Playbooks
FS Will Blitz 0 is a zero blitz pressure package out of the Nickel 3-3 Will set that sends the free safety and Will linebacker on delayed blitzes while the rest of the defense plays man coverage with no deep safety help. This is a pure pressure call, not a coverage beater, so the design is built to collapse the pocket before the quarterback can hit his second read. The primary read progression for the defense is to confirm the free safety and Will linebacker get through their gaps untouched, since every receiver is locked in man coverage underneath with zero deep support over the top.
Watch the running back release out of the backfield, if he stays in to chip block your free safety the blitz timing will slow down and coverage matchups become more important. Identify any receiver bunched near the line who could rub off your man defender, since zero coverage has no safety valve if a defender gets picked. Key the quarterback's eyes before the snap, if he is looking to one side pre-snap he likely has a hot route or slot fade beater ready against your blitz. Post-snap, track whether your man defenders are staying square in their pedal, any hesitation opens up double moves that punish zero coverage instantly. This play shuts down teams that rely on max protect shotgun concepts, but it is vulnerable to quick RPO game and screens that get the ball out before the rush arrives.
Call this on third and long or in two minute situations when the offense is likely to run a max protect or empty set that leaves your extra rushers unblocked.
Check pre-snap for the running back and tight end alignment, if both are staying in to block you have a numbers advantage on the blitz.
Use the hot route system to slide your man defenders to trail routes if you suspect the receivers are running double moves against your zero coverage.
Pair this with Cover 1 LB Blitz or Edge Blitz 0 in the same set so quarterbacks cannot key blitz direction based on your first call.
Avoid this play against spread empty formations with quick game concepts, since there is no deep help if a man defender loses his matchup.