This defensive play, 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam, comes from the 3-4 Under formation, designed to apply balanced pressure while maintaining solid coverage. The play uses a zone blitz concept, combining aggressive pass rush with a Cover 3 zone shell. By strategically targeting the B gap, this play is effective for collapsing the pocket while still guarding deep threats. Transitioning between pass rush and coverage responsibilities adds an unpredictable element to your defense.
The focus on the 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam makes it versatile for disrupting offensive timing. With five rushers, it pressures the quarterback while six defenders cover potential passing options. It’s an excellent choice for intermediate downs or when expecting a short-to-intermediate pass play. Transitioning into this setup effectively keeps the offense guessing.
Play Diagram:
Playbooks Found In:
- Chiefs
Play Info:
Formation: 3-4
Set: Odd
Personnel: 3 DL, 4 LB, 4 DB
Coverage Type: Zone
Coverage Shell: Cover 3
Blitz Type: Zone Blitz
Gap Pressure: B Gap
Pass Rushers: 5
Pass Defenders: 6
Defensive Assignments:
RE: Pass Rush left
NT: Pass Rush
LE: Pass Rush right
ROLB: Blitz Left Outside
RILB: Blitz Left B Gap
LILB: 3 Rec Hook
LOLB: Seam Flat
RCB: Deep Zone left
FS: Seam Flat
SS: Deep Zone Middle
LCB: Deep Zone right
Defensive Play Breakdown:
The 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam begins with a zone blitz design aimed at creating confusion for the offensive line. The defensive line engages blockers, while the two linebackers execute a blitz. The right inside linebacker attacks the B gap with precision, exploiting mismatches caused by the offensive line’s focus on the defensive end and outside linebacker. This allows the linebacker to pressure the quarterback quickly. Transitioning into a Cover 3 zone shell ensures that deep and intermediate routes are effectively covered.
This play’s coverage scheme prioritizes limiting big plays while forcing the quarterback to make quick decisions. The cornerbacks and safeties maintain three deep zones, discouraging long passes. Meanwhile, the seam flat defenders cover the intermediate sideline areas, targeting running backs or tight ends in the flats. Transitioning from pressure to coverage ensures minimal open passing lanes.
Finally, the linebackers and defensive linemen create a balanced rush, with five players aggressively targeting the quarterback. This design aims to disrupt both run and pass plays. The 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam thrives against teams relying on timing-based passes, making it an excellent choice in critical situations. Transitioning into this play requires precise user adjustments for maximum effectiveness.
Key Strengths:
The 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam excels in creating pressure without sacrificing coverage. Five pass rushers overwhelm offensive lines, forcing quick decisions from quarterbacks. Its Cover 3 zone structure limits deep plays while keeping intermediate areas secure. This balance between pressure and coverage makes it effective against a wide range of offensive strategies. The play thrives in third-and-medium situations, disrupting quick passing concepts. Transitioning into the setup quickly keeps offenses guessing and limits adjustments.
Key Weaknesses:
The primary weakness of the 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam lies in its vulnerability to quick passes in the flats. If the seam flat defenders are delayed or misaligned, offenses can exploit short-yardage gains. Additionally, the play may struggle against mobile quarterbacks who can escape the B gap pressure. Transitioning to contain adjustments can help mitigate this but takes time. Finally, offenses using quick crossing routes may find soft spots in the zone if linebackers fail to react promptly.
Situational Usage:
The 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam is best used in intermediate down situations, such as second-and-long or third-and-medium. It’s ideal against offenses running timing-based passing plays, where quick pressure disrupts routes. The Cover 3 shell limits deep plays, making it effective against vertical threats. Transitioning into this play during red zone situations can also force offenses into short-yardage gains, limiting scoring potential. While versatile, it’s less effective against run-heavy formations or offenses targeting flats consistently.
Five Madden Tips for Success:
- Use the 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam on third-and-medium to apply pressure while protecting against deep throws.
- Quickly user-control the left inside linebacker to adjust coverage based on offensive route concepts.
- Transition into QB contain adjustments to counter mobile quarterbacks breaking out of the pocket.
- Shift the defensive line slightly to confuse the offensive blocking assignments.
- Identify the running back’s alignment pre-snap to predict potential passing or rushing lanes.
Quick Set-Up:
- Go to coaching adjustments and set auto alignment to base.
- Hot route the nose tackle to a bluff blitz.
- Call QB Contain.
- Take control of the left inside linebacker and user-control him.
Blitz Breakdown:
To set up the 3-4 Under – 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam, we first, take control of the nose tackle and hot route him into a bluff blitz. The nose tackle creates confusion for the offensive line, plua add an extra defender zone coverage.
Next, call QB contain. This places the outside linebacker and defensive end into contain assignments, ensuring mobile quarterbacks are limited. Transition into controlling the left inside linebacker. This player becomes your flex defender, covering passing lanes and adjusting to offensive routes. Observe offensive motions to prioritize coverage assignments, such as drag routes or seam routes targeting tight ends.
The right inside linebacker executes the blitz through the B gap. This creates immediate pressure, forcing the quarterback into hurried decisions. With proper setup, this defensive play effectively balances coverage and pass rush to disrupt offensive plays.
Video Breakdown:
Final Thoughts:
The 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam is a powerful defensive play combining pressure and coverage. Its strategic design targets offensive weaknesses, creating opportunities for sacks and turnovers. While it thrives against timing-based offenses, quick adjustments help counter its vulnerabilities to short passes. Transitioning smoothly into the play ensures maximum effectiveness, especially in intermediate downs. Overall, this play is a great tool for players seeking a balanced yet aggressive defensive strategy.
FAQ:
Q: What is the main focus of the 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam?
A: The main focus is to create pressure on the quarterback while maintaining solid Cover 3 zone coverage.
Q: How many players rush the quarterback in this play?
A: Five players rush the quarterback, including a blitzing linebacker targeting the B gap.
Q: What offensive plays are most effective against the 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam?
A: Quick passes to the flats or mobile quarterback rollouts can exploit this defensive play.
Q: Which player should I user-control for the best results?
A: User-control the left inside linebacker to cover passing lanes or adjust to offensive motion.
Q: Is the 3-4 Under – Will Fire 3 Seam effective against run plays?
A: It can be less effective against run plays, as the blitz focuses on pass pressure and zone coverage.
