Blitz of the Week #12

The welcome back Blitz of the Week is actually 2 blitzes. Both are 5 man "Dogs" from the Pittsburgh Steelers arsenal. Both also utilize Cover 2 as the coverage concept behind them. The first was used by the Steelers two weeks ago in the big showdown with the Ravens.

The concept is a modified version of the tradional NCAA blitz.

• Non-Blitzing Linebackers - Vertical Hook (VH), matching vertical and inside releases
• Corners - Soft Squat
• Safeties- Deep 1/2

Video of this pressure can be seen here. Based on the eyes of the Nose (#96), I think he has a spy technique on the back releasing on screen.

The 2nd Cover 2 in this post was used by the Steelers against the Bengals this week.

The pressure concept is very similar to #1 but without the long stick.

• Left DE (or OLB depending on how you classify him) - Stand up 3 tech, drop Vertical Hook
• Tackle - 3 technique, working weak to balance the pass rush
• Non-Blitzing Backer - Sugared alignment near LOS over the Nose, drop Vertical Hook
• Down Safety - Curl-Flat (acts like a soft squat corner)
• Deep Safety and Weak Corner - Deep 1/2
• Strong Corner - Soft Squat

Video of this pressure is available here.

The coverage behind both pressures is almost man under 2 deep in nature. In both pressures it appears the DL (#96) that is looping away from the pressure to balance the pass rush also has his eyes on the RB as a weak side spy.