3rd Down Study: Dennis Allen Saints 3-2 Front 5 Man Pressure Scheme
I did an article on Dennis Allen last year but really like the way he generates pressure with his 3rd down package. The Saints are an excellent defense and have been pretty good under Dennis Allen on 3rd down. Before becoming the Head Coach, Allen was the defensive coordinator for many years and has had great success.
In 2023, they were top 5 once again, 4th-holding teams to a 34% conversion rate on those downs.They were 5th in 3rd down opponent conversion rate in 2020 and 2021 in third down opponent efficiency. In 2019 they were 8th. That’s 3 top 10 finishes 3 years in a row and were 4th this year.
They will often be in 2 packages on 3rd down, Their 4 hands and then they play a 3-2 dime look.
Today we will look at their odd package!
3-2 Odd package
The first thing you will notice about his 3rd down scheme is they will often be in an odd front with numerous LB and DB showing. They do this with dime personnel, 3 cb, 3 safeties, 2 LB and 3 DE. He does this because it gives him flexibility in who will blitz and gives them more options in pass rush.
In the scheme below they will play 1/4 ,1/4 1/2 or what I call cover 42. It is cover 4 to the strength and cover 2 to the boundary. They will mug with their LB with 1 LB responsible for carrying 2 or 3 vertical. The other LB will look for a shallow crosser. They play in essence a high low concept on any in breaking routes.
As it develops you see the 2 lb bail and D Davis plays off 2 with #20 playing off #3. They are matching the routes in this concept.
Mike plays off 2 and the dime LB #20 plays off #3
They do a good job matching the routes.
Film
Example #2 3rd and 5
Same coverage concept
Bring the sam and mike off the edge and play quarter , quarter , half.
The playside LB is playing off #2 and the deeper breaking in concept. The away LB is taking a shallow drop, looking to take any inbreaking route underneath.
They do a good job and make the tackle for a 3 yard gain. The CB and playside LB do a good job on the routes by #1 and #2 with the deep safety over the top. Up top you have cover 2 with the OLB playing trail technique. They get 2 over 1.
They get good pressure and force a quick throw.
Film
Example #3
Again they bring the sam and the LB off the edge, dropping the 2 ILB again and matching the coverage underneath.
Again they bail and get to their quarters with the LB carrying 3 vertical. To the single side they are playing trail technique.
Film
2 more clips of the concept is below.
I hope you enjoyed this 5 man pressure concept and utilize it in your playbook!