This article serves as a hub for my series on Brian Flores’ defense, as well as providing additional resources to learn about the Belichick/Saban/Flores style of defense:

Part 1: Versatility is Key

This article covers the fronts and player roles that Flores uses in his defense. While Flores is a base 3-4 guy, his defense changes based on the opposition. Topics include:

• Base front and defensive positions
• Sub package usage
• Defensive line techniques
• Roles on the defense that require versatility
• How current Vikings players fit into the defense

Part 2: Aggression

This article covers the blitz schemes and tactics that Brian Flores uses to get pressure on opposing QBs. Flores blitzed at a top 2 rate across the 2020-2021 seasons. Topics include:

• Stunts and how they fit into the Flores defense
• Odd Front looks and forcing 5-0 protections
• Double A gap mug blitzes
• Cover 0 blitz looks

Part 3: Physicality Man Coverage

This article covers man coverages, the bread and butter of the Flores defense. Topics include:

• Cover 1 rules and variations like Rat and Robber
  • Inside/outside leverage and divider rules
• Cover 1 Double, a special Belichick coverage
• Cover 0 and techniques to help make the coverage less risky
  • Press/Off Man techniques
• Cover 2 Man, a popular response to high-flying passing offenses like the Chiefs and Bills
  • “Lock and Level” vs. “Box” technique for passing off bunches

Part 4: Zone Coverage

This article covers zone coverages, the change ups that Brian Flores uses to keep offenses off guard. Topics include

• Cover 3 and the difference between “Country” or “Spot Drop” coverages and match coverage
• Nick Saban’s Cover 7 rules, also called Quarters
  • Passing strength and how it is detemined
• Tampa 2

Additional Resources

I pulled from a number of different sources in order to put this article together. Due to the success of the coaches, there is a ton of information available to the reader who wants to learn even more about this defense. Please see the following sources:

Coach Vass

• Belichick/Flores “5-0 Package” – Man Pressure
• Belichick/Flores “5-0 Package” – Coverages
• Dolphins-Ravens 2021 Tape Study
• Dolphins-Bills 2022 Tape Study
• 6-1 Tilt in the Patriots-Rams Super Bowl

Coach Cody Alexander

• Miami’s “Tag” Pressures
• Miami’s 7-0 Look
• MQ Chess Match: Patriots-Rams Super Bowl

Cameron Soran

• The Complete Guide to Nick Saban Coverages at Alabama

Blitzology

• Coaching the Rat in Cover 1
• Cover 1 Double
• Double A Mug Crossfire Blitz

Dolphins-Ravens 2021

• Brett Kollmann video
• Kurt Warner video

Coaching Clinics

• Matt Patricia – Tackling and Drill Work
• Karl Scott – Cover 7 at Alabama
• Kirby Smart (Saban tree) – Building Georgia

Matt Bowen

• Cover 2 Basics
• Cover 4 Basics
• 4-3 Defensive Front Basics

Football Outsiders

• Defensive Personnel Frequencies

Pro Football Focus

• Defensive Line Techniques

Clayton Cason

• Defending Bunch with Quarters Coverage

Matt Fries

Matt fell in love with the Vikings at a young age, although he's never lived in Minnesota. He is fascinated with the strategic and technical aspects of football. He is a co-host of the Kindred Skols podcast.

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