Sending a Linebacker on a Blitz can be a great way to disrupt the Offence and add some extra pressure.
Here are some thoughts on Linebacker Blitzes.
Mechanism
You can take the concept of a single Linebacker Blitz and create multiple different looks with it.
An easy mechanism to do this is to simply name the Linebacker, and name the Gap you want them to Blitz.
You can call a Mike A, Mike B, or Mike C, and send the Mike Linebacker to the A, B, or C Gap. You can also call a Will A, Will B, or Will C to send the Will LB to the appropriate Gap.
Now with one simple mechanism you’ve created a bunch of Blitzes, with the added variable of the Front you’re calling with the Blitz.
So a Mike A Blitz from an Over Front would look like this:
Cross Face
The above picture represents a Linebacker Blitzing an open Gap.
When you call the Linebacker Blitz to an occupied Gap, the Defensive Lineman in that Gap must now Cross Face.
So an Over Mike B would look like this:
Sometimes two Defensive Linemen might need to Cross Face, based on the call.
Here’s a look at an Under Will C:
All Defensive Linemen must be dialed in on the play call and understand how the Linebacker Blitz impacts their Gap responsibility.
Coverage
You have some options when it comes to the Coverage you will play on the back end.
A simple solution is to play Cover 1 Man-to-Man behind the Blitz.
The math works out, and the Linebacker who is not Blitzing can cover the RB.
Here’s one example:
You can also play any of your Zone Coverages behind this, but you will need to void one of your Zones to account for the Blitz.
Final Thoughts
A few final thoughts here:
Obviously you will need to spend some time deciding how your Zone Coverages with a voided Zone will look behind these Blitzes.
You can be even more multiple by pairing a Line Stunt with a Single Linebacker Blitz.
Linebackers Blitzing the C Gap will need to understand containment concepts.
Your Run Fits will be impacted when you Blitz a Linebacker, especially versus Gap Runs.
I hope this has been helpful.
All the best,
Jon Svec
Defensive Coordinator
St. Francis Xavier University
X-Men Football
Email: jsvec@stfx.ca
Twitter: @jonsvecx
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