Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Sam Will Blitz brings both the Sam and Will linebackers off the edges with six defenders shown driving downhill at the snap, indicating a two-way overload blitz look out of the Even 6-1 front. The secondary shows four defenders spread deep and underneath, suggesting a Cover 3 style shell behind the pressure with the corners and safeties dropping into zone landmarks. This is a run support and pressure package designed to collapse the pocket quickly, so the primary read progression is simply getting off the edge fast to force a quick throw or blow up the run before blockers can adjust.
Defensive Reads
Pre snap, check the offensive line count and running back alignment, if it is a shotgun spread with no extra protection this blitz wins quickly off the edge. Look for tight ends or backs chipping to the blitzing linebackers, that tells you the offense identified the pressure and you should user a defender to loop around the block. Post snap, watch for the quarterback sliding protection toward the Sam or Will side, if he does the opposite edge stays clean for a free rusher. This blitz gets exploited by hot routes and slip screens to the running back, so keep an eye on the back leaking out immediately after the snap. Against empty backfield sets this play is at its best since there is no extra blocker to account for both blitzing linebackers.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs when you expect a run to get an extra unblocked defender in the box for gap control.
Use it on third and short or medium distance since the underneath zone defenders can rally fast if the quarterback tries a quick game beater.
Pre snap, check if the offense has a max protect look with extra blockers, if so consider audibling to a coverage play instead since Sam Will Blitz can get picked up easily against six or seven man protection.
Pair this with Cover 3 Buzz or Cover 1 Hole in your play calling sequence so opponents cannot key on the double LB blitz look every snap.
User the Will linebacker on the blitz to time your rush with the snap count and avoid the play action rollout counter that offenses use against aggressive blitz shells.
