The 4-3 Under Mike Fire is a great play to use if you're looking to create some pressure on your opponent in the backfield. The reason this blitz is so effective is because there aren't a number of manual moves needed before the snap to make it work. With just one quick step out of the huddle you can not only disguise the pressure easily, but you can also consistently bring it as well. Read below to check it out.
4-3 Under Mike Fire
Console(s)
XBOX 360 / PS3
Quick Setup
Step 1 - Shift the linebackers to the left (360 - RB + left / PS3 - R1 + left)
Play Breakdown
In this first image you can see the defensive assignments for the 4-3 Under Mike Fire before we have made any adjustments to the play. This is a man to man defense with the free safety playing a deep zone downfield. The key to disguising the pressure is shifting the linebackers to the left (360 - RB + left / PS3 - R1 + left) as soon as you exit the huddle. The reason this helps to disguise the pressure is because now your opponent just thinks that you have called a basic play from the 4-3 normal formation and you aren't going to make any movements before the snap. However, little does he know that we have already made our movement and the pressure is set to come. Take a look at the second image to see the defensive assignments after the we have taken step 1. Now the blitzing middle linebacker's assignment is to rush through the A-gap just to the left of the center.
This closer view of the line of scrimmage allows you to see the exact setup for the 4-3 Under Mike Fire. By looking at the first image there's really no reason for our opponent to expect pressure because our defense looks so basic. However, in the second image you can already see the pressure starting to develop. As soon as the quarterback takes the snap, both the left guard and the center engage with our defensive tackles. Once these linemen engage it allows our middle linebacker to shoot through the open A-gap just to left of the center.
The play has just begun and our linebacker is already in the face of the quarterback. The end result on this play is a big sack for the defense and an 8 yard loss for the offense.
Countering the pressure from the 4-3 Under Mike Fire is something that you'll want to learn how to do. The easiest way for us to stop the blitzing linebacker is to hot route our running back to stay in and block. To make this change we press (360 - Y + receiver's icon + LT or RT / PS3 - triangle + receiver's icon + L2 or R2). The hot route made by our opponent proves to be a success as the running back takes out the legs of the blitzing linebacker this time.
The ability to bring pressure without making it obvious to your opponent is the key to disguising your blitzes. There are blitzes that can get to the quarterback faster than others. However, if your opponent knows where the pressure is coming from, then it's going to be easy for him to counter it. The element of surprise is what forces gamers into making mistakes on offense. Head into practice mode and work on the Mike Fire to surprise the next player you face.
