Pass Rush Pressure Fundamentals

The Truth About Getting Pass Rush Pressure

Here's the deal — you're probably killing your own pass rush without knowing it.

Most people think they need better players. Better abilities. Better schemes. But the real problem? You're telling your best pass rushers NOT to rush the passer. And you don't even realize it.

Let me break this down stupid simple.

Why Your Pass Rush Sucks (The Contain Problem)

First thing — stop hitting R1 + L1 (RB + LB) every play. That's contains.

Think about what a contain actually does. When you put Micah Parsons in a contain, what's his job? It's NOT to rush the passer. It's to sit there and wait for the QB to scramble.

So if you have two contains on a play, how many REAL pass rushers do you have? Just one. You turned your best athletes into statues.

Here's what happens:

• Contains don't shed blocks aggressively
• They might disengage to the inside — but that's slow
• They're literally just standing there waiting

Having your best pass rusher on a contain — unless you're playing Lamar Jackson — is objectively stupid. Don't do it.

When to Use Pass Commit (And When NOT To)

Want instant better pass rush? Pass commit.

How to do it: R1 + Up on Right Stick (RB + Up on RS)

Your guys will shed blocks better. They'll disengage quicker. It's like telling your defense "HEY — they're passing, go get 'em."

But here's the warning — if they run the ball when you're pass committed? You're done. GG's. No sheds. Broken tackles. Total disaster.

So when do you use it?

• 3rd and long situations
• When you KNOW they're passing
• Against pocket passers who never run

When to avoid it:

• Early downs
• Against mobile QBs
• When you're not sure what's coming

How to Blitz Without Being Stupid

Here's the key rule nobody tells you:

If you're blitzing five or more people and nobody comes free — stop running that blitz.

Think about it. You send five rushers. The offense has five blockers. Everyone gets blocked one-on-one. What's the point? You just made your defense worse for no reason.

Good blitzes create FREE rushers. If your blitz doesn't do that, it's trash.

Common blitz mistakes:

• Only sending two rushers (they'll get double-teamed)
• Sending five but it's a bad scheme (everyone still blocked)
• Not expecting anyone to come free (then why blitz?)

What Actually Creates Pressure

Real pressure comes from three things:

1. Numbers — More rushers than blockers
2. Confusion — They don't know who's coming
3. Speed — Getting there before blocks develop

Most people focus on speed (abilities, fast players) but ignore numbers and confusion. That's backwards.

Start with the numbers. If you're sending four against five blockers, someone's getting double-teamed. Basic math.

Simple Pressure Rules That Actually Work

Follow these and watch your pass rush transform:

• Stop using contains unless the QB is a runner
• Pass commit on obvious passing downs — take the risk
• If your blitz doesn't create a free rusher — find a new blitz
• Count the numbers — more rushers than blockers = pressure
• Mix it up — same pressure every play = easy to block

The Bottom Line

Your pass rush probably doesn't suck because of your players. It sucks because you're using contains when you should be rushing. You're running bad blitzes that don't create free rushers. You're not pass committing when it's obvious they're throwing.

Fix those three things first. THEN worry about abilities and personnel.

Remember — pressure isn't complicated. It's math. More guys than they can block = pressure. Everything else is just making it harder than it needs to be.

This is one free tip on pass rush fundamentals. Members get the full defensive playbook with more pressure packages, coverage schemes, and adjustments, updated weekly. → civil.gg/become-a-member