The 3-4 Even Weak Blitz is a great play because you can rush as few as four defenders and create solid pressure in the backfield. In addition, this play has one of the easiest setups that you'll find in Madden 2007. In this tip, SportsGamer's going to show you step by step how and why the Weak Blitz is so effective. Continue reading below to find out how to turn this play up a notch.
Console(s)
XBOX 360
Playbook(s)
4-6
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Shift the defensive line to the left (LB + left)
Step 2 - Shift the linebackers to the right (RB + right).
Play Breakdown
Figure 1 - In this first image you can see that the Cleveland Browns have come out in the 3-4 Even Weak Blitz. Currently, this play is a designed five man pass rush. However, if you read throughout the entire tip we'll show you how it is really only necessary to rush four defenders to create pressure.
Figure 2 - The first change that we make is shifting the defensive line to the left.
Figure 3 - Next, we shift the linebackers to the right. We've designed the pressure on this play to come from the right inside middle linebacker as he runs through the A-gap just to the left of the center.
Figure 4 - This image allows you to see what the defensive setup should look like before the snap. Now we are ready to begin the play.
Figure 5 - As soon as Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback Carson Palmer drops back to pass, both of our blitzing linebackers appear headed towards the open A-gap created in the offensive line.
Figure 6 - Right inside middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson hits the hole through the A-gap.
Figure 7 - The Bengal receivers have just started upfield. Unfortunately, the pressure from Jackson up the middle is already weighing down on Palmer in the pocket.
Figure 8 - Jackson drives Palmer into the ground just seconds after the snap.
Figure 9 - In this example, we're going to show you that it is only necessary to rush four defenders to get pressure. If you'll look towards the left side of this picture you can see that we have manually moved blitzing right outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley far back off of the line of scrimmage. Wimbley's rush is not needed, so we are going to manually control him during the play to help cover other areas of the field.
Figure 10 - Here you can see a closer view of what the setup will look without Wimbley near the line of scrimmage. Obviously, this is a defense that we would only suggest using against passing situations because the run support is very limited up front.
Figure 11 - Jackson begins sprinting towards the A-gap in the line once again.
Figure 12 - Jackson hits the hole and looks to bring down Palmer for a second time.
Figure 13 - In this image, you can see us controlling Wimbley at the 30 yardline as we look to help guard against the running back coming out of the backfield. If you are playing against a mobile quarterback you may want to consider manually rushing around either side of the offensive line to prevent your opponent from scrambling out of the pocket when the pressure up the middle hits.
Figure 14 - Palmer is hammered once again by the blitzing Jackson.
Final Thoughts
The ability to create instant pressure with as few defenders as possible is what makes a blitz successful. We would recommend placing your fastest linebacker in at the right inside linebacker position to increase the pressure up the middle. This is a blitz that can easily be thrown into your next game, so don't be afraid to give it a try the next time you hit the sticks.
