By Coach Ron Raymond – Capital QB’s
After more than 30 years coaching on the offensive side of football, I made a move that completely changed how I see the game — I became a Defensive Coordinator for the St. Matthew Tigers.
And let me tell you — nothing will sharpen your quarterback IQ faster than spending a season trying to stop one.
The first thing I learned? You live by the blitz, and you die by the blitz.
As an OC, I used to think pressure was just about “who’s coming.” But as a DC, I quickly realized it’s about what space you’re giving up when you send that pressure. Every time a linebacker attacks the line, he leaves a void — usually right behind him. That’s your money zone as a quarterback.
See the Field Like a DC
If you want to play quarterback at a high level, stop just reading coverage — start understanding structure. Every defensive call creates opportunity somewhere. The best QBs don’t just react; they anticipate where the defense is weak before the snap.
For example, when a defense brings heat, that seam behind the linebackers and before the free safety becomes the Bermuda Triangle — the blind spot. As a DC, that’s the area that keeps me up at night. As a QB, that’s where you can eat.
But it takes discipline. You’ve got to key on linebacker depth during your drop. Are they coming forward or bailing? If they’re creeping, something’s opening up behind them. If they drop early, you’ve got to find the underneath outlet fast before the pressure gets home.
What Defense Taught Me About Quarterbacking
Being on the defensive side has given me a deeper appreciation for how much great quarterbacks see. Not just their receivers, but the entire landscape — fronts, leverage, safety rotation, and especially those “hidden zones” that open and close like trapdoors.
When you train with us at Capital QB’s, we don’t just teach you how to throw the ball — we teach you how to think like a coordinator.
Because the more you understand how a defense tries to stop you, the better you can dictate the game.
So next time you drop back, don’t just look for a receiver — look for a story. The linebackers, the safeties, the blitz — they’re all giving you clues.
🏈 Train Smarter. Think Bigger.
This offseason, take your football IQ to the next level at Capital QB’s. Learn to dissect defenses, attack blind spots, and lead with vision.
👉 Register today at CapitalQBs.com
