How to Use Stunts While Keeping Contain
The Texas four-man stunt is incredible for getting pressure. But here's the problem — quarterbacks just roll out. You get your stunt, they escape outside, game over.
You need contain. But you also want that stunt pressure.
Two ways to fix this:
- Texas Two-Man Stunt — Still get edge rush, but with contain on one side
- Tom Two-Man Stunt — Interior pressure with both ends containing
Neither is as good as the regular Texas four-man. But they're way better than standard pass rush when you need to stop mobile quarterbacks.
The key? Mix all three. Keep them guessing what you're bringing.
When Mobile QBs Are Killing Your Stunts
You know this situation. You call Texas four-man. Spread those linemen out. Should be getting pressure.
But the QB user sees your stunt developing — instantly rolls out. Now your pass rushers are going the wrong way. Easy escape.
This happens most when:
- Playing against scrambling QBs like Jennings
- Opponent keeps rolling to their strong hand side
- You're getting predictable with the four-man stunt
- They're reading your blitz pre-snap
Time to switch it up.
How to Set Up Texas Two-Man with Contain
Here's the setup. Say you're playing Jennings — he's right-handed. Most people using him roll out to the right side.
Perfect. Call left tex two-man. Then add contain right bumper, left bumper.
What this does:
- Left side gets the stunt pressure
- Right side has contain ready
- QB tries to roll right — can't escape
- Still getting better rush than standard coverage
You can call this at the play call screen too. Hold down the play call you're choosing and scroll down to find the contain options.
Not as good as the four-man. But way better than letting mobile QBs escape every play.
The Adjustment
Watch which side they roll to. Put your contain on that side. Put your two-man stunt on the other side.
Forces them to either:
- Stay in the pocket and deal with your stunt
- Roll the other direction — where they're less comfortable
How to Run Tom Two-Man for Interior Pressure
Second option — Tom two-man stunt.
Call left Tom two-man or right Tom two-man. Doesn't matter which side.
What happens:
- Your D-tackles stunt around each other
- Both ends are containing
- Interior pressure up the middle
- No outside escape routes
Tom two-man is not nearly as good as the Texas four-man. Let's be honest about that.
But it's usually better than standard pass rush. Especially when you have fast guys at the stunting positions.
Why These Contain Stunts Actually Work
Simple — stunts are better than standard pass rushes. Even the weaker stunts.
But only if you have the right personnel. You always want:
- Fast players at the stunting positions
- Slim body types who can move quickly
The real power isn't in any single stunt though. It's mixing them up:
- Texas four-man when they're staying in pocket
- Texas two-man when they roll to their strong side
- Tom two-man when they're scrambling both ways
Keep the QB user guessing. They don't know what's coming.
That limits how fast they process what you're doing on defense. Limits how fast they make reads. What to do with their QB.
Huge advantage for us.
What Beats These Contain Stunts
These aren't perfect. Quick game beats them:
- Slants and hitches
- Screen passes
- Quick outs and curls
If they're getting the ball out fast — your stunt doesn't matter. Doesn't have time to develop.
Also watch for:
- Draw plays when you're stunting interior
- Bootlegs away from your contain side
- Hot routes to the side you're not stunting from
Common Mistakes with Contain Stunts
Biggest mistake — trying to use these all game. You wouldn't.
Texas four-man is still your best stunt. Use it when they're staying in the pocket.
Only switch to contain stunts when mobility is beating you.
Other mistakes:
- Putting slow players at stunt positions
- Always containing the same side
- Not mixing up your pressure calls
- Forgetting these stunts don't work great in practice mode
Remember — none of these are very good in practice mode. They work way better in real games against real opponents.
The goal isn't perfect pressure every snap. It's keeping them uncomfortable. Making them think. Slowing down their reads.
That's how you win with defense.