The 4-3 Normal LOLB Blitz is a solid defense that follows basic overload principles of football. In this example, SportsGamer's going to demonstrate a quick way to set this play up before the snap to create problems for your opponent in the backfield. The pressure won't always come from the same defender, but the idea is to send more players after the quarterback than the offense has available to block with. Take a look at this defense as SportsGamer breaks it down.
4-3 Normal - LOLB Blitz
Quick Setup
Step 1 of 1 - Crash the defensive line to the right (XBOX - White Button + right analog stick right / PS2 - L1 + right analog stick right).
Step 2 of 2 - Shift the linebackers to the left (XBOX - Black Button + left / PS2 - R1 + left)
Step 3 of 3 - Manually move the blitzing left outside linebacker behind and slightly to the left of the strong defensive tackle.
Step 4 of 4 - (optional) Playmaker the right defensive end to perform a QB Contain route (Flick the right analog stick down once)
Step 5 of 5 - (optional) Use the Coverage Audible to call for bump n' run and align your secondary. (XBOX -Y + down, Y + right / PS2 - Triangle + down, Triangle + right).
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The Kansas City Chiefs have come out in the 4-3 Normal LOLB Blitz. This defense is a five man pass rush with man to man coverage on the receivers. Also, we are provided with a deep safety to help us prevent from getting beat over the top. Now let's begin setting up the pressure.
Figure 2 - The first change that we make is crashing the defensive line to the right.
Figure 3 - Next, we shift the linebackers to the left.
Figure 4 - Once the linebackers have been shifted, we manually move the blitzing left outside linebacker behind and slightly to the left of the strong defensive tackle.
Figure 5 - In this image, we've taken the optional step number 4. The reason that we take this step is because we don't want our opponent to try to quickly run to his left after the snap to avoid the pressure coming from the right.
Figure 6 - The last change we make is using the Coverage Audible to call for bump n' run and align our secondary with the receivers.
Figure 7 - This image allows you to see what the setup should look like at the line of scrimmage before the play begins. Now we area ready to begin the play.
Figure 8 - As Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning drops back to pass the pressure has already begun to develop. The center and the right guard engage with our defensive tackles, creating a hole in the A-gap for linebacker Derrick Johnson to attack.
Figure 9 - Right tackle Ryan Diem turns to the inside as soon as he recognizes the pressure from Johnson. However, once Diem turns to the inside he leaves left defensive end Eric Hicks with a free run at Manning.
Figure 10 - Manning has no where to go with the football because the pressure was too much.
Figure 11 - Johnson records the rare sack on Manning for the Chiefs.
Countering The Pressure
Figure 12 - One of the ways to counter the pressure from this play is to keep an extra player back to block. We've highlighted fullback James Mungro because this time we are going to keep him back to block just in case our opponent brings the pressure once again.
Figure 13 - In additon, we are going to slide protect down to stop any potential rush up the middle. To slide protect down press (XBOX - White Button + down on the directional pad / PS2 - L1 + down on the directional pad).
Figure 14 - Now we've made the proper adjustments on offense before the snap to counter this play if our opponent tries to run it again.
Figure 15 - Immediately after the snap, the Colts' offensive line crashes in towards the middle to block any approaching defenders.
Figure 16 - Right guard Jake Scott picks up Johnson this time. However, using this type of slide protection allows Hicks to come free off the edge once again. Fortunately, we kept Mungro back to block just in case this happened.
Figure 17- Mungro makes the block on Hicks, giving us plenty of time to search the field for an open target. Sometimes you may need to move quickly with the quarterback to get behind your running backs if they are blocking. It will often depend on what formation you are using, as well as what defender is coming after your quarterback.
Figure 18 - Manning stands tall in the pocket as he delivers a bullet to wide receiver Brandon Stokley.
Figure 19 - Stokley leaps into the air to snag the pass out of the sky.
Final Thoughts
The 4-3 LOLB Blitz is a sure fire way to get some big plays for your defense. If your hand speed is fast enough, then we would suggest individually bumping the receivers instead of bumping them all at once. Individually bumping the receivers will allow your linebacker to guard the running backs as they move to the flats much more effectively. All in all, this is one defense that you will want to strongly consider using to bring some heat.
