Playbooks
Blitz Loop Sim 3
Quick Reference
In 1 playbook
Breakdown
Blitz Loop Sim 3 is a simulated pressure package out of the Nickel Big Nickel 4-2-5 personnel in the Load Dbl Mug set. Pre-snap you see a mugged look at the line with defenders stacked over the interior gaps, but at the snap two of those defenders loop and drop into underneath zones while the interior rushers stunt through the line, creating a five-man pressure disguised as a six or seven man blitz. The three deep defenders (two corners and a deep safety) drop into Cover 3 thirds while the underneath defenders wall off the middle, making this a zone-based simulated pressure rather than a true blitz beater or man coverage call. The design goal is to get free rushers off the stunt and loop action while still protecting against explosive plays over the top with three deep defenders.
Defensive Reads
Pre-snap, identify if the offense is in a spread formation with quick game concepts, since this play is vulnerable to hitches and quick outs against the loop vacancy before the zone sets. Post-snap, watch for the running back or slot receiver working into the vacated area left by the looping defender, this is the primary void in the coverage. This play beats man beater concepts like slants and drags because the underneath zone defenders wall off shallow crossing routes after completing their loop technique. Static pocket passers who hold the ball are the best matchup for this call because the delayed pressure from the stunt and loop takes an extra beat to develop. Avoid calling this against empty formations or quick tempo passing games, since the disguised loop technique needs a full count to generate pressure and can be beaten by rhythm throws.
Usage Tips
Call this on early downs or third and medium when the offense is likely to run quick game or shallow crossers, since the sim pressure disguise baits quarterbacks into thinking there is a heavy blitz coming.
Watch the offensive line's protection slide pre-snap. If they set toward the mugged defenders you can often get a free rusher off the backside loop.
Use this play in sequence with Blitz Loop 0 and Blitz Loop 3 from the same set so the offense cannot key on the mugged look and diagnose zone versus man pressure based on alignment alone.
Manually spy or drop the looping defender into the shallow zone if you expect a hot route or quick out, since the loop technique can be exploited by fast option routes if timed poorly.
Pair this with Cover 3 Sky or Cover 3 Match on subsequent snaps to keep the same shell picture while varying man versus zone principles underneath.
