Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Blitz Tex 3 is a Cover 3 zone blitz out of Dime Single Mug, sending a Tex (tackle-end) stunt pressure package off the edge while dropping the underneath zones into a three deep, three under shell. The two deep purple zones and the deep middle blue defender cover the thirds, while the two shallow crossers underneath from the slot defenders squeeze the flats and hook zones as the front generates pressure. This is a zone beater blitz designed to disrupt the quarterback's timing pre-route development, with the primary read progression being the interior stunt through the A or B gap first, then peeling to the underneath zone defenders if the quarterback escapes the initial rush.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, check the offensive line splits and running back alignment to confirm they are not sliding protection toward the stunt side, which would kill the interior pressure. Look for trips or bunch formations that stress the flat zones, since the underneath defenders in this Cover 3 shell can get picked on quick out or flat routes if they are late to their landmarks. Post-snap, key the quarterback's eyes on three step drops, since the stunt is designed to disrupt timing before he can get through his first read. Watch for tight ends or backs releasing into the seams between the deep thirds and underneath zones, as this is the classic soft spot in a three deep, three under shell. This play beats teams that rely on quick game and shallow crossers, but can be exploited by well timed screens or draws if the interior stunt commits too hard upfield.
Usage Tips
Call this on early down and distance or third and medium when you expect the offense to run quick game or shallow crossers, since the underneath zone defenders squat on those routes while the stunt collapses the pocket.
Identify pre-snap if the offense is in a spread or empty look, since Tex stunts work best against tackles and guards who are not sold out on max protect.
User the interior defensive lineman engaged in the Tex stunt to control the initial rush lane, then transition to spy or contain duties if the quarterback breaks the pocket.
Pair this with DB Blitz Tex 3 or 1 LB Dog from the same Single Mug set to disguise whether you are bringing four or five rushers, keeping the offense guessing on protection calls.
Avoid calling this against heavy play-action shotgun sets where the offensive line is likely to slide protect toward your stunt side, since it can neutralize the interior pressure.
