46 Cover 3 Scheme for Passing

[stretch]

Here is a nice pass blitz scheme out of the 46 Normal that I have used with lots of success.

The Blitz

Cover 3
Blitz MLB and place between LE and LDT.
Playmaker RE to hook (yellow) zone.

This will keep the coverage that a normal Cover 3 play would have, but with instant heat from the strong side, usually from the LE, as the MLB will end up engaging his blocker, giving the LE a free rush. It gets in extremely fast especially if your LE has good speed. Also if you wish, you can flip it and do it from the weak side, depending on opponent tendencies. But most opponents seem to like rolling to the strong side.

Another way you can try setting it up, which may be better to do if you have a fast MLB, but a slow LE, is to line the MLB up between the LE and LDT but a yard or two off the LOS. Often times the MLB will blast right in, untouched. Experiment with it, and you will see what I'm talking about.


Now, after your opponent has seen this setup, more than likely, they know they need to counter either with slide protection, or an extra blocker on that side. So at this time, I will put the MLB in the same spot to make it look like it will be the same blitz, but I will leave his assignment alone, and just let the play run.

Observe the way he tries to counter (slide protection or extra blockers?)

If he uses slide protection, a lot of times, the RE will get in with ease, usually at least getting good pressure, sometimes a sack.

If he uses extra blockers, then I like to set the play up to look the same again, but turn it into a F@G defense, usually putting the DEs in Curl-to-Flat (purple) zones, and a DT into a QB spy. Then I usually manually control either the MLB or FS to roam around and try to get a pick or something, since they will be only sending 3 or 4 receivers out, and you got 10 guys in coverage. Chances are, the play will either go nowhere, or be an absolute minimal gain.

Give it a shot, and let me know how you all like it, or perhaps if any of you find ways to expand upon it and make it better.

[daphillydon]

Thanks to your thread, I've used that defensive setup a lot with the speed package and it works like a dream. Like every D, it has its holes but the times I've used it I've had great success with it.

[stretch]

I forgot to mention, this can be done using Cover 2 and Cover 1 (man) in the 46 Normal as well, so that if people want to give different looks when using the scheme, they can do so. I just generally use Cover 3 because it is my base defense.

[MelloDrama]

Good stuff stretch. I'll try this.

I got some fire coming up for the masses. Stay tuned.

[Pegger]

Good stuff stretch. I'll try this.

I got some fire coming up for the masses. Stay tuned.

Nice work stretch. Also, Mello it's good to have you back on board of solving the new riddles in M11, not complaining about them.

[Pegger]

stretch, just a quick Q: Does the play work well form both sides? meaning can I send the LB through the pinched A gap of the LE/LDT and RE/RDT all the same?

Also, sometimes I manual hte OLB/Safety covering the flat in the 4-6 becasue if a RB doesn't fill that area I can help out in covering the middle for hooks and slants.

[stretch]

stretch, just a quick Q: Does the play work well form both sides? meaning can I send the LB through the pinched A gap of the LE/LDT and RE/RDT all the same?

Yes, as long as you flip the play. If you don't flip the play, it won't work, because of the way that the defensive line is lined up and the way they attack.

[atomicwhoopass]

Here is a nice pass blitz scheme out of the 46 Normal that I have used with lots of success.

The Blitz

Cover 3
Blitz MLB and place between LE and LDT.
Playmaker RE to hook (yellow) zone.

This will keep the coverage that a normal Cover 3 play would have, but with instant heat from the strong side, usually from the LE, as the MLB will end up engaging his blocker, giving the LE a free rush. It gets in extremely fast especially if your LE has good speed. Also if you wish, you can flip it and do it from the weak side, depending on opponent tendencies. But most opponents seem to like rolling to the strong side.

Another way you can try setting it up, which may be better to do if you have a fast MLB, but a slow LE, is to line the MLB up between the LE and LDT but a yard or two off the LOS. Often times the MLB will blast right in, untouched. Experiment with it, and you will see what I'm talking about.


Now, after your opponent has seen this setup, more than likely, they know they need to counter either with slide protection, or an extra blocker on that side. So at this time, I will put the MLB in the same spot to make it look like it will be the same blitz, but I will leave his assignment alone, and just let the play run.

Observe the way he tries to counter (slide protection or extra blockers?)

If he uses slide protection, a lot of times, the RE will get in with ease, usually at least getting good pressure, sometimes a sack.

If he uses extra blockers, then I like to set the play up to look the same again, but turn it into a F@G defense, usually putting the DEs in Curl-to-Flat (purple) zones, and a DT into a QB spy. Then I usually manually control either the MLB or FS to roam around and try to get a pick or something, since they will be only sending 3 or 4 receivers out, and you got 10 guys in coverage. Chances are, the play will either go nowhere, or be an absolute minimal gain.

Give it a shot, and let me know how you all like it, or perhaps if any of you find ways to expand upon it and make it better.

Sorry to ask a newbie question, but what is a F@G defense?!?!

[bahdbwoy]

Means you drop 9-10-11 people n coverage and your playing like a f@g ..

But it's common and should be apart of your scheme

[cartman041388]

I forgot to mention, this can be done using Cover 2 and Cover 1 (man) in the 46 Normal as well, so that if people want to give different looks when using the scheme, they can do so. I just generally use Cover 3 because it is my base defense.

I've found that can use the SS to blitz also with Cover 3 or 2 Man Under (turning it into Cover 1) if you have a fast SS. Was one of my favorite blitzes last year and it still works pretty well.

[Drxknockbootzx]

Good stuff stretch. I'll try this.

I got some fire coming up for the masses. Stay tuned.

you would put up that play on your sign area...SMH

[cartman041388]

Here is a nice pass blitz scheme out of the 46 Normal that I have used with lots of success.

The Blitz

Cover 3
Blitz MLB and place between LE and LDT.
Playmaker RE to hook (yellow) zone.

This will keep the coverage that a normal Cover 3 play would have, but with instant heat from the strong side, usually from the LE, as the MLB will end up engaging his blocker, giving the LE a free rush. It gets in extremely fast especially if your LE has good speed. Also if you wish, you can flip it and do it from the weak side, depending on opponent tendencies. But most opponents seem to like rolling to the strong side.

Another way you can try setting it up, which may be better to do if you have a fast MLB, but a slow LE, is to line the MLB up between the LE and LDT but a yard or two off the LOS. Often times the MLB will blast right in, untouched. Experiment with it, and you will see what I'm talking about.


Now, after your opponent has seen this setup, more than likely, they know they need to counter either with slide protection, or an extra blocker on that side. So at this time, I will put the MLB in the same spot to make it look like it will be the same blitz, but I will leave his assignment alone, and just let the play run.

Observe the way he tries to counter (slide protection or extra blockers?)

If he uses slide protection, a lot of times, the RE will get in with ease, usually at least getting good pressure, sometimes a sack.

If he uses extra blockers, then I like to set the play up to look the same again, but turn it into a F@G defense, usually putting the DEs in Curl-to-Flat (purple) zones, and a DT into a QB spy. Then I usually manually control either the MLB or FS to roam around and try to get a pick or something, since they will be only sending 3 or 4 receivers out, and you got 10 guys in coverage. Chances are, the play will either go nowhere, or be an absolute minimal gain.

Give it a shot, and let me know how you all like it, or perhaps if any of you find ways to expand upon it and make it better.

Thanks Stretch. This is nasty when I put Merriman and Phillips at DE in the 46.