Playbooks

LB Blitz 6

Nickel·Load Dbl Mug·Big Nickel 4-2-5

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Quick Reference

FormationNickel

SetLoad Dbl Mug

Personnel

Big Nickel 4-2-52 EDGE2 DT2 MIKE2 CBFS2 SS

In 2 playbooks

Chiefs DefenseDefense NFL Live Chiefs DefenseDefense

Breakdown

LB Blitz 6 is a double mug pressure package out of Nickel Big Nickel personnel, sending both interior linebackers on delayed or straight blitz paths through the A and B gaps while the secondary rolls into a man or zone shell behind it. This is a blitz play designed to disrupt the pocket and force a quick, inaccurate throw rather than a coverage beater for your offense, since you are on defense calling this look. The primary read progression for the defense here is to identify the running back's blocking assignment first, then trust the interior pressure to collapse the pocket while the underneath defenders wall off any check down or drag route the quarterback tries to use as an outlet.

Defensive Reads

Watch the offensive line splits pre-snap, since a tight formation with extra protection on one side tells you the offense expects pressure and may check into a quick throw beater. If the offense shows five wide or empty backfield, expect a fast RPO or bubble screen read, so be ready to peel a linebacker off the blitz into a hot zone. Post-snap, key the running back's release, if he chips a rusher and leaks out, your remaining underneath defender needs to wall that route off immediately. This blitz beats teams that hold blocks with a fullback or extra tight end since the double mug creates confusion on who picks up the second rusher. Against quick game and slot fade concepts with fast releases, this pressure gets there too late, so avoid calling LB Blitz 6 against teams that live in three step drops on early downs.

Usage Tips

Use LB Blitz 6 on early downs when you suspect the offense is going to run a quick game or drag concept to alleviate pressure, since the mugged look forces a fast decision from the quarterback.

Mix this play with Cover 1 LB Blitz and Blitz Loop 0 from the same set so the offense cannot key on the double mug look pre-snap and start peeking hot route responsibilities before the ball is even snapped.

If the offense comes out in an empty formation, consider bailing one of the mugged linebackers into a shallow zone to protect against the quick out or slot fade instead of sending both on the blitz.

User the strong side linebacker at the snap so you can manually spy the quarterback on read option or bootleg concepts, since the AI blitzer can overrun the pocket and open a lane.

Save this call for third and long or second and long situations where the offense is more likely to hold the ball for a deeper route, giving your pressure time to arrive before the throw.