Playbooks
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Saw Blitz 1 out of the 3-4 Tite 5t set sends all five defensive linemen and the pinching linebackers downhill on a coordinated five-man rush look while the deep safety sits alone in a single-high shell over the top. The two second-level defenders shown behind the line stay attached in man coverage underneath, confirming this is a Cover 1 man blitz built to overload the pocket before the quarterback can climb through his progression. With no zone drops shown and one deep defender split between all vertical threats, this call is designed as a man beater that wins on pressure, not a play meant to sit back and read routes.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the offense is in max protect with two backs and a tight end staying in, since that numbers advantage can neutralize the five-man rush and this play should be held for cleaner protection reads. Watch the single deep safety alignment before the snap: if he is shaded to one side, the man defenders on the opposite side are on an island with no help over the top against a go route or double move. Post-snap, key the quarterback's eyes toward any late-releasing running back, since the underneath man defenders are locked in coverage and a delayed screen or check down can slip through if you do not user a spy. This blitz shuts down teams that rely on quick game and three-step drops because the underneath man coverage combined with the rush timing forces the ball out into tight windows or not at all. Against play-action heavy offenses, respect the run fake first since the pinching linebackers are already flowing downhill and can be sold on a fake, opening cutback lanes if the play-action holds them.
Usage Tips
Save Saw Blitz 1 for third and medium to third and long situations where offenses are likely to drop into empty or spread protection, since the five-man surge overwhelms slide protection before extra blockers can get set.
Check the offensive backfield pre-snap: if there are two backs in the pocket, consider audibling to Weak Blitz 1 or Weak Blitz 3 instead, since this call is more effective against one-back or empty sets that leave fewer blockers to pick up the rush.
Bring pressure from the same pre-snap look as Cover 1 FS Fire and Cover 1 Robber Press so quarterbacks cannot key blitz tells from formation alignment alone, then mix in Saw Blitz 1 as the true heat call once you have baited a hot throw.
User the closest defender to the running back's release lane to jump any check down or swing route, since the man coverage underneath leaves no zone defender to clean up leaked backs.
Avoid calling this against known screen tendencies unless you have scouted the opponent, since the all-out rush leaves the second level vulnerable if the ball comes out immediately.
