Subject: 5 biggest defensive problems on film
Date: August 25, 2026

The 2026 Football Season is here! This weekend our Game Film Analysis service for JDFB Platinum coaches had our first big crop of film.

Lots of scrimmages. A few first games of the season.

Many of those teams are in their first season running a JDFB system. Getting expert eyes on the film ASAP is critical.

I want to share what causes the biggest problems for every position early in the season. Half the battle is seeing the problem. Game Film Analysis just helps our coaches see the problems faster.

On defense the levers to make the biggest impact as fast as possible are…

Defensive Line: Key reads. Not hitting strike point. They just run up the field. All your other problems like pad level and wrong arming come back to this. On the Defensive Line Drills podcast, I shared how we solve these problems.

Linebackers: Alignment. They start the play lined up 3 yards deep. Offensive linemen get hands on them before they can get a read. Back up! Heels at 5 yards.

Overhang Safeties: Key Reads. Not being patient. Jumping forward on the snap or treating ball down as a run read, instead of waiting to confirm. Don’t Go Till You Know.

Free Safety: Alignment. Often they’re standing directly over top of the ball every play. Split the #2 receivers. Shade to the #2 Receiver or the Tight End.

Cornerbacks: Alignment. Holy smokes is this the cheapest lever. I watch so many teams give up wide open hitch routes because the corner is sitting at 9 yards deep, scared to get beat deep.

That’s just the start. But you can see most of those don’t take much talent. Reps on the drill work we have in the Defensive Drill System to fix key reads.

But alignment? That’s just knowing WHERE to stand! Attention to detail. Being relentless in coaching it.

You might not be big, strong, fast or athletic. But dangit, you can stand in the right place!

I’ll share the offensive levers tomorrow. For now…

If you are facing a Spread Option Offense this week, you can get some tips on those alignment adjustments from the latest episode of The Football Coaching Podcast:

Listen or Watch “Defending the Spread Option Offense” >>

​~ Joe Daniel