Simulated Pressure: A Defensive Strategy in the NFL

It was during the second quarter of last season that the New York Jets faced off against the Seattle Seahawks in week 13. The Jets found themselves in the red zone, ready to score, when Seattle unleashed an aggressive Blitz. With five defensive linemen at the line and two additional rushers on the edge, quarterback Aaron Rodgers snapped the ball. He anticipated a gap in the middle but was caught off guard as the Seahawks cleverly dropped two linemen into that very spot. Leonard Williams intercepted the ball, sending shockwaves through the game.

This strategy, known as simulated pressure, is becoming a hallmark of NFL defenses. The ongoing tug-of-war between offenses and defenses made last season feel like the scales were slowly tilting in favor of the latter. Offenses were struggling, passing yards were dwindling, and spectators were left wondering where those thrilling plays had vanished.

To push back, NFL defenses have increasingly employed simulated pressure. Jason Deloach with PFF noted that in 2024, teams utilized this tactic on 19.2% of snaps, marking the highest rate since 2018.

Interestingly, not only are these simulated pressure rates climbing year over year, but in 2024, NFL offenses faced their lowest expected points added (EPA) per play since 2021.

For context, an EPA of -0.07 positions a team somewhat between the Carolina Panthers and the Chicago Bears in terms of offensive efficiency. So, why is this pressure tactic unique, and why the sudden uptick in its use? Moreover, what can offenses do to counter it?

First, let’s clarify what simulated pressures and creepers are; they share some similarities. Both tactics aim to create a confusing blitz while giving an illusion of pressure from secondary players. However, there’s a key distinction. Creepers originate from a standard defensive alignment, while simulated pressure showcases various individuals at the line of scrimmage. The former looks conventional, while the latter aims to overload the offense’s brainpower with complexity.

Take, for example, the Eagles’ creeper pressure, where they align in a basic nickel setup. Despite this simplicity, they end up covering a vulnerable passer during a crucial moment. Meanwhile, in another scenario, the Seahawks showcased simulated pressure against the Broncos. Here, seven players lined up at the scrimmage line, creating a challenging scenario for the Broncos’ six pass protectors. As the play unfolded, the Seahawks shifted positions, dropping a tackle while drawing other defenders back, ultimately leading to unblocked pressure that resulted in a sack. It was one of the standout calls of the season.

To add to that, consider the Vikings’ approach under DC Brian Flores. They presented a similar seven-man line but ended up dropping players back to confuse the opposition entirely. The Titans attempted to spread protection to the edges, but with the Vikings’ clever moves, they managed to create a free path to the quarterback.

Football tends to show cycles, and the rise of simulated pressures and creepers reflects a return to defensive domination in the NFL. With these tactics, defenses become significantly more dynamic, affecting the pace and flow of the game. Offensive teams, historically anchored in structured plays, are now challenged to adapt quickly, especially post-snap.

Simulated pressures serve multiple purposes: they can disrupt plays in both the passing and running games. They not only force quarterbacks into poor decisions but also challenge offensive lines. By creating gaps, these defenses can execute downhill runs led by athletic second and third-level defenders. The commonality of zone execution in the NFL hinges on the ability to block out areas—if no one is there, defenders can climb to the next available level. However, with simulated pressure and creepers, second-level defenders can often find themselves caught between their assigned roles and the chaos of the offense.

The Vikings, particularly, have shown prowess in providing clear lanes for their second-level defenders during run plays, thrusting the rushing back toward their teammates’ help. A notable instance arose with the Seahawks against the Giants, where the creepers drastically altered the offensive line’s blocking schemes, leading to successful tackles.

Now, on the offensive side, how can teams tackle these simulated pressures? One approach is diversifying their pass protection strategies. Yet another, as pointed out by Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports, is simply embracing the chaos; this year, a significant number of the top rushing rates came from teams willing to push through these simulated pressures. Essentially, if they can establish solid run game plays, it may offset pressure tactics from defenses.

In summary, while simulated pressures and creepers might feel abandoned at times, their resurgence is reshaping the defensive playbook and placing offenses in a perpetual state of adaptation. The battles on the field continue to evolve, underscoring the intricate dance between defense and offense in the NFL.