Vikings 3-4 defense: 5 Man Zone Pressures with Split Field Concepts

The Vikings were a top defense early in the year only allowing 10 points per game. They are the the 2nd best rushing defense in the NFL, allowing just 71 yards per game.

This article looks at the Vikings defense and their blitzes against 12 personnel. They have been very effective in their run defense, and they primarily do it with 2 fronts vs 12 personnel. Brian Flores likes to use both the under front and his 3-4 front when playing vs this personnel grouping on early downs.

Now when they blitz they will incorporate three blitzes:
Sam and Will: Cover 2/6
Will and Jack OLB: Cover 2 /6
Sam and Will LB; Cover 2 

The defense has helped them start 3-0 and it starts with their run game. Again they are only allowing 71 yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry. That is very impressive.

3-4 front Pressures

As discussed they will run 3 blitzes.

Pressure :1 Mike and Sam pressure:

Pass Coverage Responsibilities:

OLB Flat Weak CB- 1/4 FS 1/4 Will ILB- Strong Side Hook

SCB Flat SS- 1/2

Pressure #2

\Will pressure and Weak LB:

Sam-curl Mike- weak hook CB- Flat SCB-Flat

Both safeties-deep 1/2

photo #2

Another look pre snap of how they rotate.

Pressure #3-Both OLB blitz Both and the 2 Inside LB are in coverage playing hook to curl.

Some Film Clips of the pressures discussed above:

They play the concept with quarters.

Another look at the same pressure with a 2nd wr away from the blitz. In this situation, the OLB on the weak side will match #2 to the flat. This is the adjustment vs a #2 wr weak.

Under Front

The last clips are from the under front.

They can run similar pressures from the under front. Their most popular is sending the Will and reduced DE to that side. The Sam drops to the field and the mike plays the weak hook.

Under Film Clips

I hope you enjoyed this article about the Vikings 5 man pressures from their 3-4 and under front.