Sim Pressure using Sting Coverage

The Broncos are in Nickel personnel with OLB bodies at the DE positions. The snap is on 1st & 10 a 2min situation with Denver leading by 11 points.

The Rush: 

Both DT's are looping strong to balance the pass rush. The Rush OLB is wide with the ILB pressuring the B gap

The Coverage: 

4 under 3 deep Sting cover 3 coverage

 

The coverage concept of Sting has been featured on the site several times. Sting allows the defense to use 3 under 3 deep firezone teaching progression and techniques when playing 4 under 3 deep coverage. Continuity of Sim/Creeper coverage with Zone Dog coverages is a huge positive for defenses. 

The usage of Sting coverage allows the Nickel to carry #2 in the seam like fire zone. By contrast in a standard cover 3 distribution the Nickel would play the C-F and the OLB would drop to the strong hook. The OLB on the LOS isn't forced to get depth into the hook to cover the slot on the basic because the Nickel is carrying and the ILB is dropping with depth to #3. The free OLB can easily match the #3 on the check release to the flat. Denver is able to deny the basic to the slot with the Seam and 3RH droppers taking pressure off the OLB dropping from the LOS as well as efficiently deny a multilevel route from the offense. 

The pressure is a simple concept that isolates the RB in pass pro with the pressuring ILB. The Guard travels with the inside movement 3tech DT leaving the RB on the pressure LB in the B gap 1on1. 

This is another example of why teams use sim/creeper pressure. The defense can play a 7 man drop coverage while generating a pass rush. Very few traditional 4 man pass rushes can isolate a RB with a full speed rusher while wasting 4 OL on 2 DT's. The resource allocation is a major victory for the defense: 6 blockers vs. 4 rushers while still creating quick efficient pressure backstopped with 7 man drop coverage.

Good stuff from Denver Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell and Vic Fangio.