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Tyler Steen reveals how Alabama's cheetah package on defense helps the offense

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•10/12/22•

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Alabama, LSU and Georgia have some of the best defensive line/edge units in the country, with Will Anderson and Jalen Carter both future 1st Round picks. (Photo courtesy of Alabama Athletics)

Alabama has unleashed a new special defensive package this season dubbed the ‘cheetah package.’ Three of the program’s best pass rushers get onto the field at the same time, with Will Anderson, Chris Braswell, and Dallas Turner going after quarterbacks. It was highly successful against Texas A&M, consistently getting pressure on Haynes King.

Texas A&M only had to endure 60 minutes of the package. Alabama starting left tackle Tyler Steen has to go up against it every day in practice. He was asked about the cheetah package, looking at it from both an offensive and defensive perspective.

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“It’s definitely a tough task,” Steen said. “It’s three edge rushers, all in the game at the same time. It tries to put one on ones across the field, put those guys in the best position to get to the quarterback. Puts a lot of stress on the o-line. I think that really makes us better because we have to go against that in practice. There’s not much harder in the game that’s going to be harder than that. It’s tough to go against for sure.”

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Against Texas A&M, the three players involved with the cheetah package combined for three sacks and four tackles for a loss. Turner led the way, having two in each category. Next up trying to defend against it — at least in a game setting — will be Tennessee‘s offensive line.

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Tyler Steen expands on cheetah package

Steen was then asked how the cheetah package has improved the Alabama offensive line when facing it in practice. He said it keeps them communicating with one another which will then translate during games.

“It’s tough because there are a lot of things we could do out of that cheetah package,” said Steen. “I feel like we’ve seen a lot of that, a lot of what they do. When you’re in practice, you just got to make sure you maintain your rules, you’re communicating with the guy next to you. It’s tough to stop. So, it’s a good package.”

Left tackle has been where Steen has played all season and goes up against the best pass rusher in the country every week. Add in two more attacking his teammates and it’s easy to see why it’s so tough to deal with.