A Closer Look at Sim-Style Blitzing - Part I - PGaither84's Blog

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PGaither84's Blog

A Closer Look at Sim-Style Blitzing - Part I

Posted on October 16, 2012 at 11:11 AM.

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We are going to take a closer look at the 4-3 Stack Cover 3 Buzz

I like this base play as a simple cover 3 look, but also because it is nice to build a cover 3 Will Blitz out of, which isn't in the game.

Simply use the Strategy Pad [D-Pad] and press left to activate the defensive line adjustments, then press left on the Right Thumb Stick to crash the line left.

Next, press right on the D pad to access the linebacker adjustments and left on the "Right Thumb Stick" to tell the Will to blitz. Very simple set up with 4 quick button presses that are easy to remember [left left, right left.] It should look like this:

I like to user control the FS here to help protect against a middle flood, and to keep an eye out for a receiving threat breaking out to the sidelines.

We can see by the art on the screen that this simple blitz set up puts pressure on the Left Tackle and Guard of the offensive line. The offense can keep the TE or HB in to block, or it can use slide protection left if it wishes. A sim-style blitz with a sim-style way to protect against it.

Here we see the offense has decided to only protect with 5 linemen, and the NT lined up in the 1 Gap crashes the left shoulder of the LG. After making contact with the TE, the RE pressures the LT. This gives the Will a free lane to rush the passer. If Frank Gore stayed in to block, then it would be his job to pick up the Will.

Here in image 3 we see the Will closing in on the QB as he finishes his 7 step drop, and forces the QB to make a quick throw, or try to evade pressure. We also see that the TE Walker is running a quick out. This is why I normally user control the FS on this play.

This is a simple blitz that should already be in the game but isn't, so we have to create it.

Now let's take a look at the same defensive play against another offensive play:

This is against the Tight TE Bench that has the HB in a delay route. We are going to get the same blocking from the offensive line, but this time the HB will pick up the Will.

Here we see the HB move up, looking for who to block, and as Alex drops back, Gore makes sure not to run into him and whips around to pick up the Will who is coming free up the B gap. Both TEs are good targets for Alex, although Davis has more attention thanks to the Sam in flats coverage.

Here we see the protection has given Alex a clean pocket to work out of, and he RG helps the RT with the LE Shuan Ellis. However, thanks to the coverage, both corner routes are taken away by the deep zone defenders. Davis isn't covered as well as he should be [the Sam is not in good position to protect against Davis cutting toward the sidelines] but the only real pass Alex has is a 5 yard out. I am okay with forcing the offense to dink and dunk it's way down field.

I hope you enjoyed this closer look at a sim-style blitz. If you did, please let me know and I will do more in the future

Comments

# 1 jhogan3132 @ Oct 16

good stuff

# 2 KBLover @ Jan 12

Wow, I've missed this - I just happened to catch the link in your signature in the Learning More Football thread. This is nice. I hope you do draw up more, coach!

# 3 footballsimstrategy @ Sep 28

I feel zone blitzes are a sound call on 3rd and long as long as your corners are solid. That wasn't and issue when you made it but, something to think about now. Good post though.