Jersey Jay's Play-A-Day: Blitz Package

[jerseyjay14]

Welcome to my Play-A-Day "Blitz Package" section. I've had a few requests to post some defensive strategy, specifically the kind of blitz package i use and some different blitzes that attack from different areas. Many here know me of more as an offensive guy but my defense has been solid every year as well. I'm not a big defensive guy like Gav, but i think this blitz scheme can help your game, especially when mixed in with the knowledge guys like gav are dropping on you every day.

Play 1: 3-4 Stack: Overload Zone Blitz(Manual Rush - Edge) (9/06/09)
Play 2: 46 Normal: Inside Blitz(Auto Rush - Inside) (9/06/09)
Play 3: 4-3 Normal: Spy 3 Blitz (Auto Rush - Edge) (9/06/09)
Play 4: 46 Normal: Cover 3 Press (Auto Rush - Edge) (9/06/09)

Up Next... "3-4 Under: Cover 2 Sink (Manual Rush - Edge)"


There is no specific playbook being broken down. Most of these plays are common to alot of the different playbooks although i do try and mix in all formations so your going to probably want to look at the multiple D, Jets, Cover 2, or other broad playbooks. I myself have been using multiple D because it has a ton of formations to work with.

This is not going to be a guide with a bunch of Nano's where you can cherry pick one of them, run it all game and expect to be successful. Its a scheme, a package of blitzes that when used together and mix in should get good results. While some of these plays may get very good, consistent A or B gap heat, the focus of this package is to get good, consistent pressure, from all over the field and to keep your opponent on his toes. Slower more unpredictable pressure is every bit as dangerous as quicker more predictable pressure.

Last, those who know me know that i am not someone who is world famous for his stick skills. admittedly, my stick skills are below average at best. Because of that these players are really friendly to all, as they dont require alot of manual movement for setup, and dont require a ton of stick skills to get to the QB or to make tackles if the pass gets off and is completed... It is important to make the adjustments in the order and fashion listed for these plays to ensure you do it as quick as possible and put guys in proper position.

[jerseyjay14]

Play 1:
3-4 Stack(Flipped): Weak 3 Buzz

Play Type: Edge Rush - Manual
Formation Type: 3-4 Overload
Commited Rushers: 5
Situation: Any
Playbook: Non-specific

Required Adjustments

- Spread D-line [L1, Up]
- Crash D-Line Out [L1, UpAnalog]
- Shift Linebackers Left[R1, Left]
- Re-Blitz the Right DE
- Blitz the Right ILB
- Blitz the Right OLB Manually
- Press coverage(if you have time)

The setup on this play is very quick and alot easier then the 6 step process looks. Make sure you do the shifting first... Once you shift the LBs, the Right inside linebacker will automatically move into the perfect position, on the line of scrimmage between the OLB and DE as shown in the photo. this play requires ZERO movement of players pre-snap, the shifting does it all. So after the shift it is a simple Re-blitz, cycle left, re-blitz, cycle left, manual rush. Once you get ti down you can set it up even before a quick snap, its really all just shifts.

Overview: This play can be run with pressure from the offenses left(flipped) or right(normal). I choose to flip it in most occasions as the offense usually has their TE lined up to the right side and we want to avoid him to get that nice overload. But you can certainly NOT flip the play and just run the same set up to the opposite side(shifts will be reversed.)

As you can see in the diagram, its just a simple overload. The right end, right ILB and right OLB are all coming right off the edge. and the Gaurd and tackle can only block 2 of them. Which means either you come free(very likely) or one of the other two is coming in untouched on the inside. Now, you HAVE to manually rush in this setup, regardless of where you put the OLB or how you audible him to blitz, he is going to rush inside the tackle, which ruins the play and the overload.

When manually rushing, the idea is to rush straight down until you pass the tackle who is engaged with a defender, as soon as you pass him, take a b-line right to the quarterback, almost like a right angle, like in the above photo. If you rush in a straight line you will run into traffic, if you loop it around you will waste time...

Extra Blockers: Dealing with extra blockers will eventually be an obstacle especially if you blitz often. usually if you keep them guessing you can stay clear of them, but eventually they will be there. keep in mind extra blockers = less receivers, which usually means more time before the ball is thrown.

If the HB is staying in to block your manually rusher, Simply hold speed burst and run right into him. Dont try and go around him or use any right analog moves. if you speed burst right into him most of the time you will either swim right over him or knock him right over... If after running into him you are engaged, THEN you want to go to your R-stick Moves.

If the tight end is blocking on your side you want to rush straigh up field until the TE is deeper then the QBs drop, stop and come inside towards the QB. Most Times the TE wont engage you, he will just shadow you, so once you get him deep you can break it inside. again once he DOES engage you, then go to the R-stick moves. If you have a speed mismatch, and feel you can beat the TE, do so.

If you have time and notice it quickly try and rush/flip the play opposite extra blockers.

[jerseyjay14]

Play 2:
46 Normal: Inside Blitz

Play Type: Inside Rush - Auto
Formation Type: 46 Normal
Commited Rushers: 6
Situation: vs. spread passing
Playbook: Non-specific

Required Adjustments

- Pinch D-line [L1, Down]
- Crash D-Line Out [L1, UpAnalog]
- Re-Blitz MLB, Place Behind RDT
- Re-Blitz LOLB, Place Behindt LDT
- Manually Control Defender on HB/FB
- Press coverage(if you have time)

The setup is pretty quick. Basically a quick shift and crash of the D-line and re-blitz the linebackers. Those 2 linebackers are already blitzing, so if you somehow mess it up they are already blitzing and it may still work. The blitzing linebackers are also already behind the DTs so its usually just a nudge to get them in place. You want to get them as close to the DTs as possible.

Overview: This Play is pretty much an all out up the gut man blitz. you are relying on getting quick pressure and making the qb move his feat and throw the ball very quickly or take a sack. Its key to really get those linebackers up as close to the line as possible. The blocking assignments will have the Center put his hat on a defensive tackle at the snap, which means whichever gaurd doesnt pick up the other tackle would take a step back, and then into the hole to pick up a blitzing linebacker. so the closer that linebacker is the line of scrimmage, the quicker he is going to engage, or get by that gaurd, freeing up the other blitzing linebacker to get to the quarterback. Check the image below the offensive blocking assignments in a normal blocking scheme.... notice the RG has no one to block initially and will step back and inside to pick up the MLB

As you can see from the diagram, the offensive Gaurds and Center have 4 guys they need to account for. the center and one of the gaurds will usually pick off the tackles allowing one of the 2 linebackers to come in free. Another simple case of bringing more guys then the defense can block. The tackles arent able to help as they need to respect the outside rush of the defensive ends. If the offense pinches there offensive line or tries to roll out those DE's with the edge rush will be in quick pursuit.

The only real danger here is a defender getting beaten badly right off the bat. which is why i suggest manually controlling the player gaurding the HB or FB so you can give help early and contain and quick flat passes. As an adjustment to this you can put the right defensive end in a zone assignment, the blitz however is more often picked up in this situation, but the rush is still decent.

The blitz really gets some nice pressure especially against singleback formations. if your opponent has 2 backs that both stay in to block it may get picked up or delay the pressure, but at the same time now you have 5 guys covering the routes, which should be an advantage for you in coverage. So when you are in coverage you want to identify if your guy is a blocker right away and then give help or look to jump a route.


Extra Blockers: In this situation extra blockers only allow you to give more help in coverage, as a blocking halfback will allow you to roam with your defender and look to pick off a pass or make a play on the ball. A blocking tight end isnt an issue, as a CPU controlled man defender will automatically rush if the TE he is guarding stays in to block, which keeps the overload in tact.

[Tomo08]

Nice......thanks for sharing. Just to pick your brain could you tell me what your defensive philosophy is?

[jerseyjay14]

Nice......thanks for sharing. Just to pick your brain could you tell me what your defensive philosophy is?

3 general rules

- Be aggressive, make the offense adjust to what im doing and not the other way around.

- Be unpredictable and mix things up. an offense that knows whats coming is a successful offense. never bring pressure from the same spot 3 times in a row, or the same amount of blitzers 3 times in a row. give alot fo the SAME look with DIFFERENT results.

- dont over do it, mix in plenty of coverage plays with just a 3 or 4 man rush. the game wont suddlenly end if i dont get pressure on the qb every single down. you can get the point across without blitzing 90% of the time.(im usually at 65-70% blitz)

not much different then my offensive strategy, i want to force the opponents hand, keep him on his toes all game, but at the same time not become overly agressive to where it kills me in the end

[jerseyjay14]

Play 1:
4-3 Normal: Spy 3 Blitz

Play Type: Edge Rush - Auto
Formation Type: 4-3 Overload
Commited Rushers: 5
Situation: Any
Playbook: Any with the 4-3 formation

Required Adjustments

- Shift D-line right [L1, right]
- Crash D-Line Right [L1, RightAnalog]
- Shift Linebackers Right[R1, Right]
- Blitz the Left OLB [R1, RightAnalog]
- Blitz the MLB

The setup is pretty easy and you should have any issues setting it up. Its All shift based other then the MLB blitz. It is VERY important to use the R1, Right on Right Analog stick method of making the LOLB blitz. If you do it this way he gets a nice outside rush. if you click on him and blitz him he blitz inside.

Overview: This is a nice overload blitz from the 4-3. The Gaurd and Tackle are faced with blocking 3 blitzers and the RDT engages the center at the snap preventing him from coming over to make the play.

You will be controlling the right defensive end on the play. Your assignment here is somewhat key. You have 2 responsibilities. the first is containment. The QB may roll left immediately due to the pressure, in this case you want to beat him outside and make the play. The second is coverage... IF the qb doesnt immediately roll left, drop into a short hook zone over the middle in coverage.

The instinct vs the blitz is to throw right in the vacated area behind the blitzer. in this instance thats a bad idea as the SS really comes up hard into that area and defends a quick bullet to the slot pretty well. The middle appears to be open, so when you drop the DE in unexpectedly it can really pay off. Even if you dont make a play just causing the qb to hesitate will usually be enough to get the sack, as the pressure here is pretty solid, unless there is a quick roll left, in which case you should be ready to make the play. An added benefit of manually controlling the DE is that it makes the offense think pressure from that side pre-snap and may cross them up.


Extra Blockers: An extra tight end slows this play up, but it still will get eventual pressure. If the TE is lined up on the blitz side dont crash the line out, as it will cause alot of traffic on the edge, leave the line rush as is allowing the matchups to work themselves out.

a blocking back will have a decent chance of pick up the blitz, if a back is in to block you may want to manually rush your DE on an inside rush near the A gap to regain that overload allowing a defender to again come free, however the short middle will now be open. This isnt a bad trade off as it likely will only result in a marginal gain if completed.

[RSherryJr]

3 general rules

- Be aggressive, make the offense adjust to what im doing and not the other way around.

- Be unpredictable and mix things up. an offense that knows whats coming is a successful offense. never bring pressure from the same spot 3 times in a row, or the same amount of blitzers 3 times in a row. give alot fo the SAME look with DIFFERENT results.

- dont over do it, mix in plenty of coverage plays with just a 3 or 4 man rush. the game wont suddlenly end if i dont get pressure on the qb every single down. you can get the point across without blitzing 90% of the time.(im usually at 65-70% blitz)

not much different then my offensive strategy, i want to force the opponents hand, keep him on his toes all game, but at the same time not become overly agressive to where it kills me in the end

After adding these blitzes, and some of the Jets PB blitz thread stuff my defense has been lights out. Thanks for posting this stuff. The key for me has been, like you said - unpredictability. Also as the game goes on and I get used to what areas of the field they like to throw to I will manually put my best defenders in those areas in a zone coverage while still bringing heat. Two things happen in that scenerio. One they will just throw it there anyway and I get a pick 6, or two they will hesitate for that split second I need to get to them. I've been getting 2-3 turnovers a game and about 6 sacks a game, sometimes more.

[BakaGaijin]

This is great stuff. Can't wait to get home and give it a shot.

[Tomo08]

Alright.....makes sense I try to keep my opponent from attacking the middle by forcing him outside. I prefer outside pressure as higher ranked players can nulify my a-gap pressure. Good tips on switching up my point of attack thx again!

[jerseyjay14]

Play 1:
46Normal: Cover 3 Press

Play Type: Edge Rush - Auto
Formation Type: 46 Overload
Commited Rushers: 5
Situation: Any
Playbook: Any with the 46 Normal formation

Required Adjustments

- Shift D-line left[L1, left]
- Crash D-Line Out [L1, UpAnalog]
- Shift Linebackers Left[R1, Right]
- Blitz the Right OLB [R1, LeftAnalog]
- Re-Blitz the RDT and RDE (if you have time)

The setup is probably the quickest and easy set up of all the blitzes listed so far as its all shifts and the re-blitzing of lineman isn't 100% necessary. Again, using the R1, left on right analog method to make the LB blitz is crucial in ensuring he takes that edge rush and doesnt rush inside. You want to manually control any of the zone defenders, whomever you feel most comfortable with.

Overview: This is the simplest of overload blitzes. Occupy the gaurd and tackle and have someone come unaccounted for off the edge. Very similar to the 3-4 edge overload principals only with the 4 man line there is no need to commit a MLB to the pass rush.

This is a very safe play overall. the 46 personnel is going to be strong vs the run and the 6 men in coverage with a flat on one side really doesnt leave a ton of space to throw even if the rush doesnt get there. I'd suggest flipping the play so that the blitz comes from the short side of the field leaving less room on that nakes side for flat routes to the backs.

As you can see from the image above, The gaurd and tackle are accounted for by the lineman taking an outside rush. The center and right tackle are going to be resposible for the other 2 defensive lineman. this leaves the right gaurd having to step back, pause, then turn and come over and try and block the blitzing linebacker(assuming the Gaurd doesnt double team or get passed onto the DT). Unless your OLB is under 75 spd, the gaurd wont be able to pick it up. And if the gaurd does try and pick up the OLB, the left DT is going to beat the center on the outside rush and get decent pressure on the backside.


Extra Blockers: An extra tight end will slow this play up, so you want to avoid/flip the play to account for him if you can. if you stick with it, the OLB will eventually get in, and the coverage isnt bad facing 3 to 4 routes being run.

If a back is in to block it is a 70/30 shot its picked up vs your LB getting by the HB quickly for the sack. either way it will show pressure and collapse the pocket. not a big conern as again coverage is pretty good here matched up with 4 routes and a show of pressure. This is one play where we dont really worry if the rush doesnt get in right away... most of an offenses quick looks vs the 46 front are covered here.

[jerseyjay14]

Alright.....makes sense I try to keep my opponent from attacking the middle by forcing him outside. I prefer outside pressure as higher ranked players can nulify my a-gap pressure. Good tips on switching up my point of attack thx again!

i wouldn't base how you play based on the how high/low ranked your opponent is. come out with a game plan and identity and try and execute that plan. throw everything at your opponent, see what works, and weed out what doesnt as the game progresses

[RSherryJr]

That is AWESOME! I ussually blitz the SS on that play and place him over the RT. Then just flip it to the otherside for heat from the otherside. This gives me another blitz from another gap from the otherside. AWESOME BRO, THANKS! I bet you could do both while in man coverage and really bring some sick heat.

[NewbieX2]

Thanks for the plays, man. This will really help out my defense. Keep it up!

[cartman041388]

Love that 3-4 Stack manual rush. Very effective and a good counter to PA.

[jerseyjay14]

Love that 3-4 Stack manual rush. Very effective and a good counter to PA.

yeah its pretty solid as far as a manual rush, the LB/DE really occupy the G/T letting you come pretty free