Playbooks
Quick Reference
Breakdown
Show SS Sim 2 is a simulated pressure package out of the Nickel Over set that shows a Cover 2 shell pre-snap before dropping into a zone blitz look. The diagram shows both corners and the slot defender dropping into shallow zone spots underneath, two deep safeties rotating over the top, and a Mike or Sam linebacker crashing off the edge while the DL games and drops a lineman into a shallow zone. This is a zone coverage simulated pressure designed to disguise the rush while still playing sound zone behind it, so the primary read for the offense is identifying which underneath defender bailed into coverage and attacking the vacated flat or seam before the deep safeties can rotate over.
Defensive Reads
Watch for the offense attacking the flat immediately after the snap since that is the zone vacated by the blitzing linebacker Pre-snap, identify if the offense is in a heavy play-action or shotgun spread look since both are vulnerable to the delayed underneath zone drop confusing protection rules This beats teams that rely on quick game and rhythm throws since the simulated pressure disrupts timing without sacrificing zone integrity behind it Man beating crossers and deep comebacks can exploit this if the quarterback recognizes the two deep safety shell and throws before the underneath defenders settle into their zones Post-snap, track the dropping defensive lineman and the blitzing linebacker exchange since a late or lazy drop opens a soft spot over the middle for slot receivers
Usage Tips
Bait the quarterback with quick game concepts since the disguised pressure often gets home faster than a standard four man rush
Use this call on early downs or third and medium when the offense is likely to call quick hitting man beaters that die against the underneath zone drops
Pair this with Cover 3 Sky and Cover 6 Willie in your call sheet so the offense cannot key the deep safety rotation from split field alignment
User the dropping defensive lineman as your spy or lurk defender to jump any hot route or check down since offenses expect a clean throwing lane there
Disguise the simulated pressure by holding your pre-snap alignment as long as possible, then rotate at the snap so the quarterback commits to a presnap read that no longer exists
