Playbooks
Will Blitz 3 is a five man pressure package out of the 4-2-5 Over Wide set that sends the Will linebacker off the edge while dropping into a Cover 3 shell behind it. The three deep defenders split the field into thirds while the underneath zone defenders squeeze the shorter routes, giving you a fast interior rush without fully abandoning zone integrity. Because this is a blitz package rather than an offensive play, the primary read progression for the user is to key the quarterback drop, time the Will linebacker's rush lane, and be ready to jump any hot route or slot combo that tries to attack the vacated underneath zone.
Read the offensive line protection at the snap, if the center slides toward the Will linebacker's rush lane, expect a quick game beater and drop your spy or lurk defender accordingly. Watch the tight end or running back release, since Will Blitz 3 is vulnerable to check release routes into the flat where the blitzing linebacker vacated. Identify two back sets or max protect looks pre-snap, this blitz thrives against those personnel groupings because the extra rusher will not be picked up cleanly. Keep an eye on deep post or dig routes attacking the middle of the field, since the underneath defenders are occupied with shorter zone drops and can be exploited by a good route runner sitting in the seam. This blitz gets shut down by quick three step passing games and screen plays that use the blitzing linebacker's aggression against him, so be ready to squeeze screens with your defensive line stunts.
Use this call on early down and medium distance situations where you expect the offense to take a shot downfield off a play action or seven man protection look.
Disguise the blitz by showing a two high shell before the snap and rotating down late so the quarterback cannot get a clean pre-snap read on where the extra rusher is coming from.
Pair this with Sam Blitz 3 in your play calling sequence so offenses cannot key on which side the pressure is coming from, forcing the quarterback to hold the ball an extra half second.
If the offense audibles into a quick game or hot route combo near the line of scrimmage, be ready to spy the Will linebacker's rush lane with a user controlled defender to prevent easy checkdowns.
Mix this in on third and medium to attack quarterbacks who like to climb the pocket, since the interior pressure collapses the middle before they can step up.