Answers versus Hot Pressures
The other day, we broke down how Boise State weaponized “Hot Pressures” in 2024. So, we figured it was only right to flip the script. This article is about how offenses can attack defenses that live and die by Hot Pressure. If you’re seeing five- and six-man pressures on early downs and third-and-medium, here’s how to build answers into your system.
What is a Hot Pressure?
In case you’ve been living under a rock, Hot Pressures are six-man blitzes that became popularized by Pat Narduzzi’s defenses. The signature structure behind them? A two-under, three-deep coverage shell. It’s a calculated risk: bring heat, cover with five, and force the QB to beat pressure with precision. For the sake of this article, we’re focusing on how to attack that specific look, six-man pressure with 2-under, 3-deep behind it.
If you want to learn more about Hot Pressures check out Cody Alexander’s article on MatchQuarters.com.
Attacking with RPOs
One of the easiest ways to punish Hot Pressure is by leaning into your RPO game. Simple. Efficient. In this look, Georgia Southern runs Glance off G/H Counter. The run action draws the Hot defenders into the fit which is exactly what you want. That mesh holds the blitz just long enough to open a window behind it, and the Glance route replaces the pressure with a quick-strike answer. It’s classic RPO theory: make aggressive defenders wrong and throw where they came from.
Attacking through the Run Game
Sometimes the best answer to pressure is to just run right past it. Oregon nails the call here with Outside Zone away from the strong-side Hot Pressure. Boise State brings the heat from the field, slants back to the boundary, but they’re light on numbers into the short side. Oregon takes advantage, out-leveraging the pressure with a clean run lane into space. When a defense commits bodies to one side, make them pay on the other.
Attacking with Screens
Screens are a classic answer to pressure, and for good reason. When a defense brings six, they’ve only got five left to cover the screen. If none of those six redirect or retrace, it’s game over. In the examples above, we see two different variations that hit big simply because the defense vacates and doesn’t retrace in time. It’s a simple numbers game, execute the screen and it’s usually a win.
Attacking the Flats
Another go-to against Hot Pressure: work the flats. Penn State gives a great example here, running a two-man Stick concept into the boundary from a TE + Wing set. The Stick route holds the Hot defender just long enough, while the flat route sneaks underneath. With only three deep defenders behind the pressure, the corner’s bailing to his deep third and not rallying to the flat until it’s too late. Easy yardage, built-in leverage.
In this example, Portland State adds a nice wrinkle. The tight end inserts first before leaking out to the flat. Just like the Penn State example, the single receiver’s inside release holds the Hot defender, creating conflict. With no flat defender left underneath and the corner sinking to his third, the tight end works into open space. It’s another clean answer to a defense bringing six and dropping three deep.
Sail & Out Routes
Sail and out-breaking routes can be deadly against Hot Pressure, especially when you isolate the “Hot” defender. That defender is keying the QB’s eyes and reacting late. As the receiver presses vertical, the defender’s vision on the QB leaves a soft spot to snap the route off into open grass. But here’s the catch, and it’s a big one: protection. Against a six-man pressure, you either need to trust your six-man protection rules, get help from a chip by the tight end, or go max protect. If the QB can get the throw off, these concepts almost always find daylight.
Just Chuck It Deep!
Sometimes the answer is as simple as betting on your dude. If you like your matchup, take the 1-on-1 shot against the corner. Just remember, in Hot coverage, that corner is bailing to a deep third. So if you’re going to take the shot, make sure your guy can flat-out run. It’s high risk, high reward… but if you’ve got a burner outside, there’s nothing wrong with letting it fly.
Q Run Game
Quarterback run is always on the table, because it gives you a true +1 in the run game. That alone can stress a Hot Pressure defense. But let’s be real, it helps if your QB is a dude. In the example above, it works because the quarterback is an athlete who can make a defender miss in space. Defenses that bring Hot Pressure are usually trying to get eight hats in the run fit, so if your QB can beat just one of them, you’ve got a shot at a chunk play.
Conclusion
Hot Pressures are aggressive, calculated, and disruptive, but they come with built-in vulnerabilities. If a defense wants to live on the edge by bringing six and covering with five, then the offense needs answers. Whether it’s RPOs, quick throws to the flat, smart use of screens, or just cutting it loose deep, there are plenty of ways to punish a defense for being over-aggressive. It all comes down to game plan and execution. Have a plan. Trust your rules. And most importantly, make the defense pay for bringing pressure.
