Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
DB Blitz Tex 3 is a Dime 4-1-6 Cover 3 zone blitz that sends a five man rush including a slot corner blitzer off the edge while dropping the remaining six defenders into a three deep, three under zone shell. The two outside cornerbacks and one linebacker sink into deep thirds while the underneath defenders spot drop into short and intermediate windows to take away quick zone beaters. This is a defensive blitz package built to disrupt timing throws, and the primary read for the defense is jumping the shallow crossing route or hitch that the offense uses to counter pressure while the deep thirds stay in position to erase any vertical shots.
Defensive Reads
Watch for offenses attacking the seam or flat immediately after the snap, since the blitzing slot defender leaves a void that quick out and flat routes can exploit before the underneath zone rotates over. This play beats teams that rely on three step drop quick game and shallow crosses because the underneath zone defenders sit right in those throwing lanes. Man beater route combos like double moves and deep crossers can hurt this if the rush does not affect the quarterback quickly, so timing the blitz to disrupt the throw is critical. Pre-snap, check if the offense has a running back or tight end staying in to block, which signals they expect pressure and may be running a quick screen or check down to counter the blitz. Post-snap, key on the quarterback's eyes to the boundary since the deep thirds are evenly split and the zone defenders will squeeze passing lanes toward the sideline routes once the ball is snapped.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs against offenses that rely on quick game and rhythm passing to punish their timing before the ball comes out.
Pre-snap, identify the offensive personnel and check if they are in a spread formation with quick out or slant concepts, since those routes sit right in the shallow zone drop.
Use the DB blitz off the slot to create a numbers advantage on early down runs as well, since the extra defender in the box can blow up inside zone and gap runs.
Pair this with Cov 3 Buzz Show 1 or Cover 1 Games from the same set to disguise your pressure look and keep quarterbacks guessing between man and zone blitz shells.
Avoid calling this on third and long against teams with a strong deep passing attack, since the zone defenders underneath can be stressed if the rush does not get home in time.
