In modern football, defensive coordinators face the constant challenge of disrupting the quarterback’s rhythm while preserving coverage integrity. One innovative strategy that has risen to prominence is the use of simulated pressures. In a sample clip from his video course, “Dan Lanning – Simulated Pressures: Schemes, Planning and Technique,” Oregon Head Football Coach Dan Lanning breaks down this defensive tactic with clarity and enthusiasm.
This blog post explores Coach Lanning’s insights, detailing how simulated pressures create illusions of chaos for offenses while keeping the defense structurally sound. From real-game examples to strategic advantages, we’ll uncover why this approach is a cornerstone of contemporary defensive schemes.
Watch the video below, or keep reading to learn more.
What Are Simulated Pressures?
Simulated pressures involve crafting the appearance of a blitz (bringing extra players to rush the quarterback) while actually committing only four defenders to the pass rush, mirroring a standard front. This allows the defense to keep seven players in coverage, maintaining a robust back-end structure. As Coach Lanning explains, “We’re not selling the farm to get home.” The goal is twofold: confuse the offense, particularly the quarterback and offensive line, and retain the flexibility to play multiple coverages without overcommitting resources.
Unlike traditional blitzes that risk exposing the secondary if the pressure fails, simulated pressures strike a balance between aggression and caution. By using non-traditional rushers such as cornerbacks or safeties within a four-man framework, the defense can disguise its intentions while still achieving a seven-man coverage scheme.
Real-Game Examples: Lessons from High-Stakes Matchups
Coach Lanning illustrates the impact of simulated pressures by contrasting two pivotal games: the SEC Championship Game and the National Championship Game against Alabama.
In the SEC Championship Game, his team employed a conventional four-man rush with seven defenders in coverage, playing a basic two-man scheme. The result was less than ideal. “We don’t do a great job of finishing on the quarterback, he takes off and runs,” Lanning recalls. The quarterback exploited the pocket, exposing a flaw in the conservative approach. Reflecting on this, he admits, “We were trying to play coverage this game… ended up being the wrong plan.”
The National Championship Game offered a different story. Facing Alabama again, Lanning’s defense leaned on simulated pressures to create “the illusion of a blitz.” Despite appearances, they rushed only four defenders, preserving seven in coverage with a three-deep zone and a middle-field player. “It still creates confusion for the quarterback, makes him jack the ball, and creates a little bit of him being uncomfortable in the pocket,” Lanning notes. This approach disrupted Alabama’s offense more effectively, showcasing the power of deception over brute force.
Strategic Advantages of Simulated Pressures
Simulated pressures offer a suite of benefits that make them a compelling choice for defensive coordinators. Coach Lanning highlights three key advantages:
- Low-Risk, High-Reward Dynamics
“They’re low-risk, high-reward,” Lanning emphasizes. If the pressure doesn’t reach the quarterback, the defense remains fortified with seven in coverage, including a middle-field safety to contain any escapes. This contrasts sharply with traditional blitzes, where a missed rush can leave gaping holes in the secondary. - Dictating Offensive Protections
By strategically aligning defenders, simulated pressures can manipulate the offensive line’s blocking assignments. Lanning explains, “We can dictate protections by the way we line up.” For example, presenting pressure to the right might lure the line to slide that way, only for the rush to come from the left, potentially freeing a defender to attack the quarterback unblocked. - Multiplicity and Variety
The versatility of simulated pressures lies in their ability to involve diverse personnel: cornerbacks, safeties, linebackers, or stars (hybrid defenders). “I like the fact that we can utilize a lot of different players,” Lanning says. This multiplicity “makes the offensive line coach work each week,” forcing constant adjustments to protection rules and keeping the offense on its heels.
Disrupting the Quarterback Without Sacrificing Coverage
A hallmark of simulated pressures is their capacity to cloud the quarterback’s vision without compromising the defense’s structure. In a traditional blitz, vacated zones can be exploited if the rush stalls. However, with simulated pressures, defenders can “pop out” into coverage after showing pressure, filling gaps and obscuring passing lanes. “You get guys popping out all over the place, clouding the windows of the quarterback,” Lanning observes. This duality, pressure and coverage, keeps the offense guessing while minimizing risk.
Lanning provides an example of an internal pressure scheme where defensive ends control the running back, and a low-hole player pops out to reinforce coverage. The result? A condensed pocket and a free runner, all while maintaining a solid back-end framework.
Conclusion
Simulated pressures represent a sophisticated evolution in defensive football, blending deception with discipline. By simulating a blitz yet rushing only four defenders, teams can unsettle quarterbacks, dictate protections, and preserve seven-man coverage, a combination Coach Lanning calls “simple” yet effective, even against prepared opponents like Alabama. As he demonstrates, the strategy’s strength lies in its low-risk nature, adaptability, and ability to leverage a variety of players. For coaches and fans alike, understanding simulated pressures offers a window into the tactical ingenuity shaping today’s game. In the hands of a strategist like Dan Lanning, it’s a tool that turns illusion into impact.
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