Playbooks
Blitz Tex 3 Sim 3
Quick Reference
In 16 playbooks
Breakdown
Blitz Tex 3 Sim 3 is a simulated pressure package out of the 3-3 Single Mug in Nickel that drops into Cover 3 behind a five-man rush look. The diagram shows a Tex (twist) blitz from the interior defenders with the two square icons crossing paths as they rush, while the three deep defenders drop to their thirds and the underneath zone defenders (the two X icons at the second level) sink into curl and hook zones. This is a zone beater blitz designed to disguise pressure while keeping three deep defenders over the top, and the primary read progression for the offense facing it starts with identifying the single-high safety shell, then working from the deep middle third defender to the underneath hook defenders as the twist develops.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, key the single-high safety alignment to confirm the Cover 3 shell before the Tex twist fires off the snap. Watch for user-controlled defenders sitting in the underneath hook or curl zones, since the two second level defenders in the diagram are the primary lurk threats against quick game and crossing routes. This call is effective against man beater route combos like slants and drags that try to exploit blitz gaps, since the twist collapses the pocket before those routes develop. It can be exposed by hard play-action rollouts or RPOs that get the quarterback outside the twist before the interior rush closes, so respect boundary rollout tags on early downs. Post-snap, track the deep third defenders honoring vertical routes on the outside, since if a receiver stems into the seam before the twist finishes the underneath zone can be late getting there.
Usage Tips
Disguise this call by mixing it in after showing Cover 9 or Cover 4 Quarters pre-snap so the quarterback cannot immediately diagnose the Tex twist coming from the interior.
Use this on second and medium to third and long situations where offenses are likely to call five or seven step drop passing concepts that give your simulated pressure time to develop.
Mug the A gaps pre-snap with your linebackers to bait the quarterback into thinking you are bringing a full house blitz, then drop the extra rushers into their zone landmarks at the snap.
Pair this with 1 LB Dog and DB Blitz Tex 3 in the same set so opponents cannot key on personnel or alignment tells across your pressure calls.
Sim pressure timing is key, so practice your rush lane twist in Skills Trainer to make sure the interior rushers cross without collision so you get consistent pressure on the same count every snap.
