Part 9/10:

Counteracting Pressure

While the aforementioned schemes provide foundational strategies for pass protection, offensive coordinators have additional techniques to mitigate pressure from blitzing defenses. Quick releases, such as three-step drops, can hastily remove the ball from the quarterback’s hands before the rush gets to him. Screens can exploit aggressive pass rushers, navigating space by utilizing quick throw outs that draw defenders away.

Formational adjustments, particularly employing spread concepts, assist in de-cluttering the box, simplifying the rush, and allowing offensive players to discern where pressure is likely to originate. However, simplicity has its own pitfalls as it can limit deeper throws and create shallow routes that easier to defend.