Mailbag question: Spur vs. Bandit

Posted at 8:00am — 8/28/2010

Mailbag question: Spur vs. Bandit

I’m a little lost on what skill sets are expected in the two positions and why? Anybody have some insight here?

Rbgeno7

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Thanks for the question, a common one.

Both positions are basically a strong safety in the alignment of the 3-3-5 base defense.

They mirror each other in alignment when the offense lines up in a balanced formation, both lining up with outside leverage responsibility on the 2′s (second receiver in from the sideline).

This set-up has the intent to force the 2′s to release inside into the coverage area of the Sam and Will linebackers. When the offense goes unbalanced or uses tight ends the “Spur” will go to that side of the formation (strong) and line up 4×4 yards off the tight end.

The “spur” is more of a run defender who must have the ability to help with the C gap and maintain good run coverage for the bounce or alley area in the run defense (sweeps, dip-out moves, quick screens, etc.).

The “bandit” is more of a pass defender. He will line up 4×4 yards off the last man on the line of scrimmage. He will read through the offensive tackle to the nearest back.

When the defense stems to a 4-3 with an under tackle, the “spur” will become a box player and play basically as a strong side linebacker.

The “bandit” in 4-3 under will line up at 7 yards on the hash.

The “bandit” will play the alley and bounce on the run, but if he reads pass the “bandit” will drop into coverage. The “bandit” must also be able to play deep 1/2 coverage in cover. Failure to do so will result in an offensive player running right down a seam for a potential big play.

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