Playbooks

Overload 3 Seam

Quarter·1-3-7·Big Quarter 1-3-7

Cover 3 Overload Blitz Zone Coverage Blitz

Play diagram for Overload 3 Seam from Quarter 1-3-7 in Madden 27

Quick Reference

FormationQuarter

Set1-3-7

Personnel

Big Quarter 1-3-7DTSAMMIKEWILL4 CB2 FSSS

In 4 playbooks

3-4 DefenseDefense Sim 3-4 DefenseDefense Superstar Man DefenseDefense Superstar Zone DefenseDefense

Breakdown

Overload 3 Seam is a Cover 3 overload blitz out of the Big Quarter 1-3-7 personnel that sends five rushers with an overload look to one side of the formation while dropping the remaining defenders into a three deep, four under zone shell. The two outside cornerbacks sink into deep thirds off the snap, the deep safety in the middle bails to the middle third, and the underneath zone defenders spot drop into short and intermediate windows to take away quick hitters. This is a zone based blitz package, not a man beater, so the primary read is getting the quarterback on the ground before the overloaded protection can pick up the extra rusher, with the coverage behind it designed to bait a quick throw into a shrinking window underneath.

Defensive Reads

Watch for the running back or tight end shifting toward the overload side pre-snap, since that is the offense identifying the extra rusher and setting up a chip or full slide protection to neutralize it. If the quarterback is in shotgun with empty or trips to the overload side, expect a quick game answer like a hitch or stick route designed to get the ball out before the rush arrives. Keep an eye on the deep half opposite the overload rush, since that is where a skilled offense will attack with a go route or deep out if your zone shell gets stressed by the blitz. This call struggles against quick play action or screens back to the overload side, so if you see run action or a back leaking out that direction, be ready to squeeze down with your underneath defenders instead of committing fully to the rush. Against man beater route concepts like drag or crossing routes that flood the middle, trust your zone drops to stay disciplined rather than jumping the first route you see, since the deep third defenders need to stay on top to prevent the explosive play.

Usage Tips

Use this play on early downs or anytime you suspect a max protect shotgun look, since the overload rush is designed to beat single side protection schemes that cannot account for the extra rusher.

Identify pre-snap whether the offense has a running back or tight end staying in to chip block on the overload side, because if they do you may need to user the extra rusher through a different gap or drop him into a shallow zone instead.

Take control of the deep middle safety or a underneath zone defender near the overload side to jump any quick hitch or slant that the quarterback tries to throw as a hot route answer to the extra rush.

Pair this call with Cover 3 Spy or Cover 1 Thief in your play calling sequence so that offenses cannot key on the overload look and start checking to screens or draws to counter it.

Best used on third and medium to third and long situations where the offense is more likely to sit in the pocket and give your rush the extra half second it needs to disrupt the throwing lane.