How to Counter Mid Blitz Coverage
Mid Blitz is straight cheese. They put their user in the gap — it's glitchy and annoying as hell. But here's the thing: you should never lose to pure stock Cover Zero blitz.
The answer? Block seven. Swallow your pride. Base block (Left Bumper + Down on Left Stick), block your tight end, block your halfback. Yeah, it's not sexy. But it WORKS.
Look at the line of scrimmage when they run Mid Blitz — seven people on the line means seven potential blitzers. Simple math: block seven people. Not ideal, but it's the most consistent solution for anyone to start doing RIGHT NOW.
Quick setup:
- Formation: Gun Wild Trio
- Play: Sticking Up
- Playbook: Arkansas State (get this playbook)
- Protection: Base block + block TE + block HB
With seven blocking, everybody gets picked up. Doesn't mean you won't get pressure — linemen can still lose blocks — but NO FREE RUSHERS. That's the difference between getting sacked and having time to throw.
What Makes Block Seven Protection Work
It's about scheme over team. Talent still matters, but this levels the playing field against cheese blitz users.
When you block seven, you're taking control back. Instead of scrambling around trying to avoid the free rusher, you're making THEM adjust to YOU. That's how you win games — force the defense to react to your plan.
The key is having good routes from your remaining receivers. Three receivers, three man-beating routes. Attack the defense instead of getting dictated by their cheese.
How to Set Up Your Route Combinations
With seven people blocking, you need QUALITY routes from the guys running:
- Post route from left wide receiver — beats man coverage
- Return route over the middle — another man beater
- Comeback route — DON'T run the streak
That streak route? Change it. Triangle/Y to select the receiver, then Left Trigger for a comeback. Now you have three routes that actually beat man coverage instead of hoping a streak gets open against tight man.
This route combo attacks different levels:
- Post hits the intermediate level
- Return works the middle
- Comeback gives you a reliable checkdown
No route is 100% against man coverage — talent plays a factor. But this gives you the best chance to move the ball consistently.
When to Use Block Seven vs Mid Blitz
Use it every time you see Mid Blitz until they prove they can stop it.
Pre-snap reads:
- Seven defenders on or near the line of scrimmage
- User defender creeping into the gap
- Safeties rolling down close to the line
Don't get cute. Don't try to outsmart it with fancy protection slides or hot routes. Just block seven and throw to your man-beating routes.
Once you establish this — once you complete a few passes — watch what happens. They'll start backing off. Playing more zone coverage. THEN you can start running the ball, calling RPOs, whatever you want.
What Happens After You Beat Mid Blitz
This is the beautiful part. Once you show you can beat their cheese blitz consistently, they have to adjust. They can't just sit in Cover Zero all game if you're completing passes.
When they back off into zone coverage, NOW you have options:
- Run the ball with fewer defenders in the box
- Call RPOs to attack the edges
- Use quicker passing concepts
- Get back to your normal game plan
The goal isn't to block seven all game. The goal is to make them respect your ability to beat the blitz so they stop calling it every play.
Common Mistakes Against Mid Blitz
Trying to get too fancy. Don't mess with complicated protection slides. Don't try to beat it with speed or athleticism. Just block more people than they're sending.
Running streak routes. Streaks don't consistently beat man coverage. Use comebacks, posts, slants — routes that create separation against tight man.
Not being patient. You might not score a touchdown on the first play. That's fine. Complete the pass, move the chains, force them to adjust.
Getting frustrated. Yeah, Mid Blitz is annoying cheese. But it's beatable. Don't let it tilt you into making bad decisions.
Why This Strategy Beats Cheese Defense
Simple: math. They send seven, you block seven. No free rushers.
Most people try to beat blitzes with quick throws or scrambling. That's playing their game. Block seven forces THEM to play YOUR game.
It takes discipline. It takes swallowing your pride and using "boring" protection schemes. But boring wins games. Consistent wins games.
Take this approach and you'll start winning way more games against blitz-happy opponents. No more getting sacked by cheese defense. No more frustration.
Just block seven, throw to man-beaters, and watch them adjust.