Madden 09: 4

Setup:
Step 1. Re-blitz the WDT (left of the Center)
Step 2. Stack the blitzing LB (on the left) over the left hip of the WDT
Step 3. Place the blitzing LB (on the right) into a QB Contain assignment
Step 4. Optional Call bump and run coverage (coverage audible plus down)

Here you see the defense after we have completed the pre-snap setup

The key to this blitz is that the blitzing ROLB (on the left) is actually running a delayed blitz. This is very rare in the game. In fact this play and only one other have this delayed blitz pursuit. What makes this so special is by the ROLB delaying his blitz for a second, more often than not the LT will leave the RDE to pick him up. What we are basically doing is forcing the LT to make a haste decision as to which one of the pass rushers he picks up. Because he feels like he has back side support for the RDE, he typically leaves him once the ROLB makes his move towards the line. This gives the RDE a free run at the QB. The reason we placed our LOLB in a QB contain is so that if the QB tries to escape the rush of the RDE, our LOLB will be there to clean up.

At this point our ROLB has not started his blitz and the LT is still after our RDE

Our linebacker has now initiated his blitz....

...and you can see the LT has left his assignment

Which results in a sack on Eli Manning!


If your league permits you to drop defensive lineman into coverage, I would do so with the SDT. He is not needed in pass rush to execute the pressure we are trying to generate. What is a nice option is to drop him back into a yellow "hook" zone so that if the QB tries a quick dump off he's there to defend it.


Final Thoughts:
I like to sub in my fastest DE at RDE for this blitz. The more speed, the better. If your league allows you to put linebackers at the DE position, you could sub in an OLB at this spot if the team you play lacks elite speed at DE. I like to have at least 80 speed at RDE for this blitz, but when you have a RDE in the mid to high eighties, you will notice a difference in the speed. If you have an elite pass rusher like Dwight Freeney or DeMarcus Ware, this blitz can really reap havoc. For more strategies and tips, stop by http://www.madden-tips.com and don't forget to follow me on twitter http://www.twitter.com/gambino216