Brian Flores' Pressure Schemes

Vikings Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores’ calling card is his aggressive 6-up and 7-up blitz schemes. This is where he loads the line of scrimmage with 6 or 7 potential pass rushers (generally one more than the offense can protect), and then attacks in an assortment of ways.

Specifically, he’s become known for his blitzes where the potential pass rushers in the A and B gaps will read the offensive line’s slide to determine their responsibility on the play.

Defenders to the side of the slide will drop out into coverage underneath after initially showing blitz and occupying a blocker. Those away from the slide will rush.

This ensures that the defense gets a free rusher while also not sacrificing too many men in coverage. Not to mention, the quarterback will often look to get rid of the ball quickly underneath due to the instant pressure. That often leads to interceptions by those defenders dropping out from the pressure look.

Behind it, the defense plays a soft, flat-footed cover-0, allowing those defenders to keep receivers in front of them and then pounce on any underneath throws.

Ultimately, these looks can dictate the offense’s protection, ensure free rushers to the quarterback, and take away quick throws inside. They’re extremely tough for an offense to combat.

This play by the Dolphins defense against the Rams during the 2020 season when Flores was Miami’s head coach is a great example. L.A. aligned in an empty formation and the Dolphins responded with a 6-man front: