Playbooks
Blitz Loop Sim 3
Quick Reference
In 2 playbooks
Breakdown
Blitz Loop Sim 3 is a simulated pressure package out of the 2-4 Load Dbl Mug set that shows a mugged look at the line before dropping into a Cover 3 shell behind it. Both interior Mug defenders loop into stunt paths at the snap (the red crossing arrows) to confuse the offensive line's blocking assignments while only a limited number of rushers actually get home. Behind the stunt, the two outside cornerbacks sink vertically into deep thirds, a nickel/safety bracket drops into the middle third, and the two off-ball defenders (tan icons) work underneath crossers to rob shallow in-breaking routes. The primary defensive read progression is stunt contain first, then eyes to the quarterback's first in-breaking read to jump the shallow cross before settling into deep third responsibilities.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the offense is sliding protection toward the mugged interior defenders, which tells you the stunt has a favorable angle to loop free off the edge. Watch the running back's alignment, if he is checking release toward the looping defender that is a sign the offense has identified the blitz and will chip or pick it up. Post-snap, key the quarterback's first look to the shallow crossing routes since the underneath zone defenders are sitting there specifically to jump that throw. This beats man concepts with limited hot route answers and quick game since the stunt disrupts timing while the deep thirds erase any vertical shots. It struggles against quick game to the flat or against offenses that immediately identify the loop and throw hot behind the vacated rush lane, so if the offense audibles to a fast flat route or screen, the stunt can get gashed before the coverage rotates fully.
Usage Tips
Call this out of the 2-4 Load Dbl Mug set when the offense is showing a heavy protection look or a play-action shot play, since the mugged front bait a hot read into the shallow crosses. Pre-snap, show the double mug to sell all-out pressure, then bail your corners into deep thirds right at the snap so the quarterback commits before he sees the drop. User the underneath defender crossing the middle of the field to jump in-breaking option routes and shallow crosses, since that is the leak point of this Cover 3 shell. Pair this with Blitz Loop 3 and Blitz Loop 0 in the same set so the offense cannot key on which mugged look is bringing four versus five versus six, forcing hesitation in protection identification. Best used on early downs or third-and-medium when you want to disguise pressure without fully exposing a true Cover 1 or Cover 0 blitz behind it.
