GoodnightATL Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Written by the same guy as my earlier post! ENJOY!!!Yesterday I talked about how Mike Nolan uses the Isolation to create opportunities for his premier edge rusher to create pressure; today I want to talk about the Overload. Rex Ryan often is deemed the “master” of the overload blitz, but he really only elaborated on what Nolan was doing when they worked together in Baltimore. The overload blitz is used commonly in the NFL, especially with 3-4 based teams, and is most often used in 2nd or 3rd and long situations when the threat of a run is very limited. Often very undersized players (safeties, etc.) will be responsible for interior gap assignments, and sometimes gaps will be left unaccounted for altogether. It is designed to create pressure in an almost certain passing play.Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the overload is it provides an alternative method of getting pressure on the quarterback without bringing more than 4 players. It is a collective effort among all 11 players, and the coverage rotation is equally as important as where the pressure is coming from. The key to any successful overload blitz is confusing the offensive line. Since you are not outnumbering their blockers, you must find flaws in their blocking scheme—I firmly believe nobody in the NFL is better at this than Nolan.The play I chose to illustrate was actually only the Dolphins third defensive play of the year. The important thing to understand when looking at these exotic blitz packages, especially with an overload blitz, is there is an extraordinary amount of movement (disguising) prior to the snap. What you see is what Nolan wants his defense to look like when the ball is snapped and is often very different from the initial alignment:http://gmdotdavenpor...5/overload1.jpgFor this particular play, I think it’ll be helpful if I outline the responsibilities of each player. One note of interest, personnel wise, is there are actually three safeties on the field.(Note: common terminology and not actual Nolan verbiage)The main focus of this particular play is to force the offensive linemen inside to create a hole for the Mike linebacker (Karlos Dansby) on the outside. As you can see, only 4 players are actually coming. It should be noted that the SS (Yeremiah Bell) is keying off of the HB. This is important, because if the HB stays then Bell will continue to rush in an effort to distract the HB from helping with the blitzing Dansby on the opposite side. If the HB decides to help on Dansby anyway, Bell should have an open lane to the QB. If the HB leaves (as he ends up doing in this particular play), it is important for the Bell to trail him because the most important aspect coverage wise of any overload is to cover the checkdown.As far as other coverage responsibilities, you want the “bulk” of your coverage to be on the side opposite the designed pressure. This is done because the pressure side (usually the weak side of the play) is where your overload is coming, and it is very difficult for a QB to throw over the pressure and he often will flow away from it:http://gmdotdavenpor...5/overload2.jpgAs you can see, the design works to perfection and the offensive linemen end up bunching together, leaving an open lane for Dansby to sack Trent Edwards—resulting in a punt.Nolan has more overloads in his repertoire than likely any defensive coordinator in the NFL, including Rex Ryan. He understands the circumstances when they will be effective, and in a given week he will usually use at least 1 overload that has never been on film before. Just one of the many reasons why he is so good at what he does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobyd77 Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 (edited) On the Falcons’ secondary and his philosophy:I haven’t had a chance to look over all the players, so I can’t comment too much on an individual basis, but as a whole, I will say this: I think the secondary is one of the most important areas today, more than it was 15, 20 years ago just because of the quarterback play nowadays. There’s probably more good quarterbacks in the league now than there’s ever been, and naturally, outside of pass rush, the secondary is where the quarterback attacks you the most, so it’s really important to have a good secondary. But I do know this: I’m kind of familiar with some of the guys. It’s a solid group. But in order to play well, it takes 11 guys, so you can’t put it all on one position. All I can say really is that it’s a vital part of success in nowadays football, as you’re all well aware of. I think there was three or four quarterbacks that went over 5,000 yards and there’s all kinds of offensive production in that area, so I think there are people who will also, going forward, put a lot more emphasis on having (a better secondary). Typically, everyone talks about having four starting DBs, but I think the future really looks like it’s going to be five starting DBs if these quarterbacks keep doing what they’re doing.From what Nolan is saying we are going to stay typically a 4-3 with some tweaks there I'm thinking we will be running more of a 4-2-5 like he ran in 95" with the New york Giants of coarse at this team LT was gone so it kind of hurt the LB core. I also believe that we will try and hash it out with Grimes to get him back here. This secondary will have an interesting look we may see at least 3 out of the original starters back if we get Grimes but two will be added not including Decoub coming back I don't believe. I also see us signing Lofton back which means him and Spoon will be our guys leaving SN on the outside like in as he may be traded because if we go to this scheme he will not be needed because of his lack of cover skills that Lofton and Spoon possess but Lofton will have to become a 3 down guy to make this work. This will allow us to be more aggressive up front with our blitz packages way may give up some big play but the return will be greater than the big play we may give up on occasion. Nolan has ran this before with the Giants during his time there from 93"-96".1995 New York Giants 4-2-5 Nickel Defense - $10.00 Get 1995 New York Giants 4-2-5 Nickel Defense and the other defensive playbooks for less than 11¢ each (save 98.1%)!Get 1995 New York Giants 4-2-5 Nickel Defense and all the other playbooks for less than 6¢ each (save 98.8%)!I'm not buying this book but this is prove that he has run this scheme before. The question though is will we be man to man or zone. I believe it will be both but this is just my take what is your? The pass defense went to the top 4 that year and I believe that that is how we are going to improve the pass defense but we will have to booster that secondary via FA or draft or both I hope we get Grimes back. Edited January 21, 2012 by tobyd77 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulitik Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Interesting stuff.I'l just be happy if we can actually execute a blitz that Ray Charles couldn't see coming. I'm not committed to any certain scheme. I just want someone that adapts to our talent instead of the stubborn, square peg in the round hole way of coaching we've been stuck with the last 4 years. It sounds like Nolan is the guy we've been looking for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falken Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Thanks R13jd.You get the independent study award for the week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infinitepwnz Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 great read, too bad we don't have a video of that blitz, to understand further :] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infinitepwnz Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Found some of mike nolan's blitzes posted by the same guy on youtube Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoodnightATL Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share Posted January 21, 2012 Found some of mike nolan's blitzes posted by the same guy on youtubeYeah just found this too... look at the pre season ones. They're against Cam Newton Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infinitepwnz Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 More.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Infinitepwnz Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 one more :] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobyd77 Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Nolan I believe has given a lot of tell tell sign for what he plans to do with this defense. He said that with the way that teams are passing the ball defenses may look to have 5 starting DBs instead of 4. If which switch to a 4-2-5 scheme we will need a NT and it is funny because they asked him about a NT because of his 3-4 experience and he said if TD say Mike I got my eye on a real good player how would you use him and if it is a NT I will have to give him an answer a find a wit to fit him in. He also was asked if he had a few players in mind that he would like to bring over here from Miami and he said that he had a few in mind but he want say cause he does not feel that that will help them or him but there is a NT right now over there if they run this scheme that is a 28 year old free agent that goes by the name of paul Soliai who is also familiar with Nolans system. I'm just saying cause I'm excited and believe that we have our guy who has a vision for this defense. I don't think that he would give up the 3-4 which he has been successful in just to return back to 4-3 if he didn't see something special on the film he watched with Smitty before he signed on the dotted line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red falcon Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 those videos were awesome. In the first one it just looked like mass confusion for the offense. I can't wait for the season to start. This one has to end first lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethanga62890 Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Nolan I believe has given a lot of tell tell sign for what he plans to do with this defense. He said that with the way that teams are passing the ball defenses may look to have 5 starting DBs instead of 4. If which switch to a 4-2-5 scheme we will need a NT and it is funny because they asked him about a NT because of his 3-4 experience and he said if TD say Mike I got my eye on a real good player how would you use him and if it is a NT I will have to give him an answer a find a wit to fit him in. He also was asked if he had a few players in mind that he would like to bring over here from Miami and he said that he had a few in mind but he want say cause he does not feel that that will help them or him but there is a NT right now over there if they run this scheme that is a 28 year old free agent that goes by the name of paul Soliai who is also familiar with Nolans system. I'm just saying cause I'm excited and believe that we have our guy who has a vision for this defense. I don't think that he would give up the 3-4 which he has been successful in just to return back to 4-3 if he didn't see something special on the film he watched with Smitty before he signed on the dotted line.He ran a 4-3 with arguably more success than a 3-4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steel City Falcon Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I'm just so excited to have competent coordinators that are aggressive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neko Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I'm just so excited to have competent coordinators that are aggressive.this is the most excited & hopeful i've ever been about the falcons. i never liked the mularkey hire, and it feels we are perpetually employing avg/below avg scheme coaches. finally some intelligent, creative & aggressive minds to take us forward.3 things need to happen though: 1. Smitty needs to take a page from Blank's book and STEP BACK. let others call the plays. 2. Ryan needs his mojo back. I have big doubts he can find it, but i pray he does. 3. obviously the OL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Francis York Morgan Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Those three videos are AMAZING, moreso than you might actually believe at first sight - I mean, there's so much misdirection and confusion from the offense that they can't seem to figure out what to do. I love it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
falconsrus Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 There's a new sheriff in town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*TMo* Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Nice thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madman88 Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 Nolan I believe has given a lot of tell tell sign for what he plans to do with this defense. He said that with the way that teams are passing the ball defenses may look to have 5 starting DBs instead of 4. If which switch to a 4-2-5 scheme we will need a NT and it is funny because they asked him about a NT because of his 3-4 experience and he said if TD say Mike I got my eye on a real good player how would you use him and if it is a NT I will have to give him an answer a find a wit to fit him in. He also was asked if he had a few players in mind that he would like to bring over here from Miami and he said that he had a few in mind but he want say cause he does not feel that that will help them or him but there is a NT right now over there if they run this scheme that is a 28 year old free agent that goes by the name of paul Soliai who is also familiar with Nolans system. I'm just saying cause I'm excited and believe that we have our guy who has a vision for this defense. I don't think that he would give up the 3-4 which he has been successful in just to return back to 4-3 if he didn't see something special on the film he watched with Smitty before he signed on the dotted line.he did soecify a position.. he just said a player thats all.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don00045 Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I'm excited to see someone blitzing on third and long intstead of going into a prevent defense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoodnightATL Posted January 21, 2012 Author Share Posted January 21, 2012 Thanks R13jd.You get the independent study award for the week.Thanks lol. The more I learn about Nolan, the more I like. I having to reign in my expectations now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the baptist Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Found some of mike nolan's blitzes posted by the same guy on youtube This is all I wanted from Van Gorder, I mean just a little confusion and guess work as to where the blitz is coming from, Im not worried about Nolan, he has the experience, hopefully he does a little bit of everything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free Radical Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 one more :] Notice that this particular play was run with four down linemen, one of them dropping into coverage. This looked like a Fire Zone concept blitz, the same kind that BVG ran often that had people cursing relentlessly. Assuming Abraham comes back, expect him to drop into coverage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tribal Chief Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 All this is fine and dandy but the real question is do we even have the personnel for these types of blitz packages on our roster right now. Spoon is our best blitzing LB. Lofton is very slow. I saw him going after Eli and it looked like a DT running at him lol. Nicholas isn't the slowest but isn't the fastest either. Do we give Adkins a little more PT in these situations or do we go outside the roster to find more players. I would personally like to see Adkins get more PT anyway so seeing him and Spoon getting after the QB would be a pleasure for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Don™ Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Notice that this particular play was run with four down linemen, one of them dropping into coverage. This looked like a Fire Zone concept blitz, the same kind that BVG ran often that had people cursing relentlessly. Assuming Abraham comes back, expect him to drop into coverage.Yeah, but we only saw like 4 different blitzes from BVG. His blitzes were almost ALWAYS zone blitzes with a DL dropping in coverage(usually Abe). Look at that video again. Yeah, Nolan drops a DL in coverage but he has no impact on the play because he puts the other guys in man coverage.BVG would basically give the DL the coverage responsibilities of the LB that blitzed and that's just asking for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the baptist Posted January 22, 2012 Share Posted January 22, 2012 Notice that this particular play was run with four down linemen, one of them dropping into coverage. This looked like a Fire Zone concept blitz, the same kind that BVG ran often that had people cursing relentlessly. Assuming Abraham comes back, expect him to drop into coverage.You said it correctly, he ran it often too often, like it was the only blitz he had that actually caused some confusion, Im not expecting wonders from Nolan, just fresh Ideas on getting to the QB, and actually using the nickel and dime backs instead of leaving all three linebackers on the field on third down in the zone..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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