The 43 Over Fireman provides great A-gap pressure that will leave your opponent with an extremely limited amount of time in the pocket. What's great about this play is that there is only one step required before the snap to bring the heat. Continue to read below to discover how this defense can quickly become one of your best blitzes.
Nickel 425 Bear - MLB Blitz (flipped)
Console(s)
XBOX 360 / PS3Quick Setup
Step 1 - Pinch the linebacker (360 - RB + down on d-pad / PS3 - R1 + down on d-pad).
SportsGamer tip: You may want to consider manually controlling the left defensive end (on the right side of the screen) and pulling him off the line of scrimmage to help cover deep downfield.
Play Breakdown
In the first image you can see that the Louisville Cardinals are currently displaying the defensive assignments for the play. The only change that we make before the snap to setup the pressure is pinching our linebackers. As soon as your linebackers pinch in you will notice that the left outside linebacker's (on the right) angle has now moved from attacking the B-gap to the A-gap just to the right of the center. One additional change that you might want to consider using before the snap is calling for bump n' run coverage on the receivers to slow their progress up the field.
We provide you with one last look of the defensive setup in the image to the left. Then, as soon as the play begins you can see our left outside linebacker making his initial break towards the open A-gap just to the right of the center. If you'll take a closer look at the second image you can see the right tackle turning in towards the middle as he recognizes the pressure coming. The turn towards the middle by the right tackle doesn't always happen, but when it does it will often provide your left defensive end with a chance to record a sack as well.
The right tackle realizes that he cannot get to the middle of the field in time to block our linebacker, so quickly turns back to the right to make the block on the end. Our opponent has just a short time to get rid of the ball now or the Bearcats will be forced to take a loss on the play.
Our linebacker uses his great speed and athleticism to bring down the quarterback in the backfield for a big loss.
Final Thoughts
The 43 Over Fireman will bring some of the most consistent pressure in the game. However, you may also want to try spreading the defensive line when using this play to create some pressure off the left side of the offensive line from your right outside linebacker. Spreading your defensive line will often allow both players to come in, but it will also sometimes result in your left outside linebacker shooting up the A-gap getting picked up. Still, odds are someone is going to get to the quarterback. Head into practice mode and try this play out both ways to decide for yourself.
