Brian Nix, Alcoa HS, TN, Head Coach
Full video on Glazier Drive: Sim Pressures
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
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SIMULATED PRESSURE VS CREEPER CONCEPTS
The key distinction is that a creeper shows four declared rushers (dropping one, bringing a non-declared rusher), while a simulated pressure shows five or six potential rushers, then drops some while bringing an unexpected blitzer.
THE “A’S” PRESSURE (NOW CALLED “AIKMAN”)
This is the primary simulated pressure in their system. It creates a “five up” look that forces offenses into either Bob protection (big on big), man protection, or full slide protection. The defensive ends drop into coverage while the inside linebacker blitzes the A gap. The nose gets a “left” call to redirect the offensive line’s attention.
KEY COACHING POINTS
When defensive ends work out on the drop, they must continue running to cut off plays. Droppers need to recognize run versus pass – on run reads, they must re-engage immediately. The coaching mantra is “shuffle, shuffle” and when the second foot hits on a run read, re-engage to the run.
BLIND FRONT VARIATION
This can be run from different front alignments (double threes, three-shade, four-eye) while keeping the nickel up. The nickel can either drop like in other creeper pressures or be a box rusher. Using an inside linebacker as the dropper is effective because they’re experienced with coverage responsibilities and can pattern match routes in three-hook zones.
TRANSPORTATION BLITZ FAMILY
These pressures feature an “Oscar” call by the nose and a “long stick two-face” call to the defensive end, making him a box player rather than slanting. This can show six defenders while bringing five, creating excellent pressure against slide protection by getting two rushers off the edge.
PHILOSOPHY
The goal is to waste blockers and create indecision in offensive linemen. Even when pressures don’t execute perfectly as drawn up, they force protection issues and create opportunities for disruption.