Simulated Pressures

Simulated pressures are hot right now and have been for several years. But what are they exactly?

Well, it kind of says it in the name. The defense simulates pressure or simulates a blitz (5 or more pass rushers) by giving a pre-snap presentation to the offense that makes it look like pressure is coming.

Ultimately, however, the defense will only rush 4. At least one of those 4 pass rushers will be a non-traditional rusher (e.g. a linebacker or defensive back).

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Generally, the defense will try to bring 4 pass rushers in a way that is either difficult for the offense to pick up or creates advantageous 1-on-1’s (or leaves the offense vulnerable to stunts). And because only 4 are rushing, the defense is not sacrificing defenders in coverage. So just about anything can be played behind the pressure.

Sounds like the perfect defense, no? Often times, it is.

The examples below come courtesy of Packers Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley from Green Bay’s Week 7 win over the Texans during the 2024 season.

On this first play, Houston faced a 3rd-and-6. First, check out the Packers’ alignment. They had 7 men on the line of scrimmage (note safety Xavier McKinney off the edge) and a single-high coverage look behind it: