Playbooks
Breakdown
Edge Blitz 3 is a five-man edge pressure package out of the Dime 2-3-6 Sam set that drops into Cover 3 behind the rush. Both outside linebackers crash off the edge while the slot corners and outside corners drop into deep thirds and underneath zones, with the middle linebacker sinking into a shallow curl or spy zone based on the diagram's short drop. This is a zone-blitz style call meant to disguise pressure while still protecting the deep middle and sidelines, making it a strong answer against quick-game passing attacks. The primary read for the defense is to trust the edge rush to collapse the pocket first, then react to any underneath crossers or check-down routes leaking into the shallow zone vacated by the blitzing linebackers.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the running back staying in to chip or pass protect, which signals the offense is anticipating edge pressure and may be running a quick out or slant beater. Key the tight end and slot receiver releases immediately after the snap, since underneath zone defenders need to react fast to shallow crossers sneaking through the vacated linebacker lanes. If the offense lines up with a single high safety and empty backfield, expect quick game concepts designed to exploit the shallow zone before the rush arrives, so user the closest underneath defender to jump the throw. This call is vulnerable to screens and RPOs since both edge defenders commit hard to the rush, so if you see stacked receivers or a pulling offensive lineman pre-snap, be ready to bail out of the blitz mentally and rally to the ball. Beats teams that hold the ball in the pocket looking for deep shots, but struggles against quick tempo no-huddle offenses that get the ball out in under two seconds.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or third and medium when you expect a quick pass game or shotgun spread attack that relies on getting the ball out fast. Pre-snap, identify if the offense is in a bunch or stack look, since the edge rushers can get picked up by chip blocks from tight ends or backs releasing outside. Use the hot route system to widen the flat zone defenders if you see a lot of flood concepts attacking the sideline. Pair this call with Cover 3 Hard Flat or Cover 3 Lock in your play sequence so the offense cannot key on the edge rush every time you show this front. Save this for situations where you need a negative or short gain, since the deep thirds behind the blitz can be vulnerable to double moves if the rush does not get home quickly.
