---
slug: "cross-dog"
title: Cross Dog
depth_tier: entry
side: DEFENSE
category: Pressure
source_id: "DEF-0036"
created: 2026-04-06
updated: 2026-05-18
canonical: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/cross-dog
---
# Cross Dog

## Short Definition

A blitz where both inside linebackers cross paths at the snap, each attacking the opposite A-gap—creating a protection conflict the center cannot resolve alone.

## Definition

Cross Dog sends both inside linebackers on a crossing blitz—one attacks the left A-gap, the other attacks the right A-gap, and they cross each other's paths at the snap. The center sees two bodies going in opposite directions simultaneously, which creates a protection assignment conflict that a single blocker can't resolve alone.

The crossing action is the point. If both linebackers went straight ahead, the center could potentially block one and the guard could pick up the other. The cross forces both to change direction at the snap, arriving in the opposing gaps just as the center commits to the wrong one. A decisive cross with good timing is nearly impossible to pick up with a single center.

Cross Dog is paired with a coverage structure that accounts for both linebackers being committed to the rush—typically Cover 0 or Cover 1 with the safeties carrying all coverage responsibilities.

## Example

"Cross Dog—both linebackers cross at the snap. The center steps left for one, the other arrives in the right A-gap untouched. Sack. The center made the right read on the first linebacker and the wrong read on the second. That's the design."

## Common Confusion

Cross Dog and A-gap blitz are not the same. An A-gap blitz can send one or two linebackers straight ahead into the A-gaps without crossing. The Cross Dog requires both linebackers to cross paths—one going to the left A-gap, one going to the right. The crossing action creates the misdirection. A simple A-gap blitz doesn't.

## Related

- Backer Go
- Crash
- Peel
- Rex
- Pressure
- pressure

---
Source: https://learningfootball.xyz/terms/cross-dog