Enhancing the Nickel Strong FS Snake Blitz 3 flipped is a great way to bring defensive pressure up the middle and around the outside. In this tip, SportsGamer's going to showcase another quick setup for this play that will leave your opponents breathless in the pocket. This defense can also be used when attempting to contain a mobile quarterback. The key is to bring the pressure from the side of the field that your opponent's quarterback throws the ball from. Check it out as SportsGamer breaks it down!
Nickel Strong - FS Snake Blitz 3 (Flipped)
Console(s)
XBOX 360
Playbook(s)
3-4
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Call the play out of the huddle flipped.
Step 2 - Shift the linebackers to the left (RB + left).
Step 3 - (optional) Manually move the blitzing strong safety closer to the line of scrimmage to improve the pressure around the outside.
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - The St. Louis Rams have called the Nickel Strong FS Snake Blitz 3 flipped as they exit the huddle. In this image you can see the defensive assignments for the play. However, there are just two quick steps that we like to take to turn this defense into a monster.
Figure 2 - The first change that we make on defense is shifting the linebackers to the left.
Figure 3 - Next, we manually move the blitzing strong safety (Corey Chavous) down on the line of scrimmage to turn up the pressure off the edge. Now we are ready for the play to begin.
Figure 4 - As soon as Tennessee Titans' quarterback Vince Young takes the snap, both of our defensive tackles engage with the left guard and the center on the offensive line. Meanwhile, blitzing middle linebacker Will Witherspoon makes his initial break towards the A-gap just to the left of the center.
Figure 5 - As Young continues to drop in the pocket you can see Witherspoon sprinting through the opening in the. Also, if you'll look to the right of this image you can see blitzing strong safety Corey Chavous bringing heat from this side of the field as well.
Figure 6 - Young is quickly running out of time as the defense closes in.
Figure 7 - Young had no where to go with the football as he is taken down for a big loss in the backfield.
Countering the Pressure
Figure 8 - The easiest way to counter the pressure on this blitz is to hot route your running back to stay in and block.
Figure 9 - We've hot routed the running back to stay in and block, providing us with the needed protection to get rid of the football.
Figure 10 - Witherspoon attacks the opening in the line once again. However, this time we know that we have help as we drop back in the pocket.
Figure 11 - Running back Travis Henry does his job by taking out the legs of the blitzing linebacker. Quarterback Vince Young releases the ball as he tries to hit open wide receiver Drew Bennett over the middle of the field.
Figure 12 - Bennett hauls in the pass as we take full advantage of the vacated area left by the middle linebacker.
Final Thoughts
Being able to bring pressure from multiple spots on the field will force your opponent to start keeping extra players back to block. Once you force your opponent to start keeping players back, then you can expect your downfield coverage to improve because you will only need to guard a couple players. The great thing about this play is it is so easy to setup before the snap, so you don't have to worry about your opponent snapping the ball early. Heda into practice mode and turn up the heat the next time you play.
