The 4-3 Over Spy 3 Blitz is a great play to run to bring pressure from the B-gap. The B-gap is the space in between the guard and tackle on either side of the offensive line. Until now, we've only shown pressure coming through the A-gap. A-gap pressure is typically the quickest way to get to the quarterback. However, being able to bring B-gap pressure as well will allow you to attack a few different areas on the offensive line. Watch as SportsGamer shows you how to set it up.
4-3 Over - Spy 3 Blitz
Quick Setup
Step 1 of 1 - Pinch the linebackers (RB + down).
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The Dallas Cowboys have come out in the 4-3 Over Spy 3 Blitz. One aspect of this zone defense that is unique is the fact that the left cornerback (on the right side of the screen) is playing a Curl Zone (purple zone). Your cornerback will not drop as deep down the field when playing a Curl Zone. Therefore, it is important that you have a fast strong safety to prevent from getting beat deep.
Figure 2 - We make the one and only adjustment required to make this play work by pinching in the linebackers. Now the blitz angle from our left outside linebacker is aiming directly at the B-gap to the right of Seattle Seahawks' right guard Chris Gray.
Figure 3 - We've set up the defense with the Cowboys and we are now ready to bring the pressure. The great thing about this play is that it is difficult for the offense to know where the pressure is coming from before the snap because it has the look of a basic defense.
Figure 4 - As quarterback Matt Hasselbeck drops back to pass, Gray immediately engages with our strong defensive tackle. Meanwhile, Dallas Cowboys' left outside linebacker Al Singleton begins his rush towards the B-gap.
Figure 5 - The rush from left defensive end Marcus Spears forces right tackle Sean Locklear to engage. Now there's not one single defender standing in the way of Singleton's blitz.
Figure 6 - Singleton shoots the open B-gap in the offensive line.
Figure 7 - Hasselbeck has already run out of time in the pocket.
Figure 8 - Singleton drives Hasselbeck to the ground for a big loss.
Countering the pressure
Figure 9 - There are a couple different ways that you can pick up the pressure. Take a look at Figure 10 to see how we have chosen to make the block on the blitzing defender this time.
Figure 10 - In this image we've kept tight end Jeremy Stevens back to block to help pick up the rush. You may want to consider keeping your running back in to block instead of the tight end. Basically, it all depends on who you think it more likely to be open for a possible catch after the play has started.
Figure 11 - Immediately after the snap the rush through the B-gap starts to come from Singleton once again.
Figure 12 - Stevens slides over to make the block on Singleton, providing Hasselbeck with extra time in the pocket to release a pass.
Figure 13 - Hasselbeck makes the pass to running back Shaun Alexander out of the backfield.
Figure 14 - Alexander leaps into the air to make the catch.
Final Thoughts
Being able to bring pressure from multiple spots on the field will force your opponent to always be on their toes. One other note that you may want to consider when using this play is manually controlling the right defensive end to help cover another area of the field. The right defensive end's pass rush is not needed in order for the blitz to work. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure that you check out this play to see if you can work it into your next game.
