This guide provides comprehensive instructions for setting up effective A gap blitzes using the 34 Tight Saw Blitz Zero defense. You will learn multiple variations, including six-man and five-man pressure packages, with detailed explanations of how each adjustment affects the blocking scheme and where pressure ultimately comes from. For players looking to build their ultimate Ultimate Team with top-tier personnel to execute these blitzes effectively, you may want to buy Madden 26 coins to acquire the specialized players needed for optimal defensive performance.

Playbook Location and Initial Setup

The 34 Tight Saw Blitz Zero defense is available in the Pittsburgh Steelers playbook. This cover zero defense features six rushers and five defenders in man coverage by default.

Default Coaching Adjustments:

Safety Depth: Close

Safety Width: Pinch

These adjustments position your safeties optimally for the cover zero scheme before any pre-snap modifications.

Understanding the Default Defense

Before making adjustments, examine how the defense functions without any pre-snap changes. In its base form, the 34 Tight Saw Blitz Zero sends six defenders after the quarterback. The player most likely to generate pressure through the A gap without any adjustments is the weak inside linebacker.

However, without modifications, this linebacker aligns deeper than ideal, delaying his path to the quarterback. The adjustments in this guide focus on bringing him closer to the line of scrimmage while manipulating blocking assignments to create a clear rush lane.

Blitz Setup #1: Spread Line with Stacked Linebacker

This first setup creates consistent A gap pressure by spreading the defensive line and manipulating the edge defender's alignment.

Step-by-Step Adjustments

Spread the defensive line – This widens the gaps and forces offensive linemen to respect wider alignments

Show blitz – This brings additional defenders closer to the line pre-snap

Call QB Contain – This assigns edge defenders to contain responsibilities

User the weak outside linebacker (right outside linebacker in the default alignment)

Stack him behind the right defensive end – Position him directly behind the end, close enough to the line without going offside

What Happens at the Snap

When executed correctly, the following sequence occurs:

The right outside linebacker (your user-controlled defender) attacks outside, drawing the left tackle's block

The right defensive end occupies the left guard

The nose tackle occupies the center

This creates a clear A gap between the left guard and center

The weak inside linebacker shoots through this gap untouched

Alternative Pressure Outcomes

While the weak inside linebacker is the primary pressure source, you may occasionally see pressure from:

The nose tackle – If the center blocks the weak inside linebacker instead, the nose tackle may shoot the B gap between center and right guard

The right defensive end – If the weak inside linebacker gets picked up, the end may generate B gap pressure

These variations make the blitz less predictable for opponents who study your tendencies.

Coverage Considerations

This remains a cover zero defense. Your five defensive backs are in man coverage with no deep help. Consider these adjustments to improve coverage:

Inside shade on receivers running inside routes

Outside shade against fades and boundary routes

Over-the-top shades if your opponent attacks vertically

Blitz Setup #2: Pinched Line with Walked-Up Linebacker

This second setup offers a different look while pursuing the same A gap pressure. It is useful for giving opponents a fresh alignment when they begin to recognize your first setup.

Step-by-Step Adjustments

Pinch the defensive line – This compresses the interior gaps

User the weak inside linebacker (the same player who generates pressure)

Walk him up to the line of scrimmage – Position him as close as possible without going offside

Show blitz – Bring additional defenders forward pre-snap

Call QB Contain – Maintain edge integrity

What Happens at the Snap

The pinched line creates different blocking dynamics. Interior linemen are compressed together, making it difficult for them to reach second-level blocks. The walked-up linebacker has a shorter distance to travel and shoots the A gap immediately at the snap.

This setup is particularly effective when opponents have adjusted to your spread look and are sliding protection accordingly.

Creating a Five-Man Pass Rush

One limitation of cover zero blitzes is the vulnerability to quick passes when you rush six. By converting to a five-man rush, you gain an additional defender in coverage while still generating pressure.

How to Execute

Starting from Blitz Setup #1:

Complete all adjustments from the first setup (spread line, show blitz, QB contain, stack outside linebacker behind end)

At the snap, watch the weak inside linebacker

Once he clears the line of scrimmage and is through the A gap, manually drop your user-controlled outside linebacker into coverage

Timing Considerations

This technique requires careful timing:

Drop too early, and the linebacker's rush lane closes

Drop too late, and you have already committed six rushers

The ideal moment is when the weak inside linebacker passes the line of scrimmage

Result

You now have:

Five pass rushers (including the weak inside linebacker)

Six defenders in coverage

Same A gap pressure potential

Better coverage against quick passes

Defeating Common Protections

Against Slide Protection

If your opponent slides protection toward the blitz, the weak inside linebacker may get picked up. In this case, watch for:

The nose tackle shooting the backside B gap

The defensive end looping underneath

Using your user defender to spy the running back

Against Running Back Chip and Release

The running back may chip your edge defender before releasing. Your stacked outside linebacker should still occupy the left tackle, but be aware that a well-timed chip can delay pressure.

Against Max Protect

If your opponent keeps seven or eight blockers in, the numbers game changes. Consider:

Dropping into five-man rush earlier

Shading coverage underneath to defend quick routes

Accepting that max protect limits deep passes

All-22 Analysis: Understanding the Mechanics

Reviewing the play from the All-22 angle reveals exactly how these adjustments create pressure:

Pre-Snap Alignment:

Spread defensive line creates one-on-one matchups

Stacked outside linebacker threatens the edge

Weak inside linebacker creeps closer

Post-Snap Execution:

Left tackle must respect the outside linebacker's wide alignment

Left guard engages the defensive end

Center engages the nose tackle

This leaves the A gap completely unblocked

Weak inside linebacker shoots through untouched

Blocking Misdirection:

The key insight is that the left tackle cannot help inside because he is occupied by the outside linebacker. The left guard cannot help outside because he is occupied by the defensive end. The center cannot help either direction because he is occupied by the nose tackle. Each offensive lineman has a one-on-one assignment, leaving no one to account for the delayed blitzer.

Summary: Quick Reference

Setup #1 (Spread)

Spread defensive line

Show blitz

QB contain

Stack weak outside linebacker behind right end

Primary pressure: weak inside linebacker through A gap

Setup #2 (Pinch)

Pinch defensive line

Walk weak inside linebacker to line

Show blitz

QB contain

Primary pressure: weak inside linebacker through A gap

Five-Man Rush Conversion

Execute Setup #1

At snap, watch weak inside linebacker

Once he clears line, drop user linebacker into coverage

Maintain pressure with five rushers

Coverage Adjustments

Inside shade against inside routes

Outside shade against fades

Over-the-top shade against vertical threats

Final Notes

The 34 Tight Saw Blitz Zero provides multiple ways to generate A gap pressure while maintaining flexibility in your rush count. The setups in this guide work because they attack the fundamental geometry of offensive line protection—creating one-on-one matchups that leave a gap unblocked. To acquire the perfect personnel for executing these complex blitz packages, MMOEXP recommends you buy cheap Madden 26 coins to strengthen your defensive roster without breaking your budget. Remember that these are cover zero blitzes. Your secondary is on an island. Mix in different shades, vary your pressure packages, and consider situational use based on down, distance, and your opponent's tendencies.