Playbooks
Breakdown
Edge Blitz 3 brings both outside linebackers off the edge in a red arrow crossing pattern to overload the tackles off the snap, while the four interior defenders drop into a Cover 3 shell behind it. The three deep defenders run vertical zone drops splitting the field into thirds, and the two purple flat defenders sit underneath the deep thirds to wall off quick outs and flats, with the olive defender spiking the middle hook zone. This is a zone blitz designed to disguise pressure while still playing sound Cover 3 behind it, so your primary read is the offensive tackles' pass protection, then work from the deep middle third out to the flats as the ball comes out.
Defensive Reads
Watch the offensive tackles pre-snap, if they are turned out in a wide pass set they are anticipating the edge rush and you should expect quick or intermediate throws underneath. Post-snap key the quarterback's eyes toward the flats, since Cover 3 is naturally vulnerable to flooded flat routes and quick outs against the underneath purple defenders. This call beats man beater route combos that rely on the quarterback holding the ball for double moves or deep comebacks, since the edge pressure forces quick decisions before those routes develop. It gets exposed by quick game zone beaters like flat and seam combos or three step slants that get the ball out before your rushers turn the corner. If the offense motions a back out wide or into the backfield late, check for screen action, since Cover 3 zone blitzes can be susceptible to bubble and tunnel screens attacking the vacated edge rush lanes.
Usage Tips
Call this on third and medium to third and long when you expect a dropback pass, since the edge rushers need time to win outside before the quarterback can escape the pocket.
Pre-snap, check if the offense has two backs or extra tackles in to help protect the edges, if so consider audibling to Edge Blitz 0 for more pressure or Cover 3 Match for a safer coverage shell.
User the strong side edge rusher and mash the speed rush move immediately at the snap to beat any tight end or running back chip before the tackle can get set.
If the offense shows empty or spread formations pre-snap, expect quick game to beat the edge pressure, so be ready to sink your underneath flat defenders instead of biting on the blitz.
Pair this call with Cover 3 Sky or Cover 3 Cloud on early downs to keep quarterbacks guessing between a static three deep shell and this disguised edge pressure look out of the same personnel.
