Playbooks

Nickel Overload 3

Dime·1-4 Dbl Mug·Big Dime 3-2-6
Cover 3DB BlitzOverload BlitzZone CoverageBlitz
Play diagram for Nickel Overload 3 from Dime 1-4 Dbl Mug in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationDime

In 22 playbooks

Bills DefenseDefenseBroncos DefenseDefenseCardinals DefenseDefenseChargers DefenseDefenseColts DefenseDefenseFranchise Defense MuglifeDefenseMultiple D DefenseDefensePackers DefenseDefenseRedskins DefenseDefenseSeahawks DefenseDefenseSteelers DefenseDefenseVikings DefenseDefense

Breakdown

Nickel Overload 3 is a five man overload blitz out of the 1-4 Dbl Mug look in Dime, sending four rushers to one side of the line while dropping the rest into a Cover 3 shell behind it. The two outside corners sink into deep thirds off the snap while the middle linebacker spins to a deep middle zone, and the two underneath defenders on the blitz side flow to shallow zone landmarks to protect against quick throws. This is a DB blitz designed to overload one edge of the protection, and the primary read is to attack the quarterback immediately off the overload side before he can climb the pocket or find a checkdown to the boundary.

Defensive Reads

Pre-snap, check the running back's alignment; if he sets up away from the overload side you have a free rusher immediately off the snap. Watch the offensive line's slide protection; if the line slides toward the overload, expect a quick throw to the opposite flat or a screen back to the blitz side. Post-snap, key the quarterback's eyes on three step drops since this blitz is built to disrupt timing throws before the overload defenders arrive. This beats man protection schemes and RPO run looks that lack extra help to the overload side, but max protect or six man protection with a chip from the tight end can pick it up. If the offense audibles to a hot route or slot fade away from the overload, user the deep third defender on that side immediately since it is the space most vulnerable to a lurking coverage bust.

Usage Tips

Diagnose protection pre-snap and pick the overload side to attack the running back's blind side, since a lone back can rarely account for four rushers on one edge.

Use this on early downs against heavy run personnel to blow up outside zone and gap schemes before the ball carrier can get to the edge.

Pair this call with Cover 3 Sky or Cover 3 Match from the same set so the offense sees the same shell pre-snap but cannot key the overload side.

User the deep third defender on the overload side since the corner is manned up in space and can be baited by double moves if the quarterback has time.

Save this for third and long or two minute situations where the offense is likely to max protect, since the extra blocker still cannot cover the numbers advantage on the overload edge.

Other Plays in 1-4 Dbl Mug