tell the corner to give you that crack call https://t.co/MJHeoujME8
— Michael Griffin (@MikeGriff33) October 3, 2017
What Griffin is referring to here is that the cornerback should be calling out the potential crack back block so the safety knows it might be coming. A “crack” or “crack back” block is used mostly on outside runs, where a wide receiver or tight end split out wide runs back to the line of scrimmage, and goes after a linebacker or safety in the hopes of out flanking the defense on a perimeter run. The block cannot go for the head or neck area or below the waist if they are outside of 2 yards of the offensive tackle when the ball is snapped. However, when performed within the confines stated by the league, a crack block is a perfectly legal play, and can leave a safety open to a blindside hit by a receiver.
Didn't even mean it in a funny way. Really would of been mad at my corner for that play https://t.co/OjALVmz91x
— Michael Griffin (@MikeGriff33) October 4, 2017
When you hear defensive coordinators emphasize the importance of communicating, they aren’t just referring to coverage alignments and responsibilities; they are also stressing the importance of keeping your guys protected. What Griffin is referring to is a call out by a corner or other defensive back (typically the outside corner on his side of the field) to call out the potential crack block so he can be ready for it. If you’re listening to the game and you hear defensive players shouting “crack!” or “watch the crack!” it means they think a perimeter run is coming and the crack block could be used to try and open the outside.
That's why You gotta alert crack before every play https://t.co/q5f5JokECg
— James Bradberry (@Brad_B21) October 4, 2017
James Bradberry is correct, and it is important to get guys who effectively communicate to one another. That’s why a “veteran presence” is usually a good thing in the secondary, because they can take charge of making sure the communication happens.
It’s a good thing Bradberry understands this, because the Panthers safety depth is already drastically thin. And if you’ve ever played football and been crack blocked (I’ve been on both sides), it’s nice to know when a potential blind side block is coming.