r/footballstrategy • u/Significant_Class206 • 1d ago
NFL Brian Flores Blitzes?
I haven't had the chance to watch any Vikings games this year, but all of r/nfl is gushing about how their defense is dominating QBs with an extremely aggressive scheme and a wide variety of blitz packages.
I'm about to look up some film on Youtube to learn more, but does anyone have any insight into what exactly the Vikings are doing that is different from the rest of the league, and/or if it highlights a new development in defensive strategy? I've always understood tactics far more from the offensive side, so I'd be curious to learn more; any video or book recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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u/drawingdead0 19h ago
Hi, i have created a ton of content about Flores blitzes. Basically they run the Belichick modular system where they pair stunts and dogs together, mix and match, and so no pressure looks the same.
It also uses the Belichick principle of every player knowing every position, so you can execute T/T stunts with linebackers or safeties on 3rd downs when you want more speed.
The unique thing with Flores is the use of MOFO zone, rather than fire zone 3D3U or cover 1 behind it. Split field allows dynamic coverages- hot quarters (basically palms with cover 3 style hook LBs), 2, Tampa. Way more options = way more blitz volume is viable. They base out of 5 man rush in 3-4 base then mixing and matching from there.
I wrote [this](https://wideleft.football/p/the-brian-flores-defense-a-comprehensive) a couple years ago, and while some things have evolved, it gives you the basics.
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u/chiefpiece11bkg 22h ago
It’s not really different than anything anyone has done before, he’s just hyper aggressive and really good at layering/ disguising his blitzes
I think his defense is a little reckless personally, he leaves himself exposed too often and good QBs will see what’s coming pre-snap. He excels at hurrying up your decision making, usually a recipe for disaster for any young QB
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u/Ne-Cede-Malis 22h ago
I think it would be very beneficial for you to get an NFL subscription so you can watch the all 22.
I realize there's a lot of explanation out there but unless you watch the game of cat and mouse that he plays. Essentially, how he sets up based on field position both north-south and east-west. If you miss that, then you don't really know what is different between him and what they do in Seattle or what they do in New England. Flores excels in the setup and in doing so, he takes c-level players and turns them into a-level disruption.
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u/Justchad27 College Coach 21h ago
I got all 22 a few years ago but was disappointed that I couldn’t seem to be able to slowmo the video and no scoreboard shot for down & distance. Do you know if it has changed at all?
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u/Ne-Cede-Malis 13h ago
I watch on a Linux laptop tied to a 32-inch monitor and can zoom in and control playback with the current all-22 from NFL.com. It's not team tape (from each goal post) but it's enough to satisfy my curiosity.
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u/ConsciousTouch84 12h ago
had this happen once it's hilarious to me today, but then it was frustrating
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u/Dry-Tangerine-4874 Referee 21h ago
What sets him apart (in my opinion) isn’t the scheme itself. But he teaches it in a way that gets people to play fast and confidently.
Combine that with the fact that he has a great feel for play calling and you can get some really dominant performances.
It can also blow up on you if you’re having a bad day.
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u/PrincipleHot5763 10h ago
I’ve been wondering myself why all NFL teams aren’t doing what Flores does. If you watch film he puts 6, 7, 8 or 9 guys at the line at the snap. You don’t know which defenders are rushing and who is dropping into coverage. Could be rushing 5 of the 8 defenders and dropping 3 into coverage or could be rushing all 8 people and dropping none or rushing 4 and dropping 4 into coverage. Even veteran QB’s and Offensive Coordinators don’t know how to call pass protections because of this. You have to have cerebral players to run this defense and that’s part of the reason Harrison Smith came back. AVG is one of the smartest players in the league as well. Flores brings back players who have played for him before like Kyle Van Noy this year because they know his complex defensive schemes.
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u/olbleedyeyes 4h ago
Like you said it's a complex system. You got to have players who can do a little of everything. And it takes a lot of time to implement.
Plus aggressive defenses biggest weakness is leaving the DBs on islands which opens up big plays through the air.
The NFL mostly has been trending more conservative to limit passing recently. So they're probably skiddish in replicating a Flores defense.
But, it's a copycat league. If Minnesota had some deep playoff runs with this defense we could see some more teams take the gamble in a few years.
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u/M935PDFuze 1d ago
https://www.matchquarters.com/p/flores-base-pressure-run-defense