In this Madden Tips breakdown, we are going to take a look at a zone blitz concept out the Nickel Psycho. This zone blitz scheme is designed to get pressure from the left outside linebacker. What we like about this blitz is it only requires one pre-snap adjustment.
Playbooks Found In
- Packers
The Nickel Psycho – Invert Fire 2 has the right and left cornerbacks playing 2 deep coverage instead of the free and strong safeties. There are 3 defenders playing hook zones, 5 five defenders rushing the quarterback. The right outside linebacker’s defensive assignment is QB Spy. He will be the defender that we use to help create pressure for the left outside linebacker.
The only pre-snap adjustment that needs to be made is to move the ROLB across from left guard.
By holding down the right trigger (PS3 = R2) before the snap and then briefly after the snap, it will force the left guard to look to block the right outside linebacker. The left guards actions changes the way the rest of the offensive line blocks, allowing the left outside linebacker to get pressure from the right side of the offensive line.
Once we see the left outside linebacker get past the line of scrimmage, we drop the right outside linebacker back into pass coverage. The left guard won’t be able to get back fast enough to block the left outside linebacker as he closes in on the quarterback.
The result is a sack on the quarterback for 8 yard loss.
Video Breakdown
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Final Thoughts
Having a fast left outside linebacker with a high shed blocking rating will increase the chances of him sacking the quarterback. In the video breakdown, we talk about the runningback staying into pass block and what effects he has on the blitz.
