Playbooks
Likely unavailable in the playbook builder
Breakdown
Will Blitz 3 is a Cover 3 zone blitz out of the 4-3 Over Walk set that sends the Will linebacker on a delayed A-gap or B-gap blitz while dropping the defensive line and remaining linebackers into a three-deep, four-under shell. The primary read progression for the defense starts with identifying the quarterback's initial target through the underneath zone droppers, since the Will's pressure is designed to force a quick, inaccurate throw before route combos can develop. This is a zone beater against man concepts and a pressure package meant to disrupt timing-based passing attacks, not a coverage meant to hold up long against high level route combos if the blitz is picked up.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check for a running back staying in to block or an extra tight end, since that alignment usually signals the offense expects pressure and will pick up the Will blitz easily. Watch the offensive line's shift before the snap, if the center or guard slides toward the Will's gap, they have diagnosed the blitz and you should consider using the Will as a spy instead of committing him fully. Post-snap, key the quarterback's eyes toward the deep middle third, since Cover 3 leaves a natural seam there that route combos with a deep post or skinny post will attack if the blitz does not disrupt the throw. Identify if the offense is running a hot route into the vacated Will zone, because man beater crossing routes and drags will sit right in that void if your underneath defenders do not sink quickly. This blitz shuts down quick game and shallow crosser concepts but gets exposed by RPOs and play-action rollouts that read the Will's aggressive crash and throw behind him.
Usage Tips
Call Will Blitz 3 on early downs or second and medium when the offense is likely to run base concepts instead of max protect, since the blitz gets picked up easily against extra blockers.
Check the offensive formation for exposed backs or tight ends in single receiver sets before the snap, because the Will blitz lane is most effective when there is no natural chip blocker to slow him down.
User the Will linebacker yourself right after the snap to manipulate his blitz path and beat any late-picking-up guard, then peel off into a shallow zone if you sense a screen or checkdown developing.
Mix this play into a sequence with Mike Will Blitz and Sam Will Blitz from the same set so the offense cannot key on which linebacker is coming, forcing hesitation in pass protection identification.
Avoid calling this on third and long against trips or four verticals looks, since the three-deep shell leaves the intermediate middle vulnerable if the Will blitz does not get home fast.
