Playbooks
Ws Blitz 2 out of the Over G 4-2-5 Big Nickel package sends a Sam linebacker (Will) safety blitz off the edge while dropping the defense into a Cover 2 zone shell behind it. The two deep safeties split the field while the underneath zone defenders sink into their landmarks, creating a five-man rush look designed to collapse the pocket quickly against man or spread protection schemes. This is a zone blitz built to disguise pressure, so the primary read is the quarterback's eyes: if he holds the ball through a two count, the extra rusher should force a bad throw or a sack before the deep two-man shell gets tested.
Pre-snap, check safety depth and alignment: if both safeties are shaded to one side or showing an obvious two-high look, the offense may be sliding protection toward the blitz, so consider switching the blitz direction with a hot route. Watch for the offense to attack the vacated flat or seam area behind the blitzing Will, since underneath zone defenders have to sink fast to cover that void. This play shuts down man beater route combos like slants and quick outs because the two deep safeties clog the top of the route tree while the blitz disrupts timing. It is vulnerable to well-blocked five-step drops and play-action rollouts that hold the underneath defenders in run fits, so key the offensive line's pass set to confirm it is not a designed run or RPO look. Post-snap, track the quarterback's first read: if he immediately looks toward the blitz side, expect a hot route or check down, so keep your Mike linebacker's eyes on the backfield for leak out threats.
Disguise this call by showing a standard Cover 2 shell pre-snap and delay the Will safety blitz creep until just before the snap to bait the quarterback into a false protection read.
Use this on early downs or in short yardage situations where the offense is likely to run a quick game or shallow crossers, since the underneath zone defenders can undercut those routes while the blitz forces a rushed decision.
Pair Ws Blitz 2 with SS Blitz 2 and Ws Blitz 3 in the same set to keep the offense guessing about which side the extra rusher comes from while maintaining a similar pre-snap picture.
Spy the running back with the Mike linebacker if you sense a check down or screen concept, since the blitz vacates underneath and can be exploited by RB leak outs.
Avoid calling this against empty formations or heavy trips looks where the offense can identify the blitz side and get the ball out on quick hitters before the rush arrives.