Playbooks
Overload 3 Seam Show 2 is an overload zone blitz out of the 3-3 Will Nickel front that disguises as a two high shell before rotating into a Cover 3 shell underneath a heavy pass rush. The play sends extra pressure to one side of the line while dropping a seam defender to wall off intermediate crossers, making it a zone based pressure call rather than a pure man beater. Primary read is the overload side rush lane first, then the underneath flat to hole defender if the quarterback tries to escape the pocket into your show 2 disguise.
Watch for the quarterback checking to a hot route or sliding protection toward the overload side, that tells you he has identified the extra rusher and you should be ready to user a spy or contain defender. This play shuts down teams that rely on quick game and hitch routes because the disguised Cover 2 look forces hesitation before the ball comes out into the blitz. Man heavy concepts with a single deep threat against your zone drops are where this call is most vulnerable, since a receiver winning early against a lurking underneath defender can hit the void before the rotation settles. Post snap, key the running back and tight end release patterns since check release protection into the flat is the primary answer offenses use against overload zone blitz pressure. If the offense comes out in max protect empty or heavy play action, respect the extra blocker count and be ready to peel a spy underneath since the overload rush lane may get picked up cleanly.
Show the Cover 2 look pre-snap for as long as possible before the snap to bait the quarterback into thinking he has two deep safeties and open flats.
User the overload rusher off the edge to time your speed rush or spin move against a tackle or tight end who is often late to identify the extra blitzer.
Use this on early down and distance situations or third and medium when offenses expect a standard drop back concept instead of pressure.
Pair this call with Cover 9 Show 2 and Show SS Sim 2 in your play calling sequence since all three show a similar two high picture pre-snap and keep the quarterback guessing about where the extra rusher comes from.
Hot route the seam defender into a deeper zone drop if you are facing a heavy vertical seam or dig concept team so the middle of the field stays protected after the disguise rotates down.