Sam Edge Blitz
The strong-side Sam linebacker blitzes off the edge for contain pressure.
Concept: Sam attacks the tight end's outside shoulder keeping outside leverage to force runs back inside.
Grows with your players
Same play, more layers as they age up — teach it once and build on it every season for a consistent program.
- 12UIntroduce: Line up right and own your gap — win with alignment, pad level, and pursuit to the ball.
- 14UAttack blocks: Add get-off and block destruction so the front controls the line of scrimmage. Layer in the called blitz — one timed gap-shooter on the snap. Add the line stunt/twist to beat the offense's blocking rules. Teach the coverage drops behind the front and read run vs. pass. Combine front, pressure, and coverage — and disguise it pre-snap.
Every position's job
1-technique, control the weak A-gap.
3-technique, rush the strong B-gap.
Squeeze inside to the C-gap as Sam takes the edge outside him.
Cover the middle hook or the back.
Blitz off the tight end's outside shoulder, keep outside leverage and force runs inside.
Cover the weak hook/curl or man a back.
Rotate down to cover the strong flat/slot the Sam vacated.
Deep-middle center field.
Cover strong receiver.
Cover weak receiver.
How to teach it
- 1Sam attacks the tight end's outside shoulder to keep outside leverage as the contain rusher.
- 2The strong end squeezes inside since Sam now owns the edge.
- 3Never let the ball outside the blitzing Sam.
Common mistakes to fix
- !Sam rushing inside the tight end and losing contain; fix by staying outside the tight end's outside shoulder.
- !End not squeezing inside and leaving a hole; fix by closing the C-gap as Sam takes the edge.
Build this into your call sheet.
Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.