Creating Pressure Using A 4 Man Rush To Flush Into A 5 Man Pressure

• Flushing the Quarterback: The key to Coach Gower’s system is to use the 4-man rush to flush the quarterback into a scenario where a 5th rusher can be introduced unexpectedly. By collapsing the pocket and forcing the quarterback into a confined space, the defense forces him to move or step up into an area where he’s more likely to be sacked or pressured by a well-timed blitz.
• Game-Planning the Pressure: Coach Gower demonstrates how he designs his pressure to have the quarterback feel a constant sense of urgency. This is accomplished by creating different paths for the defensive linemen, including inside and outside rushes, allowing for various angles of attack. The offensive line can’t simply focus on one specific rusher because the rush paths are dynamic and always changing.
• Timing the 5th Rusher: As the 4-man rush begins to flush the quarterback, Coach Gower shows how to integrate the 5th rusher into the pressure plan. Whether it’s a linebacker or safety, this rusher times his blitz to hit the quarterback right as he is forced to move within the pocket, trapping him between the collapse of the line and the oncoming blitz.

Key Benefits:

• Increased Pressure: The combination of the 4-man rush and the 5th rusher adds extra pressure on the quarterback from multiple angles, forcing him to make quicker decisions.
• Versatility: The defense can disguise the 5-man pressure by showing just a 4-man rush pre-snap, then adding the extra rusher after the snap, making it harder for the quarterback to read the defense.
• Creating Mistakes: The result is often a rushed or poor decision from the quarterback, either leading to a sack, an incomplete pass, or an interception.