6-Man Protection uses five offensive linemen plus a running back or tight end to protect the quarterback. It's the most common protection scheme in football, balancing protection and route runners.
Overview
6-Man Protection is football's standard pass protection scheme. Five offensive linemen block while one additional player (running back, tight end, or H-back) stays in to help. This leaves five receivers available to run routes.
The scheme typically uses zone protection rules, where linemen are responsible for gaps rather than specific defenders. The additional blocker is usually responsible for the backside or helps on blitzing linebackers.
6-Man Protection provides enough blockers to handle most four-man rushes while still having five routes in the pattern. It's the balance point between protection and firepower that most offenses use as their base protection.
History & Origin
6-Man Protection evolved as the standard compromise between protection and route distribution. It became universal as offenses sought the optimal balance between keeping the quarterback clean and getting enough receivers into patterns.
Key Principles
- 1Five offensive linemen plus one additional blocker
- 2Additional blocker handles backside or helps on blitzes
- 3Zone protection rules: responsible for gaps
- 4Leaves five receivers available for routes
- 5Can handle most four-man rushes
- 6Running back must recognize blitzes
- 7Communication is critical for picking up blitzers
When to Use
6-Man Protection is appropriate for most standard passing situations. Use it as your base protection against four-man rushes. Adjust to 7-man when facing heavy pressure or drop back to 5-man for quick game.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Balanced - five routes in pattern
- +Handles most four-man rushes
- +Flexible - can adjust to blitzes
- +Standard for most pass plays
- +Running back helps if not in pattern
Disadvantages
- −Can struggle against heavy pressure
- −Running back must be capable blocker
- −Vulnerable to exotic blitzes
- −Zone rules require good communication
What Coaches Call It
Different coaches use different terminology for the same concepts.
| Coach | Team | Their Term | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Walsh | 49ers | Six-Man | West Coast terminology |
| Andy Reid | Chiefs | 60 Protection | Number-based call |
| Sean Payton | Saints | Solid | Indicates standard protection |
What You Need
Skills and jobs required to run this scheme effectively.
Critical
Interior OL must anchor vs bull rush
Absorb bull rush and hold ground in pass protection. Core strength and technique.
High
Tackles must handle speed rushers
Match speed rusher laterally in pass protection. Footwork and hip fluidity.
Center IDs blitz threats and slides
Identify defensive front, communicate assignments to line. Mental quarterback of the OL.
Medium
RB checks release, picks up free rusher
Identify and block blitzing linebacker or DB. Recognition and physicality.
Matchups
Good Against
- +Four-man rushes
- +Standard fronts
- +Zone blitzes with few rushers
Avoid Against
- −Heavy pressure (5+)
- −Exotic blitz packages
- −Overload blitzes
Installation
What You Need
Prerequisites for running this scheme effectively.
- ✓RB who can recognize and pick up blitzes
- ✓Center who can make calls
- ✓OL who can zone block
When NOT to Use This
- !Vulnerable to 5+ man pressure
- !RB must be competent blocker
- !Can be exploited by exotic blitzes
Technical Variations
2 concepts in the Eyes Up playbook use this scheme.
6-Man-Base-Left
LEFTPROTECTION6-man base protection scheme - Left
Position Assignments
BLOCKING
Guard uses base protection rules (one on one side of back)
Tackle uses base protection rules (one on one side of back)
Guard: man if covered, inside gap vs cover zero
Tackle: man if covered, inside gap vs cover zero
Back scans OLB, scan to hot side vs blitz
Center works away from back, either in man, pop or slide
PASSING
QB makes hot reads and protection calls