Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Sam Crash 3 is a Cover 3 zone blitz out of the 3-4 Over Ed front that sends the Sam linebacker on a crash blitz off the edge while running a line stunt up front to confuse blocking assignments. Behind the pressure, the defense drops into a three deep, four under zone shell to protect against verticals while the extra rusher attacks the backfield. This is a zone beater against man protection schemes, and the primary read is the offensive tackle or guard reaction to the line stunt: if the blockers get confused by the stunt, the Sam crasher hits the quarterback untouched before route concepts even develop downfield.
Defensive Reads
Presnap, check the offensive line protection call and running back alignment. If the back stays in to block or the line slides toward the Sam side, the stunt is likely to get picked up and you should consider audibling to a different pressure look. Identify empty backfield or spread formations, since these are prime targets for this crash blitz because there is no extra blocker to account for the stunt. Postsnap, key the quarterback's eyes immediately after the snap. If he is looking to the flat or quick game, the crash blitz needs to win fast before the ball is out. This play gets shut down by max protect schemes with two backs staying home or by quarterbacks who audible to a screen or draw when they see the 3-4 Over Ed front with Sam walked up. Watch for user controlled lurk defenders sitting in the underneath zones, since if the quarterback checks it down quickly the crash blitz pressure becomes irrelevant and the zone defenders need to rally fast to the catch point.
Usage Tips
Call this on early down and distance or in obvious passing situations where the offense expects a standard drop back protection and has not built in a hot route check for edge pressure.
Watch the offensive line splits pre-snap. Tight splits or a heavy personnel package with extra blockers can pick up the stunt and leave your crasher blocked, so save this for spread formations or empty sets.
User the Sam crasher directly after the snap to time the stunt with the defensive line movement, since AI execution of the stunt timing can be inconsistent against quick game protections.
Pair this with Cover 3 Sky or Cover 3 Cloud from the same set to disguise the blitz look presnap, since all three plays share a similar three deep shell that makes it harder for the quarback to diagnose pressure before the snap.
Mix in Hot Blitz 3 or 3 Sim Tex on the following snap to keep the offense guessing between simulated pressure and real crash blitzes out of the same personnel and formation.
