Systems/4-3 Defense/Sam Edge Blitz
BlitzBest for: Passing down

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.

ETTESMWCSSC
Base alignment — schematic, not to scale

Every position's job

Sam

Blitz strong edge, contain and force

Defensive Ends

Strong end spikes inside to B-gap, weak end contains

Defensive Tackles

Push the pocket, occupy guards

Mike

Cover middle hook zone

Will

Cover weak flat/hook

Corners

Strong corner rolls to help outside

Safeties

Cap the deep half to Sam's side

How to teach it

  • 1Sam is the contain man, never let the ball get outside him.
  • 2Come off the edge under control, square up the ball carrier.
  • 3Speed to the corner, then break down to tackle.

Common mistakes to fix

  • !Sam runs upfield past the QB and loses contain; fix by teaching him to keep outside leverage.
  • !End does not replace inside; fix by rehearsing the exchange so no gap is left open.

Build this into your call sheet.

Adopt this system in your coach portal, tag plays by situation, and print call sheets and player wristbands.