stopping the draw

Question
I am a defensive coach for a high school football team.  We usually play a 3-5
scheme but in passing situations versus teams who like to run duels (twin
receivers to both side) we tend to play a cover 2 defense.  When we play cover
2 we tend to get hurt by the HB draw and not much else.  We are also playing
four DL to help with a pass rush and contain the edge.  This really stresses
our three LB's.  What is your suggestion?  I'd like to know how to play our
front 7 when the opposition goes to duels and we're playing two deep
safeties.

Answer
Coach -

Hey there, and thank you for writing!  Ok, I have read your question, and have some great advice for you.  Hopefully you have read my past answers, and see that I pride myself on giving in-depth answers with a lot of substance and detail to them.  Now, in most cases, if you were just a fan or player and asked this, I would give an answer back that would fit the situation in general terms.  But the fact that you are a coach, and this advice could really assist you on the field, changes that a bit.  SO what I would really like to do is ask you a few questions, get your follow-up response, then respond with extreme detail so that you can immediately go out and use our correspondence!  Work for you?

Alright... Here is what I would like to know.  Like I said, it is going to get in-depth so you might want to get your printer ready so you can read this while you are writing back!

1-  You mentioned a 3-5 as your base defense..  But when they are in "twins", you said 4 DLs and 3 LBS.  Are you actually subbing these players in when the opposing team plays "twins" or are you switching to a 4-3 with personnel that fit a 3-5? (playing a LB as a DL, and having the 5th LB as a DB)

2-  Does this play hurt you when they are not in a "twins" formation?  Also, have you noticed that this play is being called in certain situations? When you have a certain defensive set, or personnel, or a specific down and distance?  Are coaches specifically picking on you with this play, or is it just coming randomly and you can't stop it?  

3-  When they run this draw, are they blocking it as a straight draw or are they using some sort of trapping scheme against you?

4-  What have you tried, and why hasn't it worked (in your opinion)?  Who has been totally taken out of the play?  Who has had a shot at the HB, but just can't make the play?  Are there any specific holes that are just glaring you in the face?  What backfield set are they running this out of, if any specific ones apply?

5-  Have you tried a different coverage against this set?  If so, what was it and what was the result?

Give me any of the specifics you can think of for this.  Trust me when I tell you I am not avoiding this.. In fact, it is the complete opposite.  I would hate to give you generic suggestions that might make your situation even worse!!  And that can happen easily if the specifics aren't 100% clear.  Hell, you are a defensive coach, I am sure you know exactly what I am saying here!!!

One more thing.. Try and give me a very brief breakdown of your personnel.  Who are your better players?  Weaker players?  Are you built more for speed or strength? You know, that stuff.  Once I hear back from this, you and I can get into it big time and we WILL shut that play down immediately?  

BE sure to add in if you are done for the year, or if you are still in the playoffs.  Time to correct this will make a difference.  What state do you coach in?

Let me know and we will get to it ASAP!

Best regards,

Coach Perl