Coaches Corner

Im not nervous about the game. I think the Seahawks have a good chance of beating the Steelers. I thought I'd take a minute and break down the 3-4 Zone Blitz Defense Vs The West coast Offense. Im no Jaws, nor am I David Locke. But Football is Football. Whether played in a Sandlot or at Ford Field.


Lets 1st look at the West Coast Hybrid that the Seahawks run. You all know that the West Coast is based of of a Multiple Set Formation, where a variety of plays, both run and pass can be executed. The West Coast is bases on a Short passing game. Multiple recievers running 2-12yds routes and flooding the zone coverage of a defense. The passing premise is based off of a three read set. Primary, Secondary, Third and either Run or Throw away. The running game is solid. Alot of I formation at Split or offset backs.



Now lets look at the 3-4 Defense deployed by the Steelers.
The 3-4 is a 3-4. 3 down lineman and 4 LB's. The 3-4 is what I call and Edge Defense. It uses outside speed and strength to attack at the edge. Off Tackle. The Defense is basically attacking a Cereal bowl full of milk. From top to bottom. You have to attack the edge and force middle, without spilling the bowl of milk (Its easier to show on a chalboard). The Steelers also run the flex Blitz. Meaning they have 1 or 2 LB or 1 Lb and 1 Safety Blitzing on nearly every play. But its always a different combonation (Hence the flex name)




So, how do you attack it? I give you my 2 potential MVP's of the Game. Steve Hutchinson and Chris Gray. The RG and LG or the Seahawks. This is the Key Matchup. The key to beating the Steelers is 2nd level blocking.(1st Level is Dline, 2nd level is LB's and S) Quick running plays in the A and B gaps will slow the Edge Penetration. Sometimes the guards will Pull. Other times will double team the NG and Mack will block 2nd level. This battle in the trenches will I think decide the game.




Lets break down this play for example and see why it would be successful against a 3-4 With a blitz. (This is a Seahawk play)
Lets say the playside OLB blitzes.
Ok. Breaking this down
Far Right 34 G counter.
1st of all Far Right. RIGHT is TE Alignment. Far means the FB is opposite the TE (NEAR would mean the same side)
34 G Counter is Shaun through the 4 hole, with an offside G Counter.
Tobek and Gray Double the Nose, then Gray chips off and seals 2nd level S or LB. Sean Locklear pick up LB leaving Porter Free on a Blitz. Hutch pulls and blocks porter, Shaun counter steps and follows Strong through the 4 hole. Counters will stop the aggressive Steeler D.


We all know Mike Holmgren is much smarter than Coach Goose. If I see holes in the flex, Imagine what Mike is doing behind closed door breaking down film. I think we are in for a Super Sunday Seattle.